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French Apple Tart Recipe

French Apple Tart Recipe

Master the classic French Apple Tart quickly with this easy-to-follow recipe featuring a flaky, buttery crust paired with tender, thinly sliced apples seasoned with cinnamon and finished with a glossy apricot glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this elegant tart combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a delicious and visually stunning dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Pastry Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 23 tablespoons cold water

Apple Filling

  • 45 fresh firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Finishing

  • 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glazing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pastry Crust: Combine cold, cubed butter with the flour and sugar. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, just enough to bring the dough together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Slice the Apples: While the dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice the apples evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. Toss slices gently with lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon to prevent browning and add flavor.
  3. Roll Out and Assemble: Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle slightly larger than your tart pan. Transfer carefully to the pan and trim excess edges. Layer apple slices in a tight spiral from the outside in until the surface is fully covered attractively.
  4. Add Final Touches and Bake: Brush the apple slices and crust edges with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish. Bake on the middle oven rack at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, until crust is crisp and apples are tender.
  5. Glaze and Cool: Warm apricot jam and brush it over the tart immediately after baking to add shine and subtle sweetness. Let the tart cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold ingredients to ensure a flaky crust.
  • Slice apples thinly and evenly for uniform cooking and appearance.
  • For extra crispness, blind bake the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding apples.
  • Do not overcrowd apple slices to avoid sogginess.
  • Brushing with warm apricot jam enhances appearance and flavor.
  • Chill dough before rolling to improve texture and handling.

Nutrition

Keywords: French apple tart, classic dessert, flaky crust, cinnamon apples, apricot glaze, easy baking