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    Home • Recipes • Classic French Dishes

    Quick French Apple Tart (Tarte fine aux pommes)

    Published: Feb 11, 2023 · Modified: May 24, 2023 by Jill Colonna20 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Quick French Apple Tart recipe made with ready-made puff pastry. Baked in 30 minutes using 2 Granny Smith apples, butter and sugar. Serve with Calvados cream for the ultimate apple puff pastry tart - or just a dollop of good crème fraîche.

    thin apple tart with rounds of thinly sliced apples shining in the light

    What is the Difference between a Tart and a Tarte Tatin?

    The classic French tart ('Tarte' in French) has the pastry baked as a base with a filling.
    The pastry is either blind-baked separately with the filling added afterwards. Likewise, the pastry is baked at the same time as the filling, such as this tart or almond tart. The tart is always baked with the pastry underneath.

    Although the The Tarte Tatin is served with the pastry as a base, it is baked with the pastry placed on top of the filling, rather than underneath the apples. To serve, the tarte tatin is upturned so that the pastry is served 'upside-down'.

    upside down caramelised apple tart glistening on a glass plate
    A Tarte Tatin - baked differently to a classic french tart

    Can Puff Pastry Be Used as a Tart Crust?

    Ready-made puff pastry is one of our staples in the fridge. As its shelf life is quite long, it's always handy to have a stock of it - or in the freezer. Just defrost thoroughly before using. It's excellent used as a tart crust - for both sweet and savoury.  If you have the choice for puff pastry like there are a few variations in France, pick one with added butter ('pâte feuilletée pur beurre').

    In France, it's even easier, as the pastry is pre-rolled in a circle or can be bought as squares. To avoid any waste, either make this rectangular, square or round according to your ready-made puff!

    Puff is also ideal to make a classic French Tarte Tatin.

    For a quick and easy savoury tart, use ready-made puff for an Onion Tarte Tatin and this Asparagus Puff Pastry Tart.

    thinly slices apples in a spiral shape on a circle of puff pastry and topped with melted butter and sugar

    What Apples are Best for Tarts?

    What kind of apples you use for tarts depends on your personal taste.  For a quick apple tart like this one, we love Granny Smith apples, as they are particularly acidic and tart. What's more, they keep their shape in the oven without going mushy.

    If you prefer less acidic apples, use Golden Delicious, as they are perfect all-rounders for many tarts. However, if cut thinly with a mandoline, the slices do tend to break so Granny is better for thinner slices. Golden Delicious are good in this French Apple and Custard Tart - or an Apple Nougat Tart.

    For much more on what kind of apples are best for tarts and other desserts,
    see the market produce apple page.

    French Apple Tart with Puff Pastry

    preparing thin apple slices on a round of puff pastry

    This easy recipe is basically sliced apples on ready-made puff pastry. They're just brushed with a little melted butter and sprinkled with a little sugar and that's it.

    By working quickly and slicing up the apples finely (use either a sharp knife or mandoline), there's no need to pre-soak the apples in lemon juice. They don't have time to go brown! However, if you prefer to take more time, make a bowl of water with a little squeezed lemon and steep the slices in it quickly to prevent the apples browning.

    Melt a little butter in the microwave and quickly brush it over the apples and scatter over some sugar. Then slam it in the oven. Sometimes I like to add a few slivered almonds too.

    Apple Slices

    Normally I use only 2 Granny Smiths as if sliced using a mandoline, it's possible to obtain 30 slices out of just one apple!

    I like to make this tart with even more apples and pile it higher. If you do this by using 4 Granny Smith apples, then just ensure you add another 10 minutes to the cooking time - but keep your eye on it in the oven.

    Brushing on melted apricot jam to a baked apple tart

    Apricot Jam Tart Glaze

    If you like your apple tarts extra shiny, brush over warmed apricot jam just before serving to create a quick glaze.

