Classic French Apple Tart

Indulge in my Classic French apple tart recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving desserts, this luscious tart brings warmth and joy to your table.

May 15, 2025
By Nadia Rivers.
Updated May 14, 2025

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look into into a Classic delight - Apple Tart!

Hey there, food lovers! are you up for a little slice of heaven? let me introduce you to apple tart – oh my gosh, the buttery crust, sweet and tart apples, and just a hint of cinnamon.

It’s like a warm hug on a plate! seriously, every bite is like a little party for your taste buds.

This classic french dessert, known as tarte aux pommes , hails from the charming streets of france. can you believe it? it’s been around for ages, and with good reason! making this apple tart recipe is a great weekend project.

It’s also perfect for impressing your friends or family, especially during those chaotic holiday gatherings. trust me, it’ll have them hounding your kitchen for seconds!

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. this tart is medium in difficulty. sure, you’ll have to roll out pastry and slice apples, but it’s not rocket science! just give yourself about an hour and 45 minutes total— 30 minutes of prep, 30 minutes chilling, and 45 minutes baking.

You’ll end up with eight scrumptious servings , perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive thanksgiving feast.

One of the big perks of this apple dessert recipe ? it’s packed with fiber and vitamins, especially if you go with granny smith apples.

So, it’s kind of healthy, right? (at least that’s what i tell myself!) plus, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the fall – like a party on your plate with all the autumn vibes.

What really makes this recipe special is how approachable it is. it’s not overly fussy, and you can totally customize it! whether you plan to serve it as a notable dessert or alongside coffee with your besties on a lazy sunday afternoon, it never disappoints.

Make it a star at your next dinner or a sweet finale to a fun thanksgiving dessert spread.

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and take this classic apple tart for a spin? Grab those ingredients and let’s get this tart party started!

Classic French Apple Tart Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) ice water
• Pinch of salt
• 4 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 lbs or 900 g)
• 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple or apricot jam (for glazing)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add chilled butter and rub into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Mix in the egg yolk and enough ice water to form a smooth dough.
• Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan.
• Carefully transfer the dough to the tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess.
• Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and lemon juice.
• Arrange the apple slices neatly in the prepared crust, starting from the outer edge and working inward in overlapping circles.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
• In a small saucepan, gently warm the jam until it is liquid. Brush over the warm tart for a shiny finish.
• Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tempting Ingredients & Must-Have Equipment for the Perfect Apple Tart

So, you're ready to dive into making a delicious apple tart ? that’s awesome! let’s break down what you need, from ingredients to the equipment that’ll make your life easier.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way, especially when you're whipping up something that’ll wow your friends and family.

The Essentials: Ingredients You'll Love

For the Dough:

• 1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) ice water
• Pinch of salt

Pro Tip: Look for butter that’s super creamy and has a rich color—this guarantees a buttery flavor in your crust.

For the Filling:

• 4 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 lbs or 900 g )
• 3 tablespoons (36 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple or apricot jam (for glazing)

Flavor hack: Mixing in a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the flavor of your filling!

Seasoning Notes That Pop

When it comes to seasonings, think simple. cinnamon and sugar are your best buds for that cozy vibe. don’t forget the lemon juice ; it brightens up the apples and keeps them from browning.

If you’re ever in a bind, just toss in some vanilla extract instead of cinnamon. it’ll still be delish!

Must-Have Equipment

You won’t need fancy gadgets for this apple tart, just the basics. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan (removable bottom is a total game changer!)
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Pastry brush (for that shiny jam glaze)
• Sharp knife (for slicing those apples beautifully)

If you don’t have a tart pan, don’t sweat it! A regular pie dish works just fine.

All Set for the Fun!

Now you’ve got a solid list of ingredients and equipment to whip up this classic apple tart recipe . seriously, it’s one of those fun thanksgiving desserts you simply can’t pass up! picture it: the aroma wafting through your kitchen, friends gathered around, and all of you diving into a slice of this beauty.

Yum!

So, are you ready to bring this recipe to life? Grab your supplies and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen. You won’t regret it!

