This rustic French apple tart recipe is an exquisite treat for anyone who adores the harmonious blend of sweet apples and buttery crust. The deliciousness of this classic French dessert lies in its simplicity, allowing the pure flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
While most ingredients in this recipe are likely already in your pantry, you may need to pay special attention to two of them: turbinado sugar and apricot jelly. Turbinado sugar is raw sugar that is partially refined and comes with a subtle molasses flavor, which enhances the crust's taste. The apricot jelly is used to glaze the tart for a glossy finish and a hint of tartness.
Ingredients for the Rustic French Apple Tart
All-purpose flour: This versatile flour forms the base for the tart crust and is also used to thicken the apple filling.
Salt: A little salt is critical to balance the sweetness of the tart.
Granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness to the dough.
Unsalted butter: Gives the tart its rich and buttery flavor.
Water: Bonds the dough ingredients together.
Baking apples: The star of the tart, baking apples provide a sweet-tart flavor.
Vanilla extract: Offers a depth of flavor to the apple filling.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
Turbinado sugar: Used to sprinkle on top for a crunchy texture and a hint of molasses flavor.
Apricot jelly: Used for glazing the finished tart, giving it a beautiful shine and a touch of tartness.
One reader, Adora Partida says:
This rustic French apple tart recipe is a game-changer! The crust is perfectly flaky, and the apple filling is bursting with flavor. The simple yet elegant presentation makes it a showstopper at any gathering. I love how easy it is to make, and the taste is simply divine. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making a Rustic French Apple Tart
How to make the crust: The crust is made by combining flour, salt, sugar, and cold butter in a food processor. The dough is then formed into a disk and rolled out into a circle.
How to make the filling: The filling is made by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples, then tossing them with sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt.
How to assemble the tart: The tart is assembled by rolling out the dough, arranging the apple slices on top, folding the edges of the dough over the apples, and brushing the crust with beaten egg and sprinkling with turbinado sugar.
How to bake the tart: The assembled tart is baked in a preheated oven at 350°F for 55 to 65 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden and cooked through.
How to make the optional glaze: The optional glaze is made by mixing apricot jam with water and heating it in the microwave until bubbling, then brushing the apples with the apricot syrup.
How To Make Rustic French Apple Tart
This open-faced, fruity French apple tart is a decadent dessert made with a flaky crust that’s topped with tender and spiced apples!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Crust:
- 1½cupall-purpose flour,spooned, leveled
- ½tspsalt
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- 12tbspunsalted butter,cut into ½-inch pieces
- ¼cupwater,very cold
For Filling:
- 1¾lbbaking apples
- ⅓cupsugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 1tspcinnamon
- 2tbspunsalted butter,melted
- ⅛tspsalt
For Assembling and Baking:
- 1tbspall purpose flour
- 1egg,beaten
- 2tbspturbinado sugar
- 1tbspapricot jelly,or jam, optional for glaze
Instructions
Crust:
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour, salt and sugar. Pulse briefly to combine. Add the cold butter and process for about 5 seconds, just until the butter is the size of peas. Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture and process for about 5 seconds, just until moistened and very crumbly.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead a few times, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a disk. Flour the work surface again and dust the dough with flour, as well.
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Using a rolling pin, roll into a circle 8 to 10 inches in diameter, turning and adding more flour as necessary so the dough doesn’t stick. Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate.
Filling:
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Peel, core, and cut the apples into ⅛-inch-thick slices and place in a large bowl. Add the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, melted butter, and salt; toss to combine.
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Take the dough from the fridge and slide the parchment paper onto the countertop. Roll the dough, directly on the parchment paper, into a 14-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick.
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Place the parchment and dough back on the baking sheet – the pastry should curve up the lip of the pan.
To Assemble:
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Sprinkle the flour evenly over the pastry. Arrange the apple slices on top in overlapping concentric circles to within 3 inches of the edge.
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Fold the edges of the dough over the apples in a free-form fashion, working your way around and creating pleats as you go. Patch up any tears by pinching a bit of dough from the edge.
