Classic Apple Tart Recipe with Buttery Crust and Fresh Apples

The Apple Tart Recipe is a cherished classic that blends French elegance with heartwarming simplicity. My first memories of this dessert are from cozy autumn days in my grandmother’s kitchen. We’d roll out buttery dough together, slicing crisp apples from our orchard. This French apple tart, with its tender fruit arranged in a stunning spiral over flaky pâte brisée, is more than a treat it’s tradition on a plate. If you’ve been craving a rustic dessert that’s both visually stunning and soulfully delicious, this apple tart recipe is the one to bookmark and bake.

If you enjoy timeless desserts, you might also love the Old-Fashioned Custard Pie a comforting classic dessert or the Ultimate Black Forest Cake for a rich, chocolatey treat.

Why This Classic Apple Tart Recipe Works Wonderfully

This traditional apple tart recipe excels because it combines a buttery, flaky pâte brisée (shortcrust pastry) with naturally sweet and slightly tangy apples, balanced with a hint of citrus and a subtle layer of apple compote.

Key reasons why this recipe is a guaranteed success:

• Perfectly balanced textures: Crisp, flaky crust with soft, tender apples.
• Beautiful presentation: Thinly sliced apples arranged in a floral rosace pattern.
• Simple ingredients, big flavors: No need for fancy spices; the focus is on quality apples and buttery pastry.
• Versatile & adaptable: Can be served warm or cold, with or without toppings.

Apple Tart Recipe

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• Author: Mouny
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings

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Description

A deliciously authentic French Apple Tart Recipe with buttery pâte brisée, tender apple slices, apple compote, lemon, and powdered sugar for a rustic, bakery-style dessert.

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Ingredients

250 g flour
125 g cold butter, diced
30 g powdered sugar
1 pinch salt
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons cold water
4 apples (Golden Delicious or similar)
1 jar apple compote
0.5 lemon, juiced
20 small cubes cold butter
Powdered sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

n a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt, and mix well.
Add diced cold butter and rub into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in the egg yolk and gradually add cold water until a dough forms.
Knead the dough gently into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out the chilled dough to 3-4 mm thickness and fit it into a greased tart pan.
Prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Spread a thin layer of apple compote over the tart base.
Arrange the apple slices in a concentric rosace pattern over the compote.
Dot the top with small cubes of cold butter and sprinkle powdered sugar evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tart is golden and apples are tender.
Let the tart cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra shine, brush the tart with warmed apricot jam after baking. You can also mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor. If you prefer, store-bought shortcrust pastry can be used as a quicker alternative.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients List for the Best Apple Tart

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• Flour: 250 g (all-purpose)
• Butter: 125 g (cold, diced)
• Powdered Sugar: 30 g
• Salt: 1 pinch
• Egg Yolk: 1
• Water: 2 tablespoons (ice cold)

For the Apple Tart Filling:

• Apples: 4 (firm, sweet-tart variety like Golden Delicious)
• Apple Compote: 1 jar (unsweetened if possible)
• Lemon Juice: ½ lemon (freshly squeezed)
• Cold Butter: 20 small pieces (for dotting on top)
• Powdered Sugar: For sprinkling

How to Make a Traditional Apple Tart (Step-by-Step Guide)

1 Step: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry Dough

1. In a mixing bowl (or Thermomix), combine flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix briefly to blend.
2. Add cold diced butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
3. Incorporate the egg yolk and mix. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently into a smooth ball.
5. Cover with a clean cloth and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2 Step: Roll Out and Fit the Tart Dough

1. Once chilled, soften the dough slightly by kneading with your hands.
2. Roll out the dough to a thickness of 3-4 mm.
3. Place the dough into a greased tart pan (or lined with parchment paper).
4. Prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

3 Step: Prepare the Apple Slices

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly and evenly.
3. Toss the apple slices with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning.

4 Step: Assemble the Apple Tart

1. Spread a thin, even layer of apple compote on the tart base.
2. Arrange the apple slices in a concentric rosace pattern, slightly overlapping each piece for an elegant effect.
3. Dot the surface with small cubes of cold butter.
4. Sprinkle powdered sugar evenly over the apples for caramelization.

5 Step: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 30 minutes.
2. The tart is ready when the apples are tender, slightly caramelized, and the crust is golden and crisp.

Serving & Garnish Ideas for Apple Tart

This French apple tart can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic French dessert pairing.
• Lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Brushed with warmed apricot jam glaze for a glossy, professional finish.
• Accompanied by a dollop of crème fraîche for a tangy contrast.

For more fruit-based desserts, you can try this delicious Apple Strudel Step-by-Step Guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Apple Tart

1. Overworking the pastry dough: Leads to a tough crust. Handle it gently.
2. Using mealy apples: Always choose firm, crisp apples to maintain texture.
3. Skipping the compote base: It adds moisture and depth of flavor.
4. Forgetting to chill the dough: Resting the dough prevents shrinkage during baking.
5. Not slicing apples thinly and evenly: Uniform slices ensure even baking and a beautiful look.
6. Overbaking or underbaking: Keep an eye on the tart for perfect golden edges and tender apples.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Apple Tart

• Storage: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked tart for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Mouny’s Note: Personal Tips for a Perfect Apple Tart

From my kitchen to yours, a few secrets for elevating your apple tart:

• Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
• Add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla to the compote for subtle warmth.
• Invest in a tart ring mold for crisp, professional-looking edges.
• Chill the assembled tart briefly before baking to enhance the crust’s flakiness.

Conclusion – The Lasting Joy of an Apple Tart Recipe

A true apple tart recipe is more than the sum of its ingredients it’s a moment captured in every slice. From the buttery shortcrust pastry to the tender, fragrant apples arranged in spirals, this dessert embodies elegance, warmth, and heritage.

Whether you’re baking this for a holiday table, a cozy fall evening, or just for the joy of it, the apple tart invites everyone to slow down and savor something beautiful. Keep it traditional or add your own twist. As Chef Mouny believes, “Cooking is an act of love,” and this tart is the proof.

So roll out your dough, slice those apples, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of timeless comfort.

Looking for more sweet inspiration?

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FAQs about Apple Tart Recipe