Let’s Talk Apple Tart: The French Classic You Need in Your Life

Alright, friends! are you ready to whip up something that transports you straight to a quaint french bakery? yeah, i’m talking about a classic french apple tart or as the fancy folks call it, tarte aux pommes.

This dessert has it all: a flaky crust, luscious apples, and a shiny glaze that’ll make you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen.

Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of creating this showstopper!

Prep Steps: Setting the Stage

First things first, let's tackle some essential mise en place. chop, peel, and core those delicious granny smith apples . the more organized you are, the less time you’ll spend running around looking for that one measuring cup.

You know what i mean, right?

And oh, safety tip time! when you’re slicing those apples, keep your fingers tucked away—jazz hands are great for dancing, not for chopping.

No one wants a first aid visit during dessert prep!

Step-by-Step Process: Easy-Peasy Instructions

1. Make the dough: combine 1 ¼ cups flour, ½ cup chilled butter, a pinch of salt , and 3 tablespoons sugar in a bowl.

   Rub it together till it looks like coarse crumbs. then add 1 egg yolk and just enough ice water to form a dough.

   Wrap it up and chill for 30 minutes .

2. Preheat the Oven: Crank up that oven to 375° F .

3. Roll It Out: Roll out your dough on a floured surface and fit it into your tart pan. Give it a little love and press it into the edges.

4. Apple Prep: Peel and slice those apples thinly. Toss them with 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

5. Assemble the Tart: You wanna arrange those apple slices like they’re in a big, warm hug—the outer edge first, then work your way in.

6. Bake: Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes until your apples are tender and the crust is golden brown—this is where the magic happens!

7. Glaze It Up: Warm up ¼ cup jam and brush it over the top while it’s still warm. Talk about a glossy finish!

8. Cool and Serve: Give it a bit of time to cool, and then dive in!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Tart

Okay, listen closely. here are some expert techniques : first off, make sure to chill the dough . it’s a must for that flaky crust we all crave! also, mix up your apples; a blend of sweet and tart will take your flavor to the next level.

Common mistake? Overbaking! Keep an eye on that tart. Your apples should be tender but not mushy. And if you’re feeling ahead of the game, you can prep the dough a day in advance—score!

So there you have it! this apple tart will jazz up any dinner table and is among the most fun thanksgiving desserts you can whip together.

Wouldn't it be great to impress your friends with this showstopper? take it from me—because once you see their faces light up, you'll know all the effort was totally worth it.

Now, go take on that classic tart recipe with confidence! 🍏✨

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Oh my gosh, you know what’s divine? serving up that apple tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. i swear, it’s like a match made in dessert heaven.

You can also throw in a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. seriously, who can say no to ice cream? and if you're feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce on top for that extra wow factor.

Pair this with a good cup of spiced chai tea or a nice chilled glass of cider, and boom! you’ve got yourself a dessert that’ll impress anyone at the table.

Storage Tips

Now, unless you're devouring the entire apple tart in one go (not judging!), you'll want to know how to store it.

You can keep the tart in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days . just make sure it's covered, or it'll dry out faster than a desert in july.

If you’ve made a big batch or just want to save some for later, you can freeze it for about 2 months .

Just wrap it tight in plastic wrap and then pop it into a snug freezer bag. when you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven.

It’ll get all nice and crispy again!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? why not swap out the apples ? in the fall, use some ripe pears for a twist. you can even throw in a handful of dried cranberries if you're feeling festive! and for those watching their sugar, you can reduce the sugar or even use a sugar substitute in the filling.

Honestly, it’s all about making this apple tart recipe work for you.

Nutrition Basics

Let’s get real about nutrition. each slice of this apple tart is about 220 calories , so it’s not going to break the calorie bank if you binge a little.

Plus, apples are packed with fiber and vitamin c, which are super important. so when you eat your slice, you can feel good about getting some nutrients while also treating yourself.

Conclusion

So there you have it! don’t let the thought of making a french pastry intimidate you. with a little practice, you’ll nail this apple tart recipe and wow everyone, be it at a family gathering or just chillin’ at home on a cozy night.

Go ahead, give it a shot. trust me, you won’t regret it!