Description
This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a simple yet elegant dessert featuring thinly sliced apples arranged over buttery puff pastry, baked to golden perfection. The tart is lightly sugared both underneath and on top for a caramelized finish and is best served warm with a side of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry Base
- 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
- 3 tsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar)
Apple Topping
- 5 tsp caster sugar (divided: 3 tsp for underneath, 2 tsp for topping)
- 2 large Gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Serving
- Icing sugar / powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (recommended for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tray: Place a baking tray in the oven and preheat the oven to 210°C (375°F), or 190°C (375°F) fan-forced setting. Keeping the tray hot ensures even baking.
- Sugar the Baking Paper: Lay a sheet of baking/parchment paper on your work surface and evenly sprinkle 3 teaspoons of caster sugar roughly in the shape of the puff pastry sheet that will go on top.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Place the barely thawed puff pastry sheet on the sugared baking paper. Fold the edges inward about 1cm (0.4″) to form a neat border, creating a shallow crust around the tart.
- Arrange Apple Slices: Spread the thin apple slices over the pastry in three rows, slightly overlapping each slice to create an elegant layered look.
- Brush with Butter and Sugar: Generously brush the melted butter over the apple slices and folded edges, then sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of caster sugar evenly over the apples and the pastry edge to enhance caramelization during baking.
- Bake the Tart: Carefully transfer the tart along with the parchment paper onto the preheated baking tray. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the puff pastry edges turn puffed and golden brown and the apples soften.
- Serve: Once baked, slice the tart into 6 servings. Optionally dust the top with icing (powdered) sugar for added sweetness and presentation. Serve warm accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, delightful pairing.
Notes
- Use Gala apples for their natural sweetness and firm texture; other firm, sweet apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can work well too.
- Keep the puff pastry barely thawed to make folding edges easier without tearing the dough.
- The sugar underneath the pastry helps create a crisp, caramelized base, adding texture and flavor.
- Serving the tart warm with vanilla ice cream greatly enhances the dessert experience, balancing warm fruit with creamy cold.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free ice cream.
- Ensure the baking tray is hot before placing the tart on it to promote even cooking and puffing of the pastry edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: French apple tart, tarte fine aux pommes, easy apple tart, puff pastry apple tart, apple dessert, classic French dessert, vanilla ice cream pairing
