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Classic Homemade Apple Tart

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

A classic dessert with a handmade crust, silky custard, and tender apples. Perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:54:11 GMT
A golden apple tart decorated with apple slices and cinnamon, sitting on a white plate. Pin it
A golden apple tart decorated with apple slices and cinnamon, sitting on a white plate. | Tasteofsavor.com

This apple custard tart is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. The magic lies in achieving the perfect balance between silky smooth custard and tender baked apples. It's become my signature dessert whenever I want to create those special moments around the table.

The Story Behind This Tart

Simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary - that's the essence of this classic French dessert. The combination of creamy custard and fragrant apples creates pure magic in every bite. This recipe represents the heart of traditional French baking at its finest.

Essential Ingredients

  • For the Sweet Pastry:
    • 200g sifted flour
    • 100g cold butter
    • 70g fine sugar
    • 1 farm-fresh egg
    • Pinch of sea salt
  • For the Custard:
    • 3 fresh eggs
    • 100g golden sugar
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 500ml whole milk
    • Madagascar vanilla
    • Pinch of salt
  • For the Fruit:
    • Fresh market apples
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Method

Preparing the Pastry
Mix dry ingredients before incorporating cold butter pieces. Form into a ball and chill.
Making the Custard
Whisk eggs with sugar until pale. Add cornstarch, then gradually pour in warm milk. Stir in vanilla.
Apple Preparation
Slice apples thinly, toss with lemon juice. Season with sugar and cinnamon.
Assembly
Roll out pastry and line the tin. Arrange apple slices in a pattern, then pour custard over.
Baking
Watch carefully as it bakes until golden and set.
Une part de tarte aux pommes garnie de tranches de pommes et saupoudrée de sucre glace, présentée sur une assiette. Pin it
Une part de tarte aux pommes garnie de tranches de pommes et saupoudrée de sucre glace, présentée sur une assiette. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve with homemade vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The recipe works beautifully with seasonal pears or toasted hazelnuts for variation. Each season brings new possibilities to this versatile tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples should I use?
Golden or Granny Smith apples are great choices. Golden adds sweetness, while Granny provides a tangy flavor.
→ Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the crust up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Freezing it works too, for up to a month.
→ How do I know when the custard is done?
It’s ready when it’s golden on top, firm to touch, and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
→ Is cinnamon necessary?
Not at all! Swap it out for vanilla or leave it out entirely if you prefer a simpler flavor.
→ How do I store the tart?
Keep it in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Apple Custard Tart

A rich apple custard tart blending a flaky base, velvety custard, and apples kissed with cinnamon for a warm, sweet treat.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (1 tart (24 cm))

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 4 eggs.
02 200 grams of flour.
03 70 grams of sugar.
04 100 grams of chilled butter.
05 A teaspoon of vanilla extract.
06 500 milliliters of milk.
07 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
08 2 pinches of salt.
09 A half lemon’s juice.
10 100 grams of sugar for the custard.
11 4 to 5 apples.
12 2 tablespoons of sugar for the apples.
13 A teaspoon of cinnamon.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter together until it feels crumbly. Add in the egg, shape into a ball, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Whisk the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch together. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Cook until it thickens, then stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 03

Peel and slice the apples thinly. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, and the lemon juice.

Step 04

Roll out the dough and press it into a 24 cm tart pan. Prick the base with a fork, lay the apples on top, then pour the custard mixture over them.

Step 05

Pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard sets and turns golden.

Notes

  1. Keep the pastry cold—it makes it way easier to handle.
  2. The chilling step is super important if you want the crust to turn out great.

Tools You'll Need

  • 24 cm tart pan.
  • Oven.
  • Whisk.
  • Saucepan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 7 g