An apple tart is a delicious dessert made with a buttery crust and sweet apple slices arranged in a beautiful design. This Best Apple Tart Recipe is easy to follow and yields a perfect tart every time. Serve it warm for a truly satisfying treat!

Crisp, Buttery, and Sweet
The Best Apple Tart Recipe is all about creating a simple yet elegant dessert that combines a buttery crust with tender, sweet apples. This tart is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or a cozy evening treat. While it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a deliciously crisp tart with a flavorful apple filling that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why is it called “Apple Tart”?
An Apple Tart is a classic French dessert that highlights the natural flavors of fresh apples. Unlike an apple pie, which has a top and bottom crust, an apple tart is made with a single crust that holds the apple filling. The apples are arranged beautifully on top of the crust, and the tart is often glazed with apricot jam to give it a shiny finish. It’s called a “tart” because of the open-faced design that allows the apples to take center stage.

How Should Apple Tart Taste?
A well-made Apple Tart should have a crisp, buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender, sweet apples. The apples should retain a bit of their structure while becoming soft and caramelized from the sugar and cinnamon. The flavor of the apples should be the star, enhanced by the subtle sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the cinnamon. The apricot glaze adds a slight tanginess and an appealing shine that makes the tart look as good as it tastes.
Read More: Flaky Butter Croissant Recipe: Perfect French Pastry at Home
It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect
To make the Best Apple Tart Recipe truly perfect, follow these tips:
- Use Cold Butter for the Crust: The key to a flaky, buttery crust is using cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and work it into the flour quickly to prevent it from melting before baking. This will create those delicious layers that make the crust crisp and tender.
- Thinly Slice the Apples: For even cooking and a visually appealing tart, thinly slice the apples. Arrange them in overlapping concentric circles to ensure they cook evenly and look professional.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: Brushing the apples with warmed apricot jam after baking gives the tart a glossy, polished look. It also adds a slight tang that enhances the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the crust.
- Choose the Right Apples: While Granny Smith apples are the traditional choice because of their tartness and firm texture, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a sweeter, softer result.
- Serve it Warm: For the best flavor, serve the tart warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm tart and the cool topping creates a delightful dessert experience.

Apple Tart Recipe
Equipment
- Tart pan (9-inch)
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp apricot jam
Instructions
- 1. Make the Tart CrustIn a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.Stir in the egg yolk and cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 20 minutes.Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing the dough into the sides. Trim any excess dough.2. Prepare the Apple FillingPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles over the tart crust.In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Brush the apples with melted butter and sprinkle the sugar mixture over the top.3. Bake the Apple TartBake the tart for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are golden brown and the crust is crisp.Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.4. Add the GlazeWarm the apricot jam in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s liquid. Brush a thin layer over the apples to give them a glossy finish.5. ServeSlice the tart and serve warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples work well because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness, but you can also use Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the tart dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Add Spices: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple filling.
Conclusion
This Best Apple Tart Recipe offers a perfect balance of buttery crust and sweet apple filling, creating a dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a classic French pastry that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this apple tart is sure to become a favorite. Try it with different varieties of apples to find the flavor combination that you love best!