Print

French Apple Tart Recipe

French Apple Tart Recipe
Print Recipe

This French Apple Tart Recipe delivers a beautifully flaky, buttery crust topped with tender, caramelized apples infused with vanilla and cinnamon. An elegant and comforting dessert that balances natural sweetness and aromatic spices, perfect for any occasion and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pastry Dough

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • Pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling

  • 4–5 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pastry dough: Toss the flour, sugar, and cold butter cubes into a bowl and work them together with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and a pinch of salt, then gently knead just until the dough comes together. Wrap it in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up the butter.
  2. Slice and prepare the apples: While the dough chills, peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them with fresh lemon juice to keep them bright and prevent browning. For extra flavor, stir in cinnamon and vanilla extract if desired.
  3. Roll out the dough and assemble: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry into a thin round shape, fitting it into a tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim any excess dough and gently prick the base with a fork to avoid puffing. Arrange the apple slices in tight, overlapping concentric circles to create a beautiful layered effect.
  4. Bake to perfection: Sprinkle a little sugar over the apples and brush them lightly with melted butter for golden color. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden, and apples are tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly before unmolding.

Notes

  • Keep butter cold to ensure a flaky, tender pastry.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to hold shape and balance sweetness.
  • Handle dough gently to avoid toughness.
  • Chill dough before baking to prevent shrinking.
  • Check apple tenderness near the end of baking with a toothpick.

Nutrition

Keywords: French apple tart, apple dessert, flaky pastry, caramelized apples, cinnamon tart, vanilla apple tart

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/french-apple-tart-recipe/