    Did you know the French refer this glaze as 'abricoter une tarte' (literally apricot-ing a tart)?

    For much more on this, see the apricot market produce page.

    a puff pastry tart topped with pears and chocolate chips in front of a Christmas tree
    I'm good with pears too and sprinkled with chocolate chips

    Quick Puff Pastry Tart with Pears

    This recipe is also great using pears instead of apples. The mix of pears and almonds are so good. Try it in this classic Parisian Bourdaloue Tart.

    I also like to sprinkle on a handful of dark chocolate chips, as pear and chocolate goes so well - especially in a pear, apple and chocolate crumble.

    slice of apple tart with a dollop of cream on Paris plate autumn

    Do you Eat Apple Tart Warm or Cold?

    Although apple tart can be served chilled, we prefer to serve this tart warm. Moreover, it's delicious served at room temperature with a simple dusting of icing sugar.

    Either serve with the Calvados cream, or with a dribble of warmed salted caramel sauce - or just on its own.

    round thin tart topped with thinly sliced spiral of apples

    slice of apple tart with a dollop of cream on Paris plate autumn

    French Apple Tart with Calvados Cream

    Jill Colonna
    Quick and easy apple tart recipe with ready-made puff pastry, 2 Granny Smith apples, butter and a little sugar. Add the extra Calvados cream for special occasions.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
    Cuisine French
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 234 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    for the Apple Tart

    • 1 250g packet ready-made all-butter puff pastry or thawed if frozen
    • 2 Granny Smith apples organic
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 30 g (2 tbsp) butter, unsalted melted
    • 1 tablespoon apricot jam optional - to glaze

    Calvados Cream

    • 140 ml (5oz/¾ cup) whipping cream no less than 30% fat
    • 60 ml (2oz/¼ cup) mascarpone cream
    • 2 tablespoon Calvados (or Pommeau de Normandie)*

    Instructions
     

    For the Apple Tart:

    • Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/180°C fan/Gas 6.
    • If the puff pastry isn't already rolled, roll out the pastry to about 5mm (¼") thickness in either a rectangular or round shape. Place on a baking sheet covered with baking paper.
    • Peel and core the Granny Smith apples and slice them as thinly as possible using a good, sharp knife. Quickly arrange them in rows on the pastry, leaving a small space (1cm) in from the edge.
      (If you're worried about them browning, prepare a bowl of a little water with lemon juice and steep the slices in it first).
    • Melt the butter and brush on top of the apples. Scatter with a little sugar and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until golden.
      Optional: if you like your apple tart to shine, melt a little apricot jam in the microwave and brush over once baked and still warm.

    Calvados Cream:

    • In a chilled bowl, whisk the whipping cream with the mascarpone and add the Calvados or Pommeau towards the end, just as the cream thickens.

    Notes

    * Pommeau is a lighter apple wine from Normandy made with ⅓ Calvados and ⅔ non-fermented apple juice.  If you can find this easily, this is fabulous to replace Calvados.
    To Serve: with a dollop of the Calvados (apple liqueur) or Pommeau cream - or, if you prefer Calvados ice cream, replace the Drambuie to make this no-churn Ice Cream recipe. Without alcohol: serve with a little (good quality - French full fat) crème fraîche or this no-churn plombières ice cream.
    Apple Tart Glaze: If you like an extra glaze on your apple tart, brush over some warmed apricot jam before serving.
    Variation: Also works well with pears - just replace with 2 medium-ripe pears and sprinkle with a handful of dark chocolate chips.
    Measures: Please note that all my recipes are best made using digital kitchen scales in precise metric grams. Both ounces (and cups) are given as an approximate guide. 
    Keyword apple tart

    This post was first published 13 November 2019 but has now been completely updated.

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    Jill Colonna standing in a French patisserie lab holding a giant whisk over an oversized mixer bowl

    Meet Jill Colonna

    Jill is both Scottish and French and author of the book and blog, Mad About Macarons since 2010. Here she shares over 30 years of experience of living the healthy food life with her French family in Paris - via easy recipes and local food guides in France.

