Imagine a dessert that looks like it's straight from a Parisian bakery window, with golden, flaky pastry and perfectly caramelized apple slices that glisten with a delicate apricot glaze. This French Apple Tart isn't just a recipe—it's an edible work of art that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet sanctuary, impressing family and friends with minimal effort and maximum elegance.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 3 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Remove the puff pastry from the refrigerator 30 minutes before preparing to allow it to come to room temperature, which prevents cracking when unfolding.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline, aiming for uniform 1/8-inch thick slices.
- Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and help maintain their fresh appearance.
- Gently unfold the puff pastry sheet onto the prepared baking sheet, being careful not to tear the delicate dough.
- Using a sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch border around the pastry's edge without cutting completely through, creating a frame for the apple arrangement.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle half the mixture evenly over the pastry's inner section.
- Arrange apple slices in overlapping, slightly angled rows within the scored border, ensuring a decorative, slightly fanned pattern.
- Sprinkle the remaining sugar-cinnamon mixture over the arranged apple slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown and crisp, and apple edges start to caramelize.
- While tart is baking, warm apricot jam in a small saucepan, stirring until smooth and slightly thinned.
- Once tart is removed from oven, immediately brush the warmed apricot jam over the apple slices to create a glossy, professional finish.
- Allow tart to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure the pastry sets properly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your puff pastry sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before unfolding to prevent cracking.
- Slice Apples Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create thin, consistent apple slices that cook evenly and look professionally arranged.
- Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright appearance.
- Create Visual Appeal: When arranging apple slices, slightly overlap and angle them to create an elegant, fanned pattern within the pastry border.
- Glaze for Shine: The warm apricot jam brush gives your tart a professional, glossy finish that elevates its visual appeal.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the tart rest 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the pastry to set properly, ensuring a crisp, flaky texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg
