This Apple Tart is the ultimate comfort dessert, blending the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples with a rich, creamy filling and a buttery, tender crust. Perfect for any occasion, this tart is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of crisp apples, a zesty cream filling, and a golden-brown crust will make this dessert a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (100g)
- 8g vanilla sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil (40ml)
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter (60g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (4g)
- 360g flour
Cream Ingredients:
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (60g)
- 3 tablespoons of starch (50g)
- Grated peel of half a lemon
- 2 large cups of milk (360ml)
- 1 tablespoon of butter (20g)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
To Decorate:
- 3-4 apples, thinly sliced
- Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of apricot jam or honey (for glazing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the oil and melted butter to the egg mixture and stir until smooth.
- Sift in the flour and baking powder, then mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg, sugar, starch, and grated lemon peel until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Set the cream aside to cool.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess from the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Pour the cooled cream filling into the tart shell and spread it evenly.
- Decorate with Apples:
- Toss the thinly sliced apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on top of the cream filling, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center.
- Sprinkle the apples with a tablespoon of sugar for added sweetness.
- Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Glaze and Serve:
- While the tart is still warm, gently heat the apricot jam or honey until it becomes liquid, then brush it over the top of the apples for a beautiful glossy finish.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
This Apple Tart is a delightful combination of a buttery crust, creamy filling, and sweet-tart apple topping, making it a dessert that everyone will love. The subtle lemon flavor in the cream adds a refreshing twist that complements the apples perfectly. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this tart is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Happy baking!