    More about Jill

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    1. Linda

      May 08, 2022 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      Made this recently and it was as quick and delicious as the recipe suggests. Replaced the Calvados with some whisky - a touch of the Auld Alliance!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        May 08, 2022 at 10:54 am

        Thanks so much, Linda. Love the Whisky addition for a true Scottish-French connection!

        Reply
    2. Susan

      May 05, 2020 at 4:28 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Jill. It was so easy to make and maximum flavour!! The simple almond paste was what i was looking for; it reminded me of the apple tart i used to have at the French hypermarket i used to work for years before.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        May 05, 2020 at 5:43 pm

        That's wonderful you like the recipe and it evokes your memories in France! Thanks for popping in x

        Reply
    3. Kathy

      March 06, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks, Jill. I made it recently when friends came over for dinner. We all loved it!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        March 06, 2020 at 6:31 pm

        Thanks so much for popping in to tell me! So happy you all enjoyed it - loved seeing your photos on Instagram. Have a delicious weekend!

        Reply
    4. Dave Thomson

      February 02, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      I would just like to show my appreciation to both you and Christina for the blood sweat and tears you put into using your computers.
      Stick in there lassies; we love you for it.
      Have a good weekend...

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        February 02, 2020 at 6:00 pm

        What a most lovely, motivating thing to say, Dave. Much appreciated as I don't make any money of this here. It's all for love!

        Reply
    5. Samuel

      December 07, 2019 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      Been crossing fingers for you as well deserved title of Best Blog in Paris for the second year in a row! Are the results out yet?

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        December 08, 2019 at 3:27 pm

        Hi Samuel,
        No news still from them yet. I have no idea! Thank you so much for all your support. Have a delicious Sunday x

        Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        September 23, 2020 at 11:35 am

        Hi Samuel,
        I realized I didn't get back to you on this, but the great news is that I did make it to Best Food Blog in Paris 2019 - it was so late in coming through, they've also made it for 2020! Thanks ever so much for your support x

        Reply
    6. Christina

      November 16, 2019 at 6:43 pm

      PS I LOVE that plate! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Christina

      November 16, 2019 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      You have NO idea how excited and happy it makes me to see an apple dessert with NO speck of cinnamon in sight! Honestly, it's a breath of fresh air 🙂 I love the way you made it and the Calvados cream would be brilliant atop a slice, thank you! Sorry about the pine needles, but hopefully you saved it!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 16, 2019 at 7:03 pm

        Glad you like it, Christina. I admit I love spices with apples too, depending on the dessert but in this one, it would just overpower the apples, as it's so delicate. Besides, we want the kick from the Calvados, lol. I certainly did save it, as no wastage here, although the cream took a fright!

        Reply
    8. CAMILLA HAWKINS

      November 16, 2019 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, this looks amazing and I don't think there's anything more French than a beautiful apple tart:-)

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 16, 2019 at 7:01 pm

        Thanks, Camilla. We adore French tarts!

        Reply
    9. Chloe Edges

      November 16, 2019 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      This looks gorgeous. The colours of those trees too. And I am 100% behind adding booze to all recipes!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 16, 2019 at 4:17 pm

        Thanks - I can't get enough apples at this time of year. Glad you like ze booze, Chloe!

        Reply
    10. Sara

      November 16, 2019 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for the recipe! Love your presentation, Jill. This is so good - I love the almonds at the bottom. Didn't have any Calvados but used Grand Marnier which was lovely. I must get some Calvados for the next time. This is a keeper.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 16, 2019 at 3:33 pm

        So glad you like this, Sara. Good thinking on your orange liqueur substitute in the meantime. Reminds me of an apple and orange in my Christmas stocking when I was little! Enjoy the apple tart x

        Reply

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