Homemade apple tart and cream

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Servings: 8 slices

 Ingredients

For the Tart Crust (Pâte Sucrée):

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 2–3 tablespoons ice water

• Pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons sugar (white or light brown)

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons apricot jam

• 1 teaspoon hot water

For the Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tart Dough

1. In a mixing bowl (or food processor), combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter.

2. Blend with a pastry cutter or pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add egg yolk and ice water, mixing just until dough forms.

4. Form dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.

Tip: Don’t overwork the dough—this ensures a tender, flaky crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples (about 1/8-inch thick).

2. Toss slices with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface and fit into a 9-inch tart pan (with removable bottom if possible).

3. Trim excess dough and prick base with a fork.

4. Arrange apple slices in overlapping concentric circles.

5. Brush apples with melted butter and sprinkle with extra sugar if desired.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional)

• Warm apricot jam with a little water and brush over warm apples for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

2. Chill until ready to serve.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or room temperature with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

• For an elegant twist, serve with crème fraîche, mascarpone, or even vanilla bean ice cream.

• Add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days

• Freezer: Freeze unbaked tart dough for up to 1 month

• Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds

 Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approximate)

Values will vary based on apples and cream topping used.