Apple Tart with Cream: A Delightful Recipe for Any Occasion
The apple tart with cream is a classic dessert that blends the sweetness of apples with the richness of a creamy filling. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family treat, this recipe highlights simple ingredients and delivers a stunning result. With a crisp tart crust, a velvety cream filling, and perfectly spiced apple slices, this dessert will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Below is a step-by-step guide to making this exquisite tart.
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- A pinch of salt
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
For the Apple Topping:
- 2-3 medium-sized apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Tart Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add an extra tablespoon of water.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface until it fits your tart pan (9-inch diameter). Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing. Prebake the crust in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Preparing the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg yolk, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor, if desired.
3. Preparing the Apple Topping:
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into even pieces.
- Toss the slices with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a large bowl to coat evenly.
4. Assembling the Tart:
- Pour the cream filling into the prebaked tart crust, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the apple slices on top of the cream in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping them for a visually appealing design.
- Brush the apples with melted butter to enhance their flavor and help them caramelize.
5. Baking the Tart:
- Bake the assembled tart in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cream filling is set and the apples are tender and golden.
- Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust the cooled tart with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples for extra sweetness.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts for added texture and crunch.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, but you can mix them with sweeter varieties for a balanced flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Crusts: Prebaking the crust ensures it remains crisp and does not absorb moisture from the filling.
- Add a Glaze: For a shiny finish, brush the apples with apricot jam or honey after baking.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The apple tart with cream combines different textures and flavors, creating a dessert that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to prepare. The tart crust provides a firm and buttery base, the cream filling offers smooth richness, and the spiced apples bring a sweet and aromatic touch. Whether for a casual gathering or a formal dinner, this dessert is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
This apple tart with cream recipe is not only visually stunning but also straightforward to prepare, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers. Try it today and bring a slice of joy to your table!