The French Apple Tart, or Tarte Normande, is a delicious and elegant dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and texture of apples. Traditionally made with a buttery shortcrust, this version uses a puff pastry base to keep things light and flaky, making it easier for even beginner bakers to master. With a crispy crust, tender apple slices, and a slight hint of sweetness, this tart is perfect for fall gatherings or as a delightful dessert for any occasion. The use of Calvados, a French apple brandy, adds a depth of flavor that elevates the tart without overwhelming its simplicity.
Ingredients for French Apple Tart Puff Pastry
For the Tart
- 4 large or 5 small apples (use a variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Winesap for best results)
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade, thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rice flour
- ¾ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp. Calvados (or rum as a substitute)
- 1 Tbsp. honey
- 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Instructions: How to Make a French Apple Tart with Puff Pastry
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a standard tart pan or baking sheet. Place the pastry in the pan, trimming any excess dough that hangs over the sides. Prick the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing too much while baking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rice flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy, then mix in the sugar, brown sugar, Calvados, and honey.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
Peel and core the apples, then slice them into thin, even slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Set the slices aside.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Flour Mixture
Whisk half of the flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, followed by half of the melted butter. Add the remaining flour and butter, stirring gently until smooth and thick.
Step 5: Add the Apples
Fold the apple slices into the batter, ensuring that they are well coated. Arrange the apples evenly over the puff pastry, overlapping them in a circular pattern to create a beautiful, fan-like design.
Step 6: Bake the Tart
Place the tart in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The puff pastry should be crisp and the apples tender.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack for five minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge to release the sides before removing the tart from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for a Perfect French Apple Tart Puff Pastry
Use Cold Butter for the Best Texture
Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky crust in the puff pastry. Whether using store-bought or homemade puff pastry, ensure it stays cold before placing it in the oven. If the butter melts before baking, the pastry won’t rise properly and will become dense.
Variety of Apples for Depth of Flavor
Using a mix of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Winesap gives the tart layers of flavor. Honeycrisp adds a subtle sweetness, while Fuji brings a crisp texture, and Winesap offers tartness to balance the sugars in the filling.
Don’t Skip the Calvados
Calvados is a French apple brandy that enhances the tart’s flavors, giving it a depth that pairs perfectly with the apples. If you don’t have Calvados, you can substitute it with rum or brandy, but the apple flavor in Calvados makes this dessert uniquely French.
Keep the Puff Pastry Light and Crisp
Pricking the puff pastry with a fork before baking helps to keep it from puffing too much. This step allows the pastry to remain light and crisp, forming a perfect base for the tender apples.
Serve Fresh for Best Texture
While this tart can be refrigerated or frozen, it’s best served fresh for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavors. If storing leftovers, reheat them briefly in the oven to restore the pastry’s crispness.
Serving Suggestions
The French apple tart puff pastry is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve the tart with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the crisp pastry and caramelized apples.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the tart for an indulgent treat.
- Beverage Pairings: Pair this tart with a cup of strong coffee, black tea, or even a glass of sparkling wine for a more celebratory experience.
Storing and Reheating the French Apple Tart
One of the best things about a French Apple Tart is that it stores well, maintaining its delicious flavor for days. Whether you have leftovers or you’re preparing it in advance, proper storage ensures the tart remains fresh, crisp, and flavorful.
Refrigerating the Tart
To store your baked tart, first allow it to cool completely. Cooling prevents condensation, which can make the puff pastry soggy. Once cooled, transfer the tart to an airtight container or tightly cover it with plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, the tart will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To keep the puff pastry crust crisp, you can place a piece of parchment paper underneath the tart before wrapping it. This prevents moisture from accumulating under the tart, helping to preserve the texture of the crust. When ready to serve, reheat the tart in the oven to restore its crispness (more on that below).
Freezing Instructions
If you’d like to freeze your tart for longer storage, you have two options: freezing the baked tart or freezing it before baking.
- Freezing the Baked Tart: Once the tart has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. The baked tart can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp up the crust and warm the apples.
