The apple tart is an amazing temptation that combines crispy pastry, sweet apple fruit filling and aromatic spices. This dessert is a real delight for the senses and brings with it a wealth of textures and flavours.
Let's start with the base of the tart - the pastry. For it, you will need to carefully mix the flour with a little sugar and a pinch of salt. Then add the cubed butter and vanilla extract.
Mix the ingredients until you get a shortcrust pastry that separates from your hands. Then shape it into a disk and chill it in the refrigerator for about half an hour.
Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 ½ cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon salt.
Add 1 cup diced cold butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture takes on the texture of coarse croissants.
Add ¼ cup ice water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until a uniform batter forms.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, you can start preparing the apple fruit filling. Choose fresh and juicy apples, preferring varieties such as Granny Smith or Renny Dell.
Wash them well and slice them thinly, removing the peel and seeds. Place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle with a little sugar and spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. This will add extra aroma and flavour to the fruit filling.
Step 2: Preparing the fruit filling
Choose 4-5 medium-sized apples, preferring varieties with a sweet and sour taste.
Wash the apples and peel them. Remove the seeds and cut them into thin slices.
Place the apple slices in a bowl and sprinkle with ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and the juice of half a lemon. Stir well to coat the apples with the spices.
Once the dough has chilled sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface.
Shape it into the desired shape, which can be round, rectangular or even heart-shaped, depending on your preference.
Place the dough on a baking tray and press it gently to make it an even thickness. Trim the excess dough from the edges and use it for decoration, if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the apple tart
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Shape it into the desired shape by stretching it to an even thickness.
Transfer the dough to the baking tray and stick it to the bottom and sides of the tin. Trim any excess dough from the edges and use it for decoration, if desired.
Arrange the apple slices on top of the pastry, layering them on top of each other and arranging them evenly. Cover the filling with some of the remaining sugar and spices, if desired.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Bake the apple tart in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are soft and juicy.
The fruit filling is next. Spread the sliced apples over the pastry, placing them in peaks or evenly distributed.
You can arrange them in round rows or put them in a fan, which will give the tart an extra chic touch.
Use the fruit filling in a thick layer, making sure all the slices are coated with a little sugar and spices.
Preheat the oven to the pre-set temperature and place the apple tart inside.
Bake it for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are soft and juicy. The aroma of freshly baked apple tart will fill your kitchen and make you look forward to the first delicious bite.
When you take the tart out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve it warm, with kugel or vanilla ice cream, which will complement the taste and create an impression.
Apple tart is perfect for special occasions or just for enjoying at any time of the day. Its exquisite taste and aesthetic appearance will make it your favorite dessert and bring you the joy of gourmet delight.