The French apple tart, or tarte aux pommes, is a beloved dessert found in bakeries across France. Unlike rustic apple pies, this tart is refined and balanced, featuring a crisp buttery crust, a subtle layer of applesauce or frangipane, and beautifully arranged apple slices glazed to a glossy finish. Simple in ingredients yet stunning in presentation, it showcases the natural sweetness and fragrance of apples.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (Pâte Sucrée)
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250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
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125 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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80 g (⅓ cup) sugar
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1 large egg
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Pinch of salt
(Alternatively, use high-quality store-bought shortcrust pastry.)
Apple Filling
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5–6 apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith)
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Glaze
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2 tbsp apricot jam
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1 tbsp water
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Rub in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add egg and mix just until dough comes together.
Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Apple Purée Base
Peel, core, and dice 2 apples. Place them in a saucepan with sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until soft.
Mash or blend into a smooth purée and allow to cool.
This layer prevents soggy pastry and enhances apple flavor.
Step 3: Roll and Blind Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a 23 cm (9-inch) tart pan. Prick base with a fork. Line with parchment paper and baking weights.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, remove weights, then bake 5 minutes more until lightly golden.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Spread cooled apple purée evenly over the tart shell.
Peel, core, and thinly slice remaining apples. Arrange slices in overlapping concentric circles over the purée.
Step 5: Bake
Bake tart for 35–40 minutes, until apples are tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 6: Glaze
Warm apricot jam with water. Brush generously over hot apples to create a shiny finish.
Allow tart to cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect French Apple Tart
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Slice apples thinly for even cooking
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Choose firm apples that hold their shape
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Blind bake properly to ensure crisp pastry
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Glaze while warm for professional shine
Variations
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Frangipane base: Replace applesauce with almond cream
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Rustic style: Free-form galette version
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Spiced: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to apple purée
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Puff pastry version: For a lighter, quicker tart
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with:
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Lightly sweetened whipped cream
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Vanilla ice cream
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Crème fraîche
Storage
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Store covered at room temperature for 1 day
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Refrigerate for up to 3 days
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Best enjoyed the day it’s made
Cultural Note
The tarte aux pommes reflects French pastry philosophy: simple ingredients, precise technique, and beautiful presentation. It’s a dessert where restraint allows the apple flavor to shine.
Final Thoughts
This French apple tart is elegant yet approachable—perfect for entertaining, afternoon tea, or a refined family dessert. Crisp pastry, tender apples, and a glossy finish make it a timeless classic worth mastering.