- Freezing the Unbaked Tart: You can also prepare the tart ahead of time and freeze it before baking. After assembling the tart, cover it tightly and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw it. Simply bake the frozen tart directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the regular baking time. This method ensures you have a freshly baked tart whenever you need it.
Recipe Variations for French Apple Tart
The French Apple Tart is highly versatile, allowing you to make creative variations depending on dietary needs or flavor preferences. Below are some simple adjustments you can make to adapt the recipe while keeping it delicious.
Gluten-Free French Apple Tart
For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free version of the French apple tart is easy to create without losing the tart’s signature taste and texture. Replace the all-purpose flour in the recipe with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also incorporate almond flour for added flavor and texture. Almond flour brings a subtle nutty taste and creates a slightly more tender crust. While the texture may be a bit different from traditional puff pastry, the result is still crisp and flaky, especially when baked properly.
When working with gluten-free dough, it’s essential to ensure the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps maintain the structure and flakiness of the crust.
Vegan French Apple Tart
To make a vegan version of this tart, start by using vegan puff pastry, which is typically made without butter. You can find it in many grocery stores, or you can make it at home with vegan butter or coconut oil.
For the filling, substitute the butter in the recipe with vegan butter or coconut oil, which provides a similar richness. Instead of eggs, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder (known as a flax egg). This keeps the filling together without altering the flavor too much. The rest of the ingredients, like the apples, sugar, and spices, remain the same, so you still get that delicious tart flavor.
Almond Frangipane Tart
To elevate your French apple tart, consider adding a layer of almond frangipane beneath the apple slices. Frangipane is a creamy almond filling made from ground almonds, sugar, butter, and eggs (or vegan alternatives). It adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the tartness of the apples beautifully.
Here’s how to make frangipane:
- In a bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 egg (or flax egg).
- Add 1 cup of ground almonds and ½ tsp of almond extract. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of frangipane over the pastry base before arranging the apple slices on top.
The almond frangipane adds an extra depth of flavor to your tart, making it more decadent and perfect for special occasions.
(FAQs) About French Apple Tart
Can I Make the Tart Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the French apple tart ahead of time, and it will still taste delicious. If you’re preparing the tart in advance, you can either refrigerate or freeze it.
For short-term preparation, bake the tart as usual and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore the crispiness of the pastry.
If you’re making the tart far in advance, freezing it is the best option. Assemble the tart as instructed, but instead of baking, cover it tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, place it directly in the oven from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This method ensures a freshly baked tart without having to prepare everything on the day of serving.
What Type of Apples Are Best for French Apple Tart?
The type of apples you use can dramatically affect the flavor and texture of your tart. For the best results, choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked. A combination of Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji works particularly well.
- Honeycrisp adds a balance of sweetness and juiciness.
- Granny Smith offers a tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the puff pastry and butter.
- Fuji provides a crisp texture and mild sweetness that complements the other apples.
Using a mix of apple varieties ensures your tart has a complex flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Do I Have to Peel the Apples?
Peeling the apples is optional and depends on your preference. Leaving the skins on gives the tart a more rustic appearance and adds extra texture and fiber. Some people also enjoy the slight chewiness that the skins provide.
However, if you prefer a smoother texture, peeling the apples will give the tart a more refined finish. Peeled apples also allow the sugar and butter to coat the slices more evenly, resulting in a softer bite. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you prefer the aesthetic and texture of peeled or unpeeled apples.
Can I Use Store-Bought Puff Pastry?
Yes, using store-bought puff pastry is perfectly fine and a convenient option for busy bakers. Many brands offer high-quality all-butter puff pastry that delivers the same flaky, rich crust you’d expect from homemade dough.
When using store-bought puff pastry, ensure that it’s fully thawed before rolling it out to avoid tearing. Opt for puff pastry made with butter instead of margarine or shortening for the best flavor and texture. The buttery layers create that irresistible, flaky crust that pairs so well with the tender apples.