Embark on a culinary journey with this luxurious Vegan Apple Tart, where traditional French dessert meets modern vegan delights. Featuring a rich, buttery vegan shortcrust, a lusciously smooth almond frangipane, and elegantly glazed apple slices, this tart is a testament to the finesse of plant-based baking. Its components blend harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors that elevate the humble apple to new heights.
Why You'll Love This Tart
This tart is a marvel of dairy-free baking, providing an eggless delight that doesn’t compromise on texture or taste. The almond frangipane filling is sumptuously rich, offering a velvety contrast to the crisp, lightly sweetened apple slices on top. With the added glaze of apricot jam, each slice boasts a perfect balance of sweet and tart, creating a sophisticated dessert experience. Its vegan credentials mean it’s not only better for the environment but also inclusive for guests with dietary restrictions.
Perfect Occasion for This Tart
Ideal for any season, this tart shines particularly during the fall and winter months. It's a stunning addition to holiday tables, festive celebrations, or even as a weekend treat. This tart also makes a thoughtful dessert choice for gatherings where dietary inclusiveness is key, ensuring that no guest misses out on a slice of decadence.
Decoration Tips
For a visually striking presentation, arrange the apple slices in a spiral or rosette pattern atop the frangipane. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted almond slices can add texture and flair. To achieve a glossy, professional finish, brush the apples with a thin layer of warmed apricot jam just after baking, enhancing both their sheen and taste.
Ingredients:
- Pastry:
- 1 batch of vegan shortcrust pastry
- 80 g (⅓ cup) apricot jam
- Frangipane:
- 100 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- 120 g (½ cup) vegan butter, room temperature
- 80 g (⅓ cup) vegan Greek-style yogurt, or unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 120 g (½ cup) ground almonds
- 60 g (¼ cup) plain flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, sifted
- Apple Layer:
- 2 apples (Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Braeburn recommended)
- Reserved apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon flaked almonds (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry: Make and par-bake a batch of vegan shortcrust pastry. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Preheat Oven: Set to 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted or 180°C (356°F) for conventional ovens.
- Apricot Glaze: Gently heat the apricot jam until smooth. Brush the base and sides of the cooled pastry shell with jam, reserving some for the apple layer.
- Frangipane: Split the vanilla pod and scrape the seeds into a mixing bowl with sugar. Mix well and remove the pod. Cream together the vegan butter and infused sugar, then gradually mix in the yogurt and almond extract if using. Combine the ground almonds, flour, and baking powder in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet ingredients.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the frangipane evenly into the pastry shell.
- Prepare Apples: Slice the apples thinly and arrange atop the frangipane. Brush with reserved apricot jam and sprinkle with flaked almonds if using.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes until apples are tender and the tart is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing. Chill for a few hours for best texture.
Enjoy this divine Vegan Apple Tart that seamlessly combines gourmet flavors with vegan flexibility!