How to Make French Apple Tarts at Home for Beginners

French Apple Tarts are a classic pastry that beautifully showcase the elegance and simplicity of French baking. Made with a crisp, buttery crust and thinly sliced apples arranged in delicate layers, this dessert is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying. The apples are often lightly sweetened and brushed with melted butter or apricot glaze to enhance their natural flavor and give the tart a glossy finish. Unlike traditional deep-dish apple pies, French apple tarts are typically thinner and more refined, allowing the fruit to take center stage. The balance between the flaky pastry and tender apples creates a light yet flavorful dessert that is perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or special occasions.

What makes French Apple Tarts truly special is their versatility and timeless appeal. They can be made as one large tart for sharing or as individual mini tarts for an elegant presentation. Some variations include a layer of pastry cream or almond cream beneath the apples, adding richness and depth to every bite. Despite their sophisticated appearance, French apple tarts are surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few quality ingredients. Served warm or at room temperature, they pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 

French Apple Tarts Recipe by Best Ever Desserts

Ingredients: serve 8
Search how to make pastry dough for single crust

FILLING:
2 large granny smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, halved, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
4 teaspoons confectioners sugar

Procedures:
Preheat the oven to 4250. Line a large baking sheet with foil; spray with nonstick spray.

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a disk. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disk of dough to a 6 inch round; place on the baking sheet. Arrange one fourth of the apple slices in a concentric circle of overlapping slices on each dough round, leaving a ¼ inch dorber. Brush the apples with the melted butter and sprinkle with the granulated sugar. Bake until the apples are tender and golden, about 30 minutes.

Preheat the boiler.

Dust the confectioners sugar evenly over the apples. Broil 4 inches from the heat until the apples begin to bubble and lightly char around the edges, 3-4 minutes. Cut each tart in half and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. End.