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Using a pastry brush, brush the pleated dough evenly with the beaten egg. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the turbinado sugar over the top crust and 1 tablespoon over the fruit.
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Chill the assembled tart in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and set an oven rack in the center position.
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Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden and cooked through. Transfer the pan to a rack and let cool.
Syrup:
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In a small bowl, mix the apricot jam with 1½ teaspoons of water. Heat in the microwave until bubbling, about 20 seconds.
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Using a pastry brush, brush the apples with the apricot syrup.
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Use two large spatulas to transfer the tart to a serving plate or cutting board.
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Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
The tart is best served on the day it is made, but leftovers will keep, loosely covered on the countertop, for a few days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 392.53kcal
- Fat: 21.08g
- Saturated Fat: 13.00g
- Trans Fat: 0.82g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.01g
- Carbohydrates: 49.04g
- Fiber: 3.24g
- Sugar: 26.26g
- Protein: 3.69g
- Cholesterol: 73.42mg
- Sodium: 194.91mg
- Calcium: 23.23mg
- Potassium: 150.96mg
- Iron: 1.41mg
- Vitamin A: 181.60µg
- Vitamin C: 4.80mg
Essential Technique Tips for a Perfect Rustic French Apple Tart
When arranging the apple slices on the tart, try to keep them as flat as possible. This ensures even baking and prevents certain pieces from becoming overly browned or burnt. Also, when folding the edges of the dough over the apples, don't worry about making it perfect. The rustic look is part of the charm of this French apple tart.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Rustic French Apple Tart
Prepare the crust: Use a food processor to quickly combine the ingredients for the crust, and refrigerate the dough while preparing the filling to save time.
Uniform apple slices: Use a mandoline slicer to quickly and evenly slice the apples for the filling, ensuring they cook uniformly in the tart.
Substitute Ingredients For Rustic French Apple Tart Recipe
- all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the crust, giving it a rustic and hearty quality.
- unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the crust, adding a unique tropical twist to the tart.
- baking apples - Substitute with pears: Pears can offer a similar texture and sweetness to the tart while adding a subtle, delicate flavor that complements the rustic nature of the recipe.
- granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can bring a natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor to the crust, enhancing its rustic appeal with a more wholesome sweetener.
- cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and earthy flavor, adding depth to the filling and contributing to the rustic charm of the tart.
Presenting Your Rustic French Apple Tart
Elevate the rustic French apple tart: Begin by carefully arranging the apple slices in a concentric pattern, ensuring that each slice is perfectly placed to create a visually stunning display.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance to the tart by delicately placing edible flowers on top, such as pansies or rose petals, to enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle floral aroma.
Drizzle with a caramel sauce: Create a beautiful drizzle of caramel sauce over the tart, using a fine-tipped squeeze bottle to add artistic swirls that not only enhance the flavor but also elevate the overall presentation.
Dust with edible gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, carefully apply edible gold leaf to the edges of the tart, adding a shimmering and opulent finish that will captivate the judges' attention.
Accompany with a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream: Serve the tart with a perfectly shaped quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream, adding a creamy and elegant element to the dish that complements the warm flavors of the apple tart.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the tart with a fine layer of powdered sugar using a sieve, creating a beautiful contrast against the golden crust and adding a touch of sweetness to the presentation.
Arrange on a handcrafted ceramic plate: Present the rustic French apple tart on a handcrafted ceramic plate, carefully chosen to complement the colors of the tart and add an artisanal touch to the overall presentation.
Serve with a side of homemade whipped cream: Accompany the tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, elegantly piped onto the plate to provide a luscious and creamy addition to the dessert.
Garnish with caramelized apple slices: Top the tart with thinly sliced caramelized apple pieces, artfully arranged to create a visually appealing and sophisticated garnish that adds texture and flavor.
Spritz with a hint of apple brandy: Just before serving, delicately spritz the tart with a touch of apple brandy using a fine misting spray, infusing the dessert with a subtle aroma and adding a refined finishing touch.
