Name: Easy French Apple Tart – Tarte Fine aux Pommes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed; 5 tsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar; regular granulated sugar can be substituted); 2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; Icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting (optional); Vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Easy French Apple Tart, or Tarte Fine aux Pommes, is a delicate and elegant dessert that highlights thinly sliced apples on buttery puff pastry. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful tart that’s perfect for sharing any time of year.

A square tart with a golden brown puff pastry crust dusted lightly with powdered sugar forms the base. On top, there are three curved rows of thinly sliced apple pieces, arranged neatly and overlapping, showing pale yellow flesh with a faint blush of red on the edges. In the center of the tart, three round scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream rest, melting slightly and creating a soft white pool spreading outwards. Surrounding the tart, a white marbled surface is visible, with a few apple wedges placed near the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 square sheet butter puff pastry (25cm / 10″ square), barely thawed
5 tsp caster sugar (superfine sugar; regular granulated works too)
2 large gala apples (or 3 medium), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 0.5cm / 0.2″ thick
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting (optional)
Vanilla ice cream, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 210°C / 375°F (190°C fan-forced). Place a baking tray inside the oven to heat up while you prepare the tart.
Step 2: Place a sheet of parchment paper on the counter and sprinkle about 3 teaspoons of caster sugar roughly in the shape of the puff pastry sheet.
Step 3: Lay the puff pastry on top of the sugared parchment paper. Fold the edges inward to create a neat 1cm / 0.4″ border around the pastry.
Step 4: Arrange the apple slices neatly in three overlapping rows across the pastry, covering most of the surface but leaving the folded edge visible.
Step 5: Brush the apples and pastry edges evenly with melted butter. Then sprinkle 2 teaspoons of caster sugar over the apples and edges for a lovely caramelized finish.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the tart with the parchment paper onto the hot baking tray in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the apples are tender.
Step 7: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar if using, cut into six slices, and serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try brushing the pastry edges with an egg wash instead of butter before baking.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier taste or mix apple varieties for complexity.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the apples before baking for extra warmth.
If puff pastry is frozen, thaw it just until pliable but still cold to prevent shrinking while baking.

Storage

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness before serving. The tart is best enjoyed warm on the day it’s made.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a slice of golden-brown apple tart with a flaky crust, topped with thin, cream-colored apple slices arranged in a fan shape. The tart is partially covered with melting white cream, pooling softly around it, and a scoop of smooth, light beige ice cream sits beside the tart. A gold and white knife rests near the top edge of the plate while a silver fork is held by a woman's hand, gently lifting a piece of the tart. The plate sits on a soft gray cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this tart?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety you like. Tart apples such as Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter apples add natural sweetness. Mixing apples can create a nice balance of flavors.

Do I have to use vanilla ice cream to serve?

Vanilla ice cream is traditional and complements the tart beautifully, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, custard, or enjoy it plain if you prefer.