Short description
This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring buttery puff pastry topped with thinly sliced apples, all baked to a crisp, golden perfection. A sprinkle of sugar enhances the apples’ natural sweetness, while a touch of vanilla ice cream elevates the dish to perfection. This delightful tart is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Apple Tart is both easy and impressive, making it a fantastic dessert for beginners or experienced bakers alike. The buttery, flaky puff pastry forms the perfect base for sweet, tender apples, and the whole dish comes together in just 30 minutes. The tart’s elegance is balanced with its simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the apples to shine. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Ingredients
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25 cm / 10″ square), barely thawed (Note 1)
- 5 tsp caster sugar / superfine sugar (or substitute regular granulated sugar)
- 2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, cut in half, core removed, sliced 0.5 cm / 0.2″ thick (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For serving:
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (not really optional!)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Place a baking tray in the oven and preheat to 210°C / 375°F (190°C for fan-forced).
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay a sheet of baking paper on your counter. Sprinkle with 3 teaspoons of sugar in roughly the shape of the puff pastry sheet.
- Fold the Edges: Place the puff pastry on top of the sugar, then fold in the edges about 1 cm / 0.4″ inward to create a border.
- Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in 3 rows, slightly overlapping them.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the apples and the pastry edges with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar evenly over the apples and the edges.
- Bake: Transfer the tart (still on the baking paper) to the hot tray in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Cut the tart into 6 pieces, dust with icing sugar, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings and takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare and bake.
Variations
- Apple Varieties: You can use different types of apples such as Braeburn or Fuji for a variation in flavor. Tart apples will give a sharper contrast to the sweetness of the pastry.
- Caramelized Option: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the apples before serving for a richer, sweeter touch.
- Spiced Version: Sprinkle the apples with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it properly before using, as it needs to be pliable for easy handling.
Can I make this tart in advance?
While this tart is best served fresh and warm, you can prepare it up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. This will give you a head start.
What other fruits can I use instead of apples?
Pears make a wonderful substitute for apples in this tart. You could also try a mix of apples and berries for a more complex flavor.
How do I prevent the puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the tart on a preheated tray, which helps create a crispy base. The brief pre-bake step with the sugar also helps prevent the pastry from absorbing too much moisture.
Can I add nuts to this tart?
Yes! A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking would add a nice crunch and complement the apples perfectly.
What can I serve this tart with besides vanilla ice cream?
This tart is also delicious served with whipped cream, custard, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.
Can I make this tart without a baking tray?
A large baking sheet will also work well if you don’t have a tray. Just ensure that it’s hot before you place the tart on it for the best results.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
You can use regular granulated sugar if you don’t have caster sugar, though the finer texture of caster sugar allows for a smoother result on the pastry.
What makes this tart French-style?
The French Tarte Fine aux Pommes is typically made with thinly sliced apples, a delicate puff pastry base, and minimal sweeteners, allowing the flavor of the apples to shine.
Can I make a larger version of this tart?
Yes, you can scale up the ingredients to make a larger tart, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Just ensure the apples are arranged in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
Conclusion
The Easy French Apple Tart is a deceptively simple yet sophisticated dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples and the flakiness of buttery puff pastry. With just a few ingredients, this tart comes together quickly and impressively, making it perfect for any occasion. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. Enjoy the elegance of French baking with this irresistible treat!
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Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring buttery puff pastry topped with thinly sliced apples, all baked to a crisp, golden perfection. A sprinkle of sugar enhances the apples’ natural sweetness, while a touch of vanilla ice cream elevates the dish to perfection. This delightful tart is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.
Ingredients
1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25 cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
5 tsp caster sugar / superfine sugar (or substitute regular granulated sugar)
2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, cut in half, core removed, sliced 0.5 cm / 0.2″ thick
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Vanilla ice cream (not really optional!)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Place a baking tray in the oven and preheat to 210°C / 375°F (190°C for fan-forced).
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lay a sheet of baking paper on your counter. Sprinkle with 3 teaspoons of sugar in roughly the shape of the puff pastry sheet.
- Fold the Edges: Place the puff pastry on top of the sugar, then fold in the edges about 1 cm / 0.4″ inward to create a border.
- Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in 3 rows, slightly overlapping them.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the apples and the pastry edges with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar evenly over the apples and the edges.
- Bake: Transfer the tart (still on the baking paper) to the hot tray in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Cut the tart into 6 pieces, dust with icing sugar, and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Apple Varieties: You can use different types of apples such as Braeburn or Fuji for a variation in flavor. Tart apples will give a sharper contrast to the sweetness of the pastry.
- Caramelized Option: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the apples before serving for a richer, sweeter touch.
- Spiced Version: Sprinkle the apples with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before baking to add warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based puff pastry and substitute the butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
