If you have a soft spot for desserts that look elegant but are ridiculously easy to make, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe. Picture thinly sliced, tender apples beautifully arranged atop a crisp, buttery puff pastry crust, finished with a sprinkle of sugar that caramelizes during baking to bring out the most irresistible sweetness. This classic French treat perfectly balances simplicity with stunning presentation and rich flavor, making it ideal for both last-minute guests and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a key role: from the flaky layers of the puff pastry to the natural sweetness of the apples, every bite delivers texture and taste that is downright addictive.
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry: Provides the light, flaky base that holds all the deliciousness together; make sure it’s barely thawed for easy handling.
- 5 tsp caster sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the apple topping beautifully; superfine sugar is perfect but granulated works too.
- 2 large gala apples: Their crisp, sweet flavor shines when sliced thinly and baked; peeling and coring ensures a perfectly smooth texture.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Melted and brushed on top, it lends gorgeous golden richness and helps the sugar caramelize.
- Icing sugar (optional): A light dusting at the end for an elegant, finishing touch that elevates the look and a hint of extra sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream: Essential for serving; the creamy cold contrast against the warm tart is simply divine.
How to Make Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base
Start by sprinkling about 3 teaspoons of caster sugar over your baking paper—this will help create a caramelized bottom crust that’s perfectly sweet and crunchy. Place your butter puff pastry square on top and gently fold the edges inward about 1 centimeter to form a neat border that will hold the apples in place. This simple step frames the tart beautifully and keeps everything from sliding off during baking.
Step 2: Arrange the Apples
Now for the star of the show: your peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples. Lay them meticulously in overlapping rows inside the border you created, working your way from one side to the other. Seeing those delicate apple slices laid out is half the joy! Once arranged, brush the entire surface with melted butter, then sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of caster sugar evenly over the top. This ensures the apples will bake to a luscious caramelized perfection with that signature glaze.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the tart (on its baking paper) onto a preheated tray in the oven set to 210°C (375°F) or 190°C if you have a fan oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. The heat works its magic, puffing the pastry golden and crisp while the sugar bubbling on top forms a gorgeous, slightly crisp layer over the soft apples. Keep an eye on it toward the end so the edges don’t brown too much.
How to Serve Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe
Garnishes
While the tart is stunning on its own, a light dusting of icing sugar brings an extra touch of elegance and just a whisper of sweetness. A sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds can add a lovely texture contrast and fresh aroma if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs incredibly well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s not just tradition; it’s positively life-changing! The creamy coldness cuts through the warm, caramelized apples and flaky crust, creating a harmonious bite every time. For a grown-up twist, a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of calvados adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this tart at a dinner party, consider slicing it into individual portions on pretty dessert plates and adding a small scoop of ice cream right beside each piece. Alternatively, top with a thin slice of apple and a light drizzle of honey or caramel for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will wow your guests without needing a lot of effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe keeps well for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To prevent the pastry from becoming soggy, avoid refrigeration if possible and reheat just before serving to bring back that wonderful crisp texture.
Freezing
While freezing the tart once baked isn’t ideal due to the pastry’s delicate nature, you can freeze the puff pastry sheet and pre-prepped apple slices separately before assembly. This way, you can quickly whip it up anytime by thawing and baking fresh, capturing that straight-from-the-oven magic.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your tart is in a preheated oven at about 180°C (350°F) for 8 to 10 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the pastry and warms the apples without drying them out, delivering a treat that tastes almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Gala apples provide a great balance of sweetness and firmness, you can also use Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or Honeycrisp for a juicier texture. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for this tart to achieve that smooth, tender texture we want. The skin can become tough and detracts from the delicate, refined look of the tart, but if you prefer extra fiber, you can leave it on—just slice the apples extra thin.
Is caster sugar necessary?
Caster sugar works best because it dissolves quickly and helps create that attractive caramelized coating on the apples and pastry. However, if you don’t have it on hand, granulated sugar is a fine substitute—just sprinkle a bit more evenly to get similar results.
Can I prepare the tart ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the tart and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 4 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the pastry from drying out. Then bake as usual, allowing for an extra couple of minutes in the oven if the tart is cold.
What should I serve with the tart besides ice cream?
If you want to mix things up, crème fraîche or lightly whipped cream with a touch of vanilla is a lovely alternative. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a splash of fruit coulis can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing this Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe. Its simplicity belies the impressive look and unforgettable taste that comes straight out of the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this tart promises to be your new go-to dessert that feels both special and effortlessly charming. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Easy French Apple Tart, also known as Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a beautifully simple and elegant dessert featuring thinly sliced gala apples on buttery puff pastry. With a delicate sprinkle of sugar and a crisp, golden crust, it’s perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of apples. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic French finish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
Filling & Topping
- 5 tsp caster sugar (superfine sugar; regular granulated sugar can be substituted)
- 2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cores removed, sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (highly recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Sprinkle 3 teaspoons of caster sugar evenly over a baking sheet or parchment paper. This will help caramelize the bottom of the tart and prevent sticking.
- Arrange the puff pastry: Lay the square sheet of butter puff pastry on top of the sugared baking sheet. Fold the edges of the pastry inward by about 1cm / 0.4 inch to create a small border, which will help contain the apples and juices during baking.
- Layer the apples: Arrange the peeled and thinly sliced apple pieces closely over the surface of the pastry, covering it almost entirely but leaving the folded edge exposed.
- Add butter and sugar: Brush the melted unsalted butter gently over the arranged apple slices. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of caster sugar evenly on top to enhance caramelization and add sweetness.
- Bake the tart: Place the tray on a preheated oven rack at 210°C / 375°F (190°C fan). Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp, and the apples are tender and caramelized.
- Final touches and serving: Once baked, allow the tart to cool slightly. Optionally dust with icing sugar for added sweetness and presentation. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to complete this classic French dessert experience.
Notes
- Note 1: Ensure the puff pastry sheet is only barely thawed to maintain its shape and puff up well during baking.
- Note 2: Gala apples are preferred for their sweetness and texture, but you can substitute with any similar sweet apple variety.
- This tart is best eaten the same day it is made for optimal flakiness and freshness.
- If you don’t have caster sugar, grinding regular granulated sugar in a food processor can create a similar texture.
- Make sure to preheat the oven well before placing the tart inside to get a crispy and golden crust.
