Description
This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a delicate and elegant dessert featuring thinly sliced Gala apples arranged atop a buttery puff pastry base. It combines a crisp, flaky texture with the natural sweetness of baked apples, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and served warm alongside creamy vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
Sugar
- 5 tsp caster sugar (superfine sugar; regular/granulated sugar can be used as a substitute)
Fruit
- 2 large Gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, cut in half, core removed, sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick
Butter
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Finishing
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare hot tray: Place a baking tray in the oven and preheat the oven to 210°C (375°F) or 190°C fan-forced.
- Sugar the baking paper: On a clean counter, place a sheet of baking parchment paper and sprinkle about 3 teaspoons of caster sugar onto it, roughly in the shape of the puff pastry sheet.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Place the barely thawed puff pastry sheet on top of the sugared paper. Fold the edges inward about 1 cm (0.4 inches) to create a neat border around the pastry.
- Arrange the apple slices: Neatly arrange the thin apple slices on top of the puff pastry in three rows, slightly overlapping each slice for an even and attractive layer.
- Butter and sugar topping: Brush the apple slices and the folded edges of the pastry with the melted unsalted butter. Then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of caster sugar evenly over the apples and edges.
- Bake the tart: Using the baking paper as a base, carefully transfer the prepared tart onto the preheated baking tray. Bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut into six portions. Optionally dust with icing sugar and serve warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use Gala apples for a balance of sweetness and firmness; other varieties can be substituted but may affect texture and taste.
- The puff pastry should be barely thawed to make it easier to fold and handle.
- Sprinkling sugar underneath the pastry creates a subtle caramelization on the base for extra flavor and crunch.
- Serving with vanilla ice cream is highly recommended to add a creamy contrast to the warm tart.
- Ensure the baking tray is thoroughly preheated to help achieve a crisp, flaky bottom crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French apple tart, Tarte Fine aux Pommes, puff pastry dessert, baked apple tart, easy French dessert, apple tart recipe
