French Apple Tart

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ll adore this French Apple Tart. With its flaky crust and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, it’s a delightful treat that can brighten up any day. This recipe is not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about creating memories with family and friends. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this tart brings everyone together around the table.

What makes this French Apple Tart so special is its simplicity and rustic charm. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create something beautiful and tasty. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just indulging yourself after a long day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you can whip this tart up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves apples and pastry, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this tart fits right in.
• Make ahead convenience: Prepare the dough in advance for an effortless baking experience.
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of buttery crust and spiced apples warms the heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this French Apple Tart requires simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to bring this delightful dessert to life!

For the Crust

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1½ sticks (12 tablespoons) very cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch pieces
• ¼ cup very cold water

For the Filling

• 1¾ lbs baking apples (3 large) (see note)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
• 1 tablespoon apricot jelly or jam (optional for glaze)

Variations

This French Apple Tart is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Combine apples with pears or berries for a fruity twist.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use different sugars: Swap out granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste.

How to Make French Apple Tart

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In your food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Pulse briefly until mixed. Then add the cold butter and pulse until you have pea-sized pieces. This step is crucial because it gives your crust that flaky texture we all love! Next, sprinkle ice water over the mixture and pulse until it’s moistened but still crumbly. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead just enough to form a ball. Flatten it into a disk before refrigerating while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples into thin pieces—about ⅛ inch thick—until you have roughly 4 cups. This will help them cook evenly during baking! In a large bowl, mix these apple slices with sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt; toss everything together gently. The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Take your chilled dough from the fridge and place it on your countertop lined with parchment paper. Roll it out into a circle about 14 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick directly on the parchment—this saves cleanup time later! Don’t worry if the edges are ragged; rustic is beautiful here! Place everything back on your baking sheet.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Sprinkle flour over your pastry base to absorb any moisture from the apple filling. Now comes the fun part—arranging those apple slices! Layer them in overlapping circles within three inches of the edge. Fold those edges over in an artistic way as you go around—you’re creating lovely pleats! If there are any tears in your dough, just pinch them together.

Step 5: Brush & Chill

Grab that pastry brush! Use it to coat your pleated dough evenly with beaten egg—a little wash adds shine during baking. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over both the crust and fruit for extra sweetness and texture before chilling everything in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Preheat your oven to 350°F while your tart chills. After chilling time is up, pop that beauty into the oven for about 55-65 minutes until you see golden brown crusts and tender apples bubbling slightly around the edges.

Step 7: Cool & Glaze (Optional)

Once baked to perfection, let your tart cool on a rack before glazing—if you choose this step! Mix apricot jam with water in a bowl; microwave until bubbly then brush over those shiny apple slices.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Using two spatulas carefully transfer your tart onto a serving plate or cutting board. Slice it up warm or at room temperature—either way is heavenly! While it’s best enjoyed fresh on baking day, leftovers can be kept loosely covered on your countertop for days after.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to savor every bite of this delightful French Apple Tart!

Pro Tips for Making French Apple Tart

Creating the perfect French Apple Tart is all about attention to detail and a little love. Here are some pro tips to ensure your tart turns out flawlessly!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and water very cold helps create that flaky, tender crust. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough pastry, so don’t skip this step!
• Mix different apple varieties: Combining apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith enhances the flavor profile and adds complexity. Each type brings its unique sweetness and tartness, resulting in a more balanced tart.
• Don’t worry about perfection: Rustic is beautiful! When arranging the apples or folding the dough, embrace imperfections. They add character to your tart and make it look homemade.
• Chill before baking: Refrigerating the assembled tart for 15 to 20 minutes before baking helps maintain its shape while cooking. This step ensures the crust stays flaky and doesn’t overly shrink in the oven.
• Check for doneness visually: Instead of relying solely on time, look for a golden crust and tender apples. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your tart to achieve that perfect bake.

How to Serve French Apple Tart

Serving your French Apple Tart beautifully will impress your guests and elevate their dining experience. Here are some delightful ideas on how to present this charming dessert!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors of the tart.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only looks stunning but also introduces a refreshing contrast to the sweet apples.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream for a creamy, luscious pairing that complements the tart perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm slices of tart, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice adds an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Coffee or tea: Offering a cup of freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea alongside your tart enhances the experience by balancing sweetness with warmth and depth.
• Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses such as Brie or Camembert can create an exciting savory contrast to the sweet apple flavors in your tart.

Enjoy every moment as you share this delicious dessert with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Apple Tart is not only a delightful dessert but also a perfect candidate for meal prep! With a bit of planning, you can enjoy this delicious treat fresh out of the oven or save it for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tart to cool completely.
• Cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Assemble the tart but do not bake it.
• Place the unbaked tart on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove the tart from the freezer and unwrap.
• Bake directly from frozen for about 65-75 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might arise while making this delightful French Apple Tart.

Can I use any type of apples for my French Apple Tart?

While you can use various apples, it’s best to opt for baking apples like Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape well during baking and provide great flavor to your French Apple Tart.

How do I ensure my French Apple Tart crust is flaky?

Using very cold butter and water is key to achieving that flaky texture. Make sure not to overwork the dough when mixing; just combine until it comes together.

Can I prepare the French Apple Tart ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze the assembled tart for up to 3 months. It’s a great way to enjoy freshly baked apple goodness without all the fuss on baking day!

Final Thoughts

This French Apple Tart is truly a celebration of flavors and textures, with its buttery crust and sweet apple filling capturing the essence of rustic French desserts. I hope you find joy in making this recipe as much as I do! Whether you’re serving it at gatherings or enjoying it as a cozy treat at home, it’s bound to be a hit. Happy baking!