Simple Apple Tart

This delicious apple tart is a delightful dessert that combines a flaky crust with the sweet and slightly tangy flavors of apples and cream. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is easy to prepare yet offers a complexity of flavors that will impress both family and friends. The recipe starts with a buttery dough that forms the base of the tart. Fresh apple halves are then arranged on top, with their natural sweetness enhanced by a creamy mix of sugar and eggs. The tart bakes to golden perfection, with the filling setting into a custard-like consistency that hugs the apples in a sweet embrace. Serve it warm for a comforting treat, or chilled for a refreshing dessert. Whether you're serving it at an elegant dinner party or enjoying a casual afternoon snack, this apple tart is sure to be a hit. Follow the steps below to create this lovely dessert in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

Dough

3 cups flour
400 g butter
2 tablespoons sugar

Filling

200 g sour cream
1.5 cups sugar
3 eggs
Apples

Preparation Time

50 minutes (including prep and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
Mix Ingredients: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to keep the ingredients cold for a flaky texture.
Form the Dough: Gradually add a few tablespoons of cold water to help the dough come together. Be careful not to overwork it; just mix until it forms a cohesive ball.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and solidify the butter for a tender crust.
Prepare the Apples: While the dough is chilling, wash and slice the apples in half, removing the cores but leaving the skins on for added flavor and texture.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (about 390°F) to allow it to heat fully before baking the tart.
Roll Out the Dough: When the dough is ready, roll it out on a floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press it evenly into the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges.
Arrange the Apples: Place the apple halves cut side down onto the dough, arranging them in a pleasing pattern.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, and eggs until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well combined.
Pour Over Apples: Carefully pour the sour cream mixture over the apples, ensuring even coverage.
Bake the Tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. The crust should be golden and the filling set.
Check the Tart: Around 35 minutes in, check the tart to ensure it isn’t browning too quickly. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent burning while the filling fully sets.
Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. This allows the filling to firm up completely.
Slice to Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the tart into slices. It can be served warm, which will have a softer filling, or left to cool for a more set texture.
Store Leftovers: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat slices gently before serving.
Experiment with Toppings: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor.
Try Different Apples: Use your favorite apple variety or a combination for slightly varied flavors.
Alternative Flours: For a twist, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat or almond flour.
Adjust Sweetness: Modify the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Serve with a Side: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips

Butter Temperature: Cold butter ensures a flaky crust; avoid letting it soften too much.
Dough Texture: If the dough feels too dry, a bit more cold water can help it come together.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the tart to avoid over-browning, adjusting temperature if needed.

Nutritions

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 5 g
Fats: 26 g
Carbs: 52 g

Variations

Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream complements the warm apple tart beautifully.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a classic touch.
Nuts and Caramel: Sprinkle toasted nuts and drizzle caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.

Best Places

Pâtisserie Claude - Renowned for its exquisite pastries and desserts. Location: 187 Bleecker St, New York, USA.
Du Pain et des Idées - Known for artisanal tarts and exquisite baking. Location: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, Paris, France.
Schwarzwaldstube - Offers a taste of fine German and international cuisine. Location: Tonbachstraße 237, Baiersbronn, Germany.
Pastelaria Alcôa - Famed for its traditional Portuguese desserts. Location: Rua do Ataíde 35, Lisbon, Portugal.
Tartine Bakery - Famous for a range of sweet and savory tarts. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
Odette - Offers modern takes on classic desserts. Location: National Gallery, St Andrew's Road, Singapore.
Café Landtmann - A historic café with delicious pastries. Location: Universitätsring 4, Vienna, Austria.
El Pan Nuestro - Specializes in high-quality artisanal bread and pastries. Location: Malabia 2058, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Ladurée - Known for its luxury pastries, including divine tarts. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
El Taller - Praised for its innovative and high-quality baking. Location: Calle Mayor, Madrid, Spain.