Classic Apple Tart with Grenadine

This classic apple tart with grenadine is a delightful dessert that balances the natural sweetness of apples with the bold, fruity notes of grenadine syrup. It features a crisp, flaky puff pastry crust filled with tender, lightly spiced apple slices, perfectly caramelized with brown sugar. The grenadine syrup not only adds a unique flavor dimension but also creates a beautiful, rosy hue in the apple filling. This tart is both visually appealing and delicious, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or as a simple, comforting treat after a meal. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. The preparation is straightforward, and with the help of store-bought puff pastry, it's quite accessible even for beginner bakers. This apple tart can be varied to suit different tastes by adjusting the spices or adding other fruits. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this tart is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best served with a table full of friends and family, or as a treat for yourself with a hot cup of tea.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g puff pastry
500 g apples
50 ml grenadine syrup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
100 ml water
1 teaspoon potato starch

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes (including both preparation and baking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by preparing the apples. Peel them, core them, and cut them into slices, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, place the apple slices and pour over the grenadine syrup.
Heat the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until the apples become soft but not mushy.
While the apples cook, dissolve the potato starch in cold water to form a smooth slurry.
Once the apples are soft, pour the starch mixture into the pot in a thin stream while continually stirring.
Allow the mixture to thicken, then turn off the heat and set aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, take the puff pastry dough out of the refrigerator to allow it to become pliable for rolling.
Lightly flour your work surface and gently roll out the pastry to fit your tart pan.
Press the pastry into the tart pan, ensuring it adheres to the sides, then trim any excess hanging over the edges.
Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the pastry base.
Sprinkle the top with brown sugar for added sweetness and a caramelized finish.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Place the tart in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden and crisp.
Check the tart halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool before slicing.
For a decorative flair, consider dusting the tart with confectioner's sugar just before serving.
The apple tart can be served warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
If desired, garnish with fresh mint for a touch of color.
Enjoy this lovely dessert that combines a flaky crust with a sweet, fruity filling.

Tips

**Use firm apples** such as Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
**Substitute grenadine** with apple cider syrup or a mix of cranberry and pomegranate juices for a different taste.
If you're short on time, **pre-made pie crust** can be used instead of puff pastry for a quicker preparation.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

**For a gluten-free version**, use gluten-free puff pastry.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for **additional texture and flavor**.
Incorporate a teaspoon of **cinnamon or nutmeg** for added warmth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with **vanilla ice cream** or **whipped cream** for extra indulgence.
Pair with a **hot cup of chai tea** for a comforting duo.
Garnish with **fresh mint leaves** for a pop of color.

Best Places

Le Meurice - Known for its classic French pastries. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Pastéis de Belém - Famous for traditional Portuguese pastries. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Home of the cronut and innovative desserts. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, USA.
Conditorei Schober - Known for classic Swiss pastries and chocolates. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac - Offers modern French pastries with a twist. Location: 24 Rue Paul Bert, Paris, France.
Demel - Historic café with a luxurious pastry assortment. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Tartine Bakery - Renowned for artisanal bread and pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred - Unique pastries with a Belgian touch. Location: 94 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris, France.
Ladurée - Iconic for its macarons and elegant desserts. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
Häagen-Dazs Cafe Ginza - Specialty in ice cream creations and desserts. Location: 1-8-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan.