Desserts

Apple tart

⏱ 90 min🍳 40 min👤 8 pp★★★★☆

Various culinary traditions all around the world are full of great examples of desserts made up with apples. Think about the French tarte tatin, the sponge cake with apples, the American apple pie, the small pastry envelops and many more apple desserts! There's nothing more healthy, cheap and tasty as an apple, because, as the proverb says, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Have a look at our recipe!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 380 kcal / serving

Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
54g
Fat
14g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
90 minutes Preparation time
40 minutes Cooking time
Serves 8 persons
★★★★☆ Hard

Preparation

Make your shortcrust pastry working quickly together 300g of flour, 150gr of sugar, 1 yolks, 1 egg, 10gr of baking powder, 100 gr of butter. Set aside for 15 minutes. In the meanwhile, make a custard working 5 yolks with 100 gr of sugar, drizzling in the milk at room temperature, the starch and working again. Put on a low heat to simmer and thicken. Peel off and cut the apples in thin slices that you will dip in water and lemon juice in order to prevent oxidation. Spread the shortcrust and stuff it with your custard. Arrange the apple slices on top in a elegant and circular way and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon powder. Bake at 180° for 40 minutes.

Tips
Apple and cinnamon are a great match. Nevertheless, if you do not like cinnamon, don't use it! Maybe you can add some toasted pine nuts of raisins. Or just decide to leave the apple as it is, to be the queen of this unique apple tart!
Trivia
In the world there are 7 thousands different types of apples: as far as Italy is concerned, the most well-known come from Trentino Alto Adige, a green and nice region up in the North-East part of that country.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Apple Tart with Pastry Cream

One of the most delicious variations of apple tart is the one with pastry cream. In this preparation, the shortcrust pastry base is enriched with a creamy layer of pastry cream, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples. To achieve perfect pastry cream, it is essential to carefully follow the steps: whisk the egg yolks with the sugar, slowly add the milk and cornstarch, and cook until you obtain a thick and velvety consistency. Once the tart is assembled, bake it until golden. This variation not only makes the dessert richer but also adds a note of freshness and softness, making it ideal for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to a dessert after dinner.

Traditional Apple Tart

The traditional apple tart is a classic of Italian pastry, appreciated in many families. This version involves using simple slices of apples arranged on the shortcrust pastry, without the addition of cream. The key to a good traditional apple tart is the choice of apples: prefer varieties like Renette or Golden, which maintain their texture during baking and release all their flavor. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon before baking for an aromatic touch. This preparation is perfect for those who love simple and genuine desserts that evoke the flavors of home cooking. Serve it warm, perhaps accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Light Apple Tart without Butter

For those who want a lighter version of the apple tart, it can be made without butter, using seed oil or yogurt instead of this ingredient. The light recipe for apple tart is ideal for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up dessert. By replacing the butter with 100 grams of Greek yogurt, you will obtain a lighter and equally tasty shortcrust pastry. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. This variant is perfect for those looking to maintain a controlled caloric intake without compromising on taste. The light apple tart can be served at any time of the day, from a healthy breakfast to a dessert after a meal.

Apple Tart: Benefits and Calories

The apple tart, in addition to being a delicious dessert, also offers some nutritional benefits. Apples are a great ally for health: rich in fiber, they aid digestion and contribute to intestinal well-being. Furthermore, they contain antioxidants that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. If we consider a serving of apple tart, we can estimate a caloric intake ranging between 250 and 300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. By choosing fresh apples and reducing the amount of sugar, it is possible to make this dessert even healthier while maintaining its traditional character and enveloping flavor. Consumed in moderation, the apple tart can be a delightful dessert to include in one's diet.

Can you freeze apple tart?

A common question among cooking enthusiasts is whether it is possible to freeze apple tart. The answer is yes: apple tart can be frozen, but it is important to follow some simple guidelines to preserve its quality. Before freezing, make sure it is completely cooled and, if possible, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or place it in a food bag to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes until it is fragrant and delicious again. This way, you will always have a dessert ready to serve on any occasion.