There’s nothing quite like the golden beauty of a French Apple Tart gracing your table—it’s simple, understated elegance at its finest. With crisp apples fanned out over a flaky crust and a glossy apricot glaze sealing in all that juicy flavor, this classic dessert is truly a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving something sweet on a cozy afternoon, or bringing a little piece of France to your family home, you’re going to love baking (and devouring) this French Apple Tart just as much as I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this French Apple Tart is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to make something spectacular. Every item here plays a starring role—think buttery pastry, sweet-tart apples, and a hint of sparkle from the glaze. Gather these, and you’re halfway to tart bliss!
- Puff pastry sheet or homemade tart crust: Makes the perfect buttery, crisp base that holds up to the juicy apples and adds that essential French flair.
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape and deliver a sweet-tart bite.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch sprinkles sweetness over the apples and helps them caramelize beautifully as they bake.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Brushed over the apples for richness and to help with that gorgeous golden finish.
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam: The secret for the tart’s signature glossy coating—plus, it adds a burst of sunny fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon water: Just enough to loosen the apricot jam for brushing atop your tart.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): For a warm, aromatic twist that plays perfectly with the apples, especially in the cooler months.
How to Make French Apple Tart
Step 1: Prep Your Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that beautiful, flaky base. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, roll it out just enough on a lightly floured surface to even out the edges. Transfer the pastry to a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently fold the edges up to create a charming border. Going the homemade route? Fit your tart crust into a 9-inch tart pan and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. These small touches make all the difference in achieving the quintessential French Apple Tart base!
Step 2: Arrange the Apples
This is where your inner artist comes alive! Fan out the thin apple slices in overlapping rows or concentric circles—it doesn’t have to be perfect; the rustic look is part of the tart’s charm. Just make sure the apples are evenly distributed so each bite boasts sweet, tender fruit.
Step 3: Brush and Sprinkle
Melt your unsalted butter and gently brush it over all the apple slices. Then, sprinkle the granulated sugar—plus a dusting of cinnamon if you’re feeling cozy—across the apples. This not only enhances the flavor but helps caramelize the fruit beautifully as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Tart
Slide your work of art into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are soft, with a gentle brown at the tips. The aroma alone will have everyone in the house drifting toward the kitchen!
Step 5: Glaze for Shine
While the tart is baking, combine the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s thin and smooth—a few short minutes will do. When the tart comes out of the oven, brush this glaze all over the warm apples. Not only does it create the French Apple Tart’s signature sheen, but it adds a sweet, tangy finish that elevates the whole dessert.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool slightly so it sets and slices easily. Serve it warm for ultimate comfort, or at room temperature if you prefer a firmer bite. Either way, a slice of this French Apple Tart is pure delight.
How to Serve French Apple Tart
Garnishes
A classic French Apple Tart needs little adornment, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm apples and crisp pastry. For a festive touch, dust the tart with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few toasted almond slivers add a lovely contrast in color and texture, too.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Apple Tart with a steaming cup of coffee or strong black tea for the perfect afternoon treat. If you’re planning a larger spread, a tangy fruit salad or a savory cheese board balances out the sweetness and brings a lively, French-inspired finish to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tart in rustic wedges for a casual, country vibe, or slice it into elegant slivers for something more formal. For special occasions, try mini tartlets using the same method—adorable for brunches or tea parties! And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a swirl of Calvados or brandy to the apricot glaze to give your French Apple Tart a grown-up twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some tart left over? Simply cover the cooled French Apple Tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or pop it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust will soften slightly, but the flavors will meld beautifully.
Freezing
If you’d like to save your tart for a future treat, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It stores in the freezer for up to a month. For best quality, freeze before glazing and add the warm apricot jam glaze after reheating.
Reheating
To refresh your French Apple Tart, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the pastry’s flakiness and brings back that just-baked aroma. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then warm as directed.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional, pears work beautifully, and even stone fruits like plums or peaches can stand in. Just be sure to adjust the sugar as needed and check for doneness, since softer fruits may cook more quickly.
What type Dessert
Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. This keeps the apple slices intact during baking and balances the sweet glaze nicely.
Can I make the tart crust from scratch?
You sure can! A homemade pâte brisée or even a sweet tart dough is a wonderful option if you have time. It gives the French Apple Tart an even more personal—and delicious—touch.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples provides a smoother, more refined texture, but if you love a rustic look or want to keep some additional fiber in your dessert, you can certainly leave the peels on—just wash the apples well.
How do I prevent the tart crust from getting soggy?
Pricking the base of the crust with a fork before assembling helps steam escape and keeps it crisp. Also, avoid overfilling with juicy apples or too much glaze, and bake until the crust is golden and set.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste your homemade French Apple Tart, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again—it’s that irresistible! Whether you serve it as the shining star of a holiday feast or as a spontaneous treat any day of the week, this tart brings warmth, elegance, and joy to every table. So, preheat your oven and treat yourself and your loved ones to a fresh slice of classic French comfort—bon appétit!
Print
French Apple Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic French Apple Tart, a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with thinly sliced apples, baked to perfection and glazed with apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry or Homemade Tart Crust:
1 sheet puff pastry (thawed) or 1 homemade tart crust
Apples:
4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
Granulated Sugar:
1/4 cup
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons (melted)
Apricot Jam Glaze:
2 tablespoons
Water:
1 tablespoon
Ground Cinnamon (optional):
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out the puff pastry or prepare the tart crust and place it on a baking sheet.
- Arrange Apples: Place the thinly sliced apples over the crust in rows or circles.
- Add Flavors: Brush apples with melted butter, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
- Prepare Glaze: Warm apricot jam and water, then brush over the baked tart.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Calvados or brandy to the jam glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
