This apple tart is a masterpiece of baking that brings together the delightful flavors of fresh apples, cinnamon, and lemon. With a rich filling and a buttery, flaky crust, this tart is not just a dessert, but a celebration of the humble apple elevated to gourmet heights. Each component of the tart works in harmony to create a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it the perfect treat to fall in love with.
Why You'll Love This: The charm of this tart lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it offers. The apple filling, enhanced with a touch of cinnamon and lemon zest, provides a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while the vanilla adds a subtle layer of complexity. The crust is tender and rich, offering a delightful contrast to the juicy apple filling. Each bite is a reminder of home-cooked comfort, making it a dessert that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for any gathering where warmth and comfort are desired, this apple tart shines at occasions like family dinners, holiday celebrations, or as a special treat for a romantic evening. It’s also a fantastic choice for autumn gatherings, where apples are in season and their flavor is at its peak.
Decoration Tips: Serve this apple tart with artistic flair by dusting it with powdered sugar or drizzling caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a few thin apple slices arranged artfully on each plate. For an added touch of indulgence, offer a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the tart.
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 15 grams of butter
- 2 kg of apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 100 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 250 grams of softened butter
- 200 grams of sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs
- 400 grams of all-purpose flour
- 100 grams of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a saucepan, cook the apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Ensure the apples remain in chunks. Add the vanilla extract at the end of the cooking process.
- Allow the filling to cool completely.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until pale. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold into the butter mixture with a spatula until fully incorporated. Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Assemble and Bake the Tart:
- Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
- Divide the dough into two pieces, one larger than the other. Roll out the larger piece for the bottom crust and line a 18 cm by 7 cm tart pan. Use aluminum foil and pie weights (or dry beans) to prevent the dough from rising.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, remove from the oven, and let it cool slightly. Add the cold apple filling. Roll out the second piece of dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal and prick the top with a fork.
- Bake for another 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool completely before attempting to unmold. This ensures the filling sets and the crust maintains its shape.
Enjoy this divine apple tart that’s sure to capture hearts and delight palates at your next gathering!