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Irresistible French Apple Tart Recipe

Irresistible French Apple Tart Recipe

This Irresistible French Apple Tart Recipe combines a flaky, buttery crust with thinly sliced, caramelized apples baked to perfection. Simple yet sophisticated, this classic French dessert offers balanced sweetness and visual appeal, perfect for dessert, brunch, or a cozy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Tart Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 23 tablespoons ice cold water
  • 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

Filling

  • 45 fresh apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tart Dough: Combine chilled unsalted butter and all-purpose flour, mixing until the butter resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water little by little to bring the dough together without overworking it. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Slice and Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples to about 1/8 inch thickness. Toss slices in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with cinnamon (if using) to prevent browning and add flavor.
  3. Roll Out the Dough and Assemble: Roll chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle slightly larger than your tart pan. Transfer it carefully into the pan, trimming excess dough. Arrange apple slices in overlapping circles starting from the outer edge toward the center.
  4. Add Sugar and Bake: Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over apples. Brush crust edges with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until crust is golden and apples are tender.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow tart to cool on a wire rack before slicing to let juices settle. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite accompaniments.

Notes

  • Use cold ingredients like butter and water for the flakiest crust.
  • Thin, uniform apple slices ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
  • Chill the assembled tart for 15 minutes before baking to prevent shrinking.
  • Do not overcrowd apple slices to avoid a soggy crust bottom.
  • Experiment with mixing white and brown sugar for richer caramel flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: French apple tart, apple dessert, flaky crust tart, caramelized apples, classic French dessert