Easy French Apple Tart
There’s something undeniably special about a homemade tart. But when it comes to French desserts, many people imagine complex steps and advanced pastry skills. That’s why this Easy French Apple Tart (Tarte Fine aux Pommes) feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that French elegance can be achieved with just a few simple ingredients, a sheet of puff pastry, and fresh apples.
This tart is light, crisp, and delicately sweetened, allowing the natural flavor of the apples to shine. The buttery puff pastry provides the perfect flaky base, while a sprinkle of sugar caramelizes into golden perfection. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that feels worthy of a Parisian café—without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the tart:
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″), barely thawed
- 5 tsp caster sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 0.5 cm / 0.2″ thick
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For serving:
- Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (highly recommended!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prepare the tray
Place a baking tray in the oven and preheat it to 210°C/375°F (190°C fan-forced). Preheating the tray ensures the pastry bakes evenly and achieves that extra-crisp base.
Step 2: Sugar the base
Lay a sheet of baking paper on your counter and sprinkle 3 teaspoons of sugar roughly in the size of your puff pastry sheet. Place the pastry square on top of the sugared paper. The sugar on the underside caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Fold the edges
Gently fold in the edges of the puff pastry about 1 cm (0.4″) to create a simple border. This helps keep the apple slices neatly contained and gives the tart a rustic frame.
Step 4: Arrange the apples
Slice your apples thinly and arrange them in three neat rows, overlapping slightly for that classic French tart look. Don’t worry too much about perfection—overlapping apples always bake up beautifully.
Step 5: Brush and sprinkle
Brush the apples and pastry edges with melted butter, then sprinkle with the remaining sugar. This not only adds sweetness but also encourages a golden, caramelized finish.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Transfer the tart, along with the baking paper, onto the hot tray. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are crisp and golden and the apples are tender.
Step 7: Serve warm
Cut the tart into six portions, dust with icing sugar if desired, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the crisp pastry, tender apples, and creamy ice cream is irresistible.
About the Recipe
A Classic French Treat Made Simple
The Easy French Apple Tart (or Tarte Fine aux Pommes) is a traditional French pastry known for its simplicity and elegance. Unlike heavy American-style apple pies, this tart is thin and light, showcasing the natural flavors of the fruit. French bakers often use seasonal apples, pairing them with buttery pastry for a dessert that feels indulgent yet refined.
Best Apples to Use
While this recipe works with any apple, gala apples are an excellent choice for their natural sweetness and tender texture. Granny Smith apples provide a tart bite, while Fuji and Pink Lady offer a sweeter, crisp finish. Mixing apple varieties is also a wonderful way to add complexity of flavor.
Variations to Try
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg: A sprinkle of warm spices brings cozy autumn flavors.
- Brush with apricot jam: After baking, brush the apples with warmed apricot jam for a glossy, bakery-style finish.
- Nutty touch: Scatter sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts over the tart before baking for added crunch.
- Caramel drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the tart before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Always bake the tart on a preheated tray—this prevents soggy pastry.
- Don’t overload the tart with sugar; the natural sweetness of apples shines best when lightly sweetened.
- Serve the tart warm, as puff pastry tends to soften when stored.
Nutrition Insights
Each serving of this tart contains about 340 calories, making it a lighter dessert compared to cream-heavy cakes. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a modest scoop of vanilla ice cream keeps it indulgent without going overboard.
Conclusion
This Easy French Apple Tart is the perfect dessert for when you want something elegant yet effortless. With just puff pastry, apples, and a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a French patisserie.
It’s a wonderful choice for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or even a cozy weekend treat. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to apple dessert. So grab some apples, roll out that puff pastry, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of French-inspired magic. Bon appétit!
