This classic apple tart features a sugar-free pastry filled with a delightful mix of green and red apples, enhanced with peach jam and a simple lemon glaze for the perfect touch of sweetness. The crust is buttery and flaky, designed to complement the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples, while the jam and glaze add a lovely gloss and flavor boost.
Why You'll Love This: This tart exemplifies the beauty of simplicity in baking. The contrasting textures and flavors—crisp apples, flaky pastry, sweet jam, and zesty glaze—come together to create a dessert that's satisfyingly delicious. It's perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that's indulgent yet not overly sweet.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to more formal tea parties. It's particularly suitable for autumn when apples are in season, but its timeless appeal makes it a delightful addition to any meal, any time of the year. Serve it at your next brunch or as an elegant dessert at a dinner party.
Decoration Tips:
- Arrange thin apple slices in a decorative spiral on top of the tart before baking for a rustic yet elegant look.
- Brush the top with peach jam while still warm to add a beautiful sheen and enhance the flavor.
- Once the tart has cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top in a back-and-forth pattern for a professional finish.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of spice and sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Pastry:
- 175g cold butter, cubed
- 250g all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons ice water
- Filling:
- 5 apples (a mix of green and red), peeled, cored, and sliced
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A splash of vanilla extract
- Extras:
- Peach jam for glazing
- Lemon Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Combine the cold cubed butter, flour, and salt in a bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Add ice water and press the mixture together into a dough without over-kneading. Chill the dough, wrapped, in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Roll out the dough into two circles, one slightly larger than the other. Place the larger circle in a greased 22cm diameter tart tin or a 20x12cm rectangular tin.
- Toss the apple slices with lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla. Place the apple mixture onto the pastry base.
- Cover with the second pastry circle, sealing the edges. Make a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Optionally, sprinkle sugar over the top.
- Baking:
- Bake for about 75 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden.
- While hot, brush with peach jam.
- Glazing:
- Mix confectioners' sugar with lemon juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled tart.
Enjoy this delightful apple tart, perfect for sharing a slice of sweetness and tradition with friends and family!