Description
This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, features thinly sliced gala apples beautifully arranged on a crisp butter puff pastry base. Lightly sweetened and baked to golden perfection, this elegant yet simple tart is perfect for a quick dessert or a special treat, best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
Filling & Topping
- 5 tsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar; regular/granulated sugar can be substituted)
- 2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cored, sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Hot Tray: Place a baking tray inside the oven and preheat the oven to 210°C (375°F), or 190°C (375°F) if using a fan-forced oven. The hot tray will help give the tart a crisp base.
- Sugar the Baking Paper: Lay a sheet of baking parchment on the countertop and sprinkle 3 teaspoons of caster sugar roughly in the shape of the puff pastry sheet. This will help create a caramelized base beneath the pastry.
- Place and Fold Puff Pastry: Place the thawed puff pastry sheet on top of the sugared parchment. Fold the edges inward about 1cm (0.4 inch) to create a raised border for the tart.
- Arrange Apple Slices: Neatly arrange the apple slices in 3 slightly overlapping rows within the folded border of the pastry. This layering creates an attractive appearance and even cooking.
- Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Sugar: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the melted butter over the apple slices and the folded edges of the pastry. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of caster sugar over the apples and edges to caramelize during baking.
- Bake the Tart: Transfer the parchment paper with the tart onto the hot baking tray in the oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the pastry edges are puffed and golden brown, and apples are tender with caramelized sugar.
- Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly, then dust with icing sugar if desired. Cut into six slices and serve warm, generously accompanied by vanilla ice cream for the full experience.
Notes
- Note 1: The puff pastry should be barely thawed to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to fold.
- Note 2: Gala apples are preferred for their sweet flavor and firm texture, but any crisp, sweet apple suitable for baking can be used.
- Serving warm enhances the flavor and texture, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream.
- Using a hot baking tray helps the bottom of the tart to become extra crisp.
- If powdered sugar is not available, light dusting with regular caster sugar can be an alternative garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French apple tart, Tarte Fine aux Pommes, easy apple dessert, puff pastry tart, baked apple dessert, classic French tart, autumn dessert
