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Easy Classic French Apple Tart (Tarte aux Pommes)

A close-up of a slice of flaky apple tart dusted with cinnamon, with the rest of the apple tart visible behind it.
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You can make this classic French apple tart, Tarte aux Pommes, using a simple, flaky homemade crust. This recipe delivers tender, spiced apples in a beautiful, easy-to-manage dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3 tablespoons ice water
  • 4 large baking apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
  • 1 tablespoon apricot jam or apple jelly (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  2. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a separate bowl, gently toss the apple slices with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rough 12-inch circle. You do not need a tart pan for this rustic style.
  6. Transfer the dough circle to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the apple slices over the dough, leaving a 1.5-inch border around the edge. You can overlap them in a decorative pattern or simply layer them.
  7. Fold the edges of the dough up and over the apples to create a rustic border, crimping it slightly.
  8. Brush the exposed crust with the melted butter.
  9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  10. If using, warm the apricot jam or jelly slightly and brush it over the warm apples for a shiny finish.
  11. Let the apple tart cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an even easier version, substitute the homemade crust with one sheet of store-bought puff pastry.
  • If you prefer a caramelized apple tart flavor, sprinkle an extra tablespoon of brown sugar over the apples before baking.
  • This dessert pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/easy-classic-french-apple-tart-recipe/