How to Make a Classic French Tarte aux Pommes with Caramelized Apple Slices

This elegant Tarte aux Pommes showcases thinly sliced apples arranged in a beautiful spiral pattern atop a crisp, buttery pastry. Finished with a light apricot glaze, this French apple tart is both visually impressive and irresistibly delicious, perfect for special occasions or as a refined dessert.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Servings

8

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

A classic French dessert, Tarte aux Pommes with Apple Slices combines buttery pastry with delicately arranged apple slices, creating a visually stunning and deliciously comforting treat.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3-4 tbsp ice water
  • 4-5 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup (80g) apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, pulse flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt to combine. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. Gradually add ice water, pulsing until dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press into pan, trim edges, and prick bottom with a fork. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

  4. In a bowl, toss apple slices with 1/4 cup sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon.

  5. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern on the pastry, starting from the outside and working inward, overlapping slightly.

  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until pastry is golden and apples are tender.

  7. In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam and water until melted. Strain and brush over the warm tart.

  8. Cool tart in pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

  • For best results, use a mandoline to slice apples uniformly thin.
  • If Granny Smith apples are unavailable, use any firm, tart apple variety like Braeburn or Jonagold.
  • The tart can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature, covered loosely with foil.
  • For a twist, add a layer of frangipane (almond cream) beneath the apples before baking.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 280 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated), 38g carbohydrates, 2g protein, 2g fiber. Rich in vitamin C from the apples and contains heart-healthy fats from the butter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Tarte aux Pommes slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for added indulgence. This tart is perfect for afternoon tea, as a sophisticated dessert for dinner parties, or as a special treat for autumn gatherings. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of elegance.