Tarte aux Pommes à la Française (French Apple Pie)
This Tarte aux Pommes à la Française is a traditional French apple pie that is both elegant and easy to make. With a beautifully arranged apple topping and a glossy apricot glaze, this pie is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for dessert or a special occasion, it brings a touch of French pastry artistry to your table.
Place the thawed piecrust dough on a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet, and gently roll it out to form a circle about 10 inches in diameter.
Prepare the Apples:
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Arrange the apple slices in overlapping concentric circles on top of the piecrust, starting from the outside and working your way in toward the center.
Add Sugar and Butter:
Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the arranged apple slices.
Drizzle the melted butter over the apples to help them caramelize during baking.
Bake the Pie:
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze:
While the pie is baking, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat.
If using, stir in the Kirsch or French brandy.
Once the jam is smooth and melted, remove it from the heat.
Glaze the Tart:
After removing the tart from the oven, use a pastry brush to apply the warm apricot glaze over the top of the apples.
This will give the tart a beautiful, glossy finish.
Serve:
Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Pair with a sweet white wine like Sauternes or a light, crisp cider to complement the tartness of the apples and the sweetness of the glaze.