French Apple Tart Recipe

Introduction

The French Apple Tart is a classic dessert that combines a flaky puff pastry with sweet, tender apples arranged in an elegant pattern. This simple yet impressive tart is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 puff pastry
• 3 medium apples (approx. 500 g) for applesauce
• 3 tablespoons white sugar (optional, 40 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 3-4 medium-sized apples (approx. 400 g) for topping
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the 3 apples for the applesauce, remove the core and seeds, then cut into small cubes.
2. Step 2: Place the apple cubes in a saucepan with the white sugar and vanilla extract if using.
3. Step 3: Cook over low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring regularly. Mash with a fork or blender to your desired texture. Set aside to cool.
4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) with traditional heat.
5. Step 5: Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and prick the base with a fork.
6. Step 6: Spread the cooled applesauce evenly over the pastry, leaving a 0.5 inch (1 cm) border around the edges.
7. Step 7: Core and thinly slice the remaining 3-4 apples for the topping.
8. Step 8: Arrange the apple slices on the tart, alternating their direction to create a decorative pattern.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the tart with brown sugar.
10. Step 10: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balanced sweetness.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the applesauce for extra warmth and flavor.
• Brush the sliced apples with a light glaze of melted apricot jam after baking for a beautiful shine.

Storage

Store the French Apple Tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat in a low oven for 5-10 minutes. It’s best eaten fresh but still delicious the next day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of puff pastry?

Yes, a homemade pie crust can be used, but puff pastry gives the tart its characteristic flaky, light texture.

Do I have to make the applesauce filling?

While the applesauce adds moisture and flavor, you can skip it and place the apple slices directly on the pastry. However, the tart will be less juicy and more rustic in texture.

French Apple Tart Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful French Apple Tart featuring a flaky puff pastry crust topped with a homemade apple sauce and beautifully arranged thin apple slices, baked to golden perfection and lightly caramelized with brown sugar for a classic, elegant dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Sauce

• 3 medium apples (approx. 500 g), peeled, cored and cubed
• 3 tablespoons white sugar (optional, 40 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Tart

• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 3–4 medium apples (approx. 400 g), cored and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Sauce: Peel, core, and cube 3 medium apples. Place the apple cubes in a saucepan with white sugar and optionally vanilla extract. Cook over low heat for 30-35 minutes, stirring regularly. Mash the apples with a fork or blend to your preferred texture. Allow to cool completely.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) using traditional heat.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Prick the pastry bottom evenly with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
4. Spread the Apple Sauce: Evenly spread the cooled apple sauce over the puff pastry, leaving a 0.5 inch (1 cm) border around the edges.
5. Slice the Apples: Remove the core from the remaining apples and slice them thinly.
6. Arrange the Apple Slices: Neatly arrange the thin apple slices on top of the apple sauce in an alternating pattern (vertical, horizontal, right, left) to create an attractive decorative design.
7. Add Brown Sugar: Lightly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the arranged apples for a caramelized finish.
8. Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing and serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using a good quality puff pastry will enhance the tart’s flakiness and flavor.
• Vanilla extract in the apple sauce is optional but adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
• Make sure to cool the apple sauce completely before spreading it on the pastry to prevent sogginess.
• The pattern of apple slices not only looks beautiful but ensures even baking.
• Brown sugar caramelizes during baking, adding sweetness and a slight crunch on top.
• This tart is best eaten the same day but can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Keywords: French apple tart, puff pastry apple tart, baked apple dessert, classic French dessert, puff pastry recipe, apple tart recipe, easy fruit tart