Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Dough
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
Apple Filling
- 4–5 fresh tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling on apples)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Dough: Combine the all-purpose flour and sugar in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to develop a flaky texture.
- Preheat and Prepare Apples: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples evenly. Toss slices lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add vanilla extract and cinnamon if using, and mix gently.
- Roll Out and Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer carefully to a tart pan, pressing gently to fit the edges and trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Arrange the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles from the outer edge inward, creating a beautiful pattern and ensuring even baking. Sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over the top for a caramelized finish.
- Bake and Finish: Brush the visible crust edges with the beaten egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Bake the tart for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly before slicing to allow flavors to set and slices to hold together.
Notes
- Use cold butter and water to ensure a flaky crust.
- Slice apples thinly and uniformly for even cooking and presentation.
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid a tough crust.
- Chill the assembled tart before baking to prevent shrinking.
- Allow the tart to cool before cutting so the slices stay intact.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of tart)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: French apple tart, apple dessert, flaky pastry, caramelized apples, classic tart, easy dessert