Classic French Apple Tart with a Hint of Cinnamon
Homemade Tarte aux Pommes: A Delicious Breton Apple Tart
Brittany, France, is a region blessed with an abundance of apples and pears, often leading to many homes having their own apple trees. Faced with a generous harvest of apples, this recipe for Tarte aux Pommes emerged. This tart features a wonderfully crisp crust paired with sweet, tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, offering a delightful taste of French patisserie.
Tart Dough (Pâte Brisée)- 300g all-purpose flour
- 200g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg yolk
- 20g ice-cold water
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
Apple Filling- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 medium apples (like Gala or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 medium apples (like Gala or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To begin making the tart dough, combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl or food processor. Add the cold, cubed butter. If using your hands, rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. If using a food processor, pulse until this consistency is achieved.
Step 2
In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolk with the ice-cold water. Gradually add this liquid to the flour and butter mixture. Mix just until the dough starts to come together into a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly sticky, but manageable.
Step 3
Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling period is crucial for relaxing the gluten and firming up the butter, which will result in a crispier crust.
Step 4
For decorative apple slices on top, thinly slice one of the apples. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar and microwave for 1 minute until slightly softened. Let cool before arranging.
Step 5
Now, prepare the apple filling. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 7 tablespoons of sugar and stir until it forms a syrup. Reduce the heat to medium, add the sliced apples, and cook until they begin to soften. Stir in the ground cinnamon and continue to cook over low heat, allowing the apples to gently simmer and release their juices, creating a luscious filling.
Step 6
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for at least 10 minutes. Lightly grease your tart pan with about 1 teaspoon of softened butter. This helps prevent the dough from sticking.
Step 7
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the prepared apple filling evenly into the dough-lined tart pan. Arrange the softened decorative apple slices on top, if using, for a beautiful presentation.
Step 8
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake at 175°C (347°F) for approximately 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. You can test for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
Step 9
Once baked, carefully remove the apple tart from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this delightful taste of Brittany! Bon appétit!