Essential Tools for Making a Rustic French Apple Tart
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as mixing, chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It is great for making pastry dough, pie crusts, and other baked goods.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin is a cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for pastry and baking. It is essential for rolling out the crust for the apple tart to achieve the desired thickness and shape.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is a cooking utensil used to spread butter, egg wash, or glaze onto pastries and other baked goods. It is essential for brushing the beaten egg and apricot syrup onto the apple tart for a beautiful finish.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet, also known as a baking tray, is a flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking in the oven. It provides a surface for the apple tart to bake evenly and prevents any drips from spilling onto the oven.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is a non-stick paper used in baking and cooking. It is essential for lining the baking sheet and rolling out the pastry dough for the apple tart to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for mixing ingredients, marinating, and preparing various components of a recipe. It is essential for tossing the apple slices with sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and butter for the tart filling.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food. It is essential for baking the rustic French apple tart to perfection.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and turning food. It is essential for transferring the baked apple tart from the baking sheet to a serving plate or cutting board.
Storing and Freezing Your Rustic French Apple Tart
- Let the tart cool completely before storing. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to slice and serve later.
- Loosely cover the cooled tart with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place the cooled tart in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the baked tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place the wrapped tart in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve a frozen tart, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the wrapping and let the tart come to room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer to freeze an unbaked tart, assemble it on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Wrap the frozen tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the wrapping and bake the tart directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- If you have leftover slices of tart, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the slice and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Apple Tart
- To reheat a slice of leftover rustic french apple tart, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or until it's warmed to your liking. The microwave will soften the apples and make the crust slightly softer, but it's a quick and easy method.
- For a crispier crust, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover tart on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crisp again. The foil will prevent the crust from burning while the filling heats up.
- If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat a slice of tart. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crispy.
- For a more old-fashioned method, reheat a slice of tart in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it's heated through and the crust is crisp. This method will give you a crispy bottom crust and a warm, soft filling.
- If you want to reheat the entire tart, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the tart loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the crust.
Interesting Facts About Rustic French Apple Tarts
French apple tart is also known as Tarte Tatin, named after the Tatin sisters who are said to have invented the dish.
Is Making a Rustic French Apple Tart Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this rustic French apple tart recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, including apples, flour, and butter, are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. With an approximate cost of $10, this recipe can yield a delicious tart for a family of four, making it a cost-effective choice for a homemade dessert. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its simplicity, affordability, and the delightful flavors it offers.
Is a Rustic French Apple Tart Healthy or Unhealthy?
The rustic French apple tart recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy due to its high content of butter, sugar, and refined flour. The crust alone contains 12 tablespoons of butter, which is a significant source of saturated fat. The filling also includes added sugar, contributing to the overall calorie count and potential negative health impacts when consumed in excess.
However, the recipe does incorporate some healthier elements, such as the use of whole apples, which provide dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The cinnamon in the filling also offers some potential health benefits, as it has been linked to improved blood sugar control and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter in the crust by replacing some of it with Greek yogurt or coconut oil
- Use whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Decrease the amount of added sugar in the filling, relying more on the natural sweetness of the apples
- Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or date paste, which offer some additional nutrients compared to refined sugar
- Serve the tart with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream or whipped cream to boost the protein content and reduce the overall calorie count
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth and delivers on flavor.
Editor's Thoughts: Rustic French Apple Tart Recipe
The rustic French apple tart recipe is a delightful combination of buttery, flaky crust and perfectly spiced apple filling. The technique of folding the edges of the dough over the apples creates a charming, rustic appearance, and the addition of apricot glaze adds a touch of elegance. The tart bakes to a golden perfection, with tender, caramelized apples peeking through the flaky crust. This recipe captures the essence of French pastry-making, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a wonderful dessert to showcase the beauty of simple, quality ingredients.
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Why trust this Rustic French Apple Tart Recipe:
This rustic French apple tart recipe is a delightful blend of buttery crust and cinnamon-spiced apples. The flaky crust is made with care, ensuring a perfect balance of butter and flour. The filling, a harmonious mix of baking apples, sugar, and vanilla extract, promises a symphony of flavors. The tart is then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy and tender masterpiece. Trust in the simplicity and elegance of this recipe for a truly authentic French dessert.
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