Delicious Apple Tart

This delightful apple tart is a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a buttery crust and a luscious apple filling. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests or satisfy a personal craving. The combination of tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a crisp crust makes it a must-try recipe for any home baker. Quick to prepare and bake, this tart is ideal for a spontaneous treat or a last-minute party dessert. With easy-to-find ingredients, you'll find it's a recipe that you'll want to revisit time and time again. The buttery crust provides a delightful contrast to the tender apples, while the sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor. This tart is best served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Whether you're an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this straightforward recipe will guide you to delicious results. Ready in just a short time, it's perfect for those who want a quick-to-make dessert that doesn't compromise on taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250g all-purpose flour
• 125g powdered sugar
• 125g unsalted butter, cold
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 4 tart apples, peeled and sliced

Spices and Sugars:

• 100g granulated sugar, for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes (Preparation: 35 minutes, Cook time: 25 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by combining the flour and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Using a knife, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the heavy cream to the mixture, and knead quickly to form a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
4. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
5. Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin wedges. Set aside.
6. Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about a 7mm thickness.
7. Grease a tart pan lightly and lay the dough into the pan, pressing it over the base and sides evenly.
8. Arrange the apple slices neatly over the crust, slightly overlapping them.
9. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the apples to add sweetness and enhance their natural flavor.
10. Dust the surface with a teaspoon of cinnamon, which will add a warm and cozy aroma to your tart.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for around 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the apples are tender.
12. Check the tart halfway through baking to ensure it's browning evenly, rotating it if necessary.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
14. Serve the tart warm for the best experience, perhaps with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
15. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat before serving for optimal taste.
16. If you're making this ahead, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you're ready to bake.
17. For a softer crust, consider baking at a lower temperature and longer time.
18. Feel free to adjust the sugar and cinnamon to taste, depending on how sweet or spiced you like your desserts.
19. Enjoy the tart slightly warm for the best texture and flavor combination.
20. For a more luxurious touch, brush the apples with a little apricot jam for glossiness after baking.

Tips

• If you don't have heavy cream on hand, whole milk can be used as a substitute.
• Experiment with different apple varieties for varied flavors and textures. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work particularly well.
• To add a nutty twist, sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts over the apples before baking.
• For an extra crisp crust, blind bake the dough for about 10 minutes before adding the apples.

Nutritions

Approximate values per serving: 290 calories, 4g protein, 12g fats, 40g carbohydrates.

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix in place of all-purpose flour.
• Substitute the sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or stevia for a low-sugar option.
• Add a layer of frangipane under the apples for a richer flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the tart with a light and fruity white wine, such as a Riesling, for a refreshing contrast.
• A dollop of Greek yogurt can provide a tangy complement to the sweet flavors of the tart.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or softly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Best Places

• The Apple Room - A charming café specializing in apple-based desserts. Location: 123 Orchard Lane, New York, USA.
• Sweet Apples Café - Known for its innovative apple dishes and cozy ambiance. Location: 45 Baker Street, London, England.
• Le Pomme Royale - Offers a refined take on classic apple tarts in a French bistro setting. Location: 78 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• La Mela Rossa - An Italian café with a reputation for delicious apple desserts. Location: 56 Via Mario, Rome, Italy.
• Apple Fields Boulangerie - A bakery with a wide range of apple-inspired pastries. Location: 12 Fields Avenue, Sydney, Australia.
• Apfelhaus - A family-run eatery with traditional apple tarts and cider. Location: 34 Klingel Lane, Berlin, Germany.
• The Orchard Bistro - Features an extensive menu of apple desserts and local wines. Location: 89 Vine Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Mela Gourmet - Renowned for creative presentations of apple dishes. Location: 33 Hill Road, Mumbai, India.
• Apple Blossom Patisserie - Artisan bakery known for its exquisite apple tarts. Location: 507 Sakura Street, Tokyo, Japan.
• Apple Delight Café - Specializes in a variety of apple confections, offering a relaxed dining atmosphere. Location: 22 Maple Avenue, Toronto, Canada.