French apple tart whispers of cinnamon-kissed apples nestled in a golden, buttery crust. Imagine thinly sliced Granny Smiths swirling in berry jam, each slice caramelizing with a hint of honey and vanilla, then baked to a glossy finish. The crust is tender, made with chilled butter and flour, gently folding in a touch of sugar. While it bakes, your kitchen fills with comforting aromas that promise cozy gatherings and sweet smiles. When cooled, a light brush of apricot preserves adds a shimmering glaze that catches the light—and everyone’s attention. With every forkful, you’ll savor French charm in a slice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This French apple tart
- It’s a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors that dance on your palate.
- The flaky, buttery crust is simply irresistible and adds a perfect crunch.
- Fresh apples create a beautiful, vibrant presentation that’s sure to impress.
- It’s a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Making it from scratch gives you a sense of accomplishment and joy!

French apple tart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
- Roll out the puff pastry and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming the excess edges.
- Line the pastry with parchment paper, fill with baking weights or dry beans, and blind bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the weights and paper, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples; toss them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the partially baked crust.
- Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan and brush it over the hot apples to glaze.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Fat | 10g |
Protein | 2g |
Carbs | 38g |
Ingredients
Get ready to create a delicious French apple tart with these simple ingredients!

- Puff pastry – 1 sheet, for the crust
- Apples – 4–5 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, for the filling
- Apricot jam – 2 tablespoons, for glazing
- Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons, for sweetness
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, for flavor
- Unsalted butter – 1 tablespoon, for richness
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, to brighten up the flavors
- Egg – 1, for egg wash
How to Make French Apple Tart
This delightful French apple tart is a perfect blend of flaky pastry and sweet, tender apples. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress. Allow for a little extra time to cool before serving, and you’ll be all set!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry
Roll out the puff pastry and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming the excess edges.
Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust
Line the pastry with parchment paper, fill with baking weights or dry beans, and blind bake for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Bake Again
Remove the weights and paper, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
Step 5: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples; toss them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon.
Step 6: Arrange the Apples
Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the partially baked crust.
Step 7: Add Butter
Dot the apples with small pieces of butter.
Step 8: Final Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Step 9: Glaze the Tart
Warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan and brush it over the hot apples to glaze.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Dessert |
Cuisine | French |
Prep Time | 30 minutes |
Cook Time | 45 minutes |
Extra Time | 10 minutes (resting) |
Total Time | 85 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 8 |
Best Served | Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! |
Pro Tips for Making French Apple Tart
- Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor.
- Roll the pastry thin for a delicate, flaky crust.
- Brush the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Let the tart cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for a delightful touch.
How to Serve this French apple tart
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy touch.
- Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing apple cider for a cozy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your French apple tart with ease:
Storing French apple tart Leftovers
- Allow the tart to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep it in an airtight container.
Freezing French apple tart
- Cool the tart completely before freezing.
- Wrap it in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Consider slicing before freezing for easy serving.
Reheating French apple tart
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the tart on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a French apple tart called?
A French apple tart is commonly referred to as ‘Tarte aux Pommes.’ This delightful dessert features a buttery pastry crust filled with thinly sliced apples, often arranged in a beautiful pattern. It’s a classic French dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of apples, making it a favorite among many.
2. What is the difference between a tarte tatin and a galette?
Tarte Tatin is an upside-down caramelized apple tart, where the apples are cooked in butter and sugar before being topped with pastry and baked. In contrast, a galette is a free-form tart that can be filled with various fruits or savory ingredients, giving it a rustic appearance. Both are delicious, but they offer different textures and presentations.
3. What is a French fruit tart called?
A French fruit tart is typically called ‘Tarte aux Fruits.’ This dessert features a pastry crust filled with pastry cream and topped with an assortment of fresh fruits. It’s a vibrant and colorful dessert that highlights seasonal fruits, making it a popular choice for celebrations and gatherings.
4. What is a savory French tart called?
A savory French tart is often referred to as a ‘quiche.’ Quiches are made with a pastry crust filled with a mixture of eggs, cream, cheese, and various ingredients like vegetables or meats. They can be served warm or cold and are perfect for brunch or a light meal.
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bite of your homemade French apple tart, let the warm, buttery flavors transport you to a quaint Parisian café. This delightful dessert is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. So gather your loved ones, share a slice, and relish the joy of creating something truly special. Bon appétit!