Best French Apple Pie Recipe for a Delicious Dessert

French apple pie, or “Tarte aux Pommes,” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of rustic French baking with its delicate, buttery crust and luscious apple filling. Unlike the traditional American apple pie, this version boasts a thinner, crispier crust and a beautifully arranged apple topping that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe blends simplicity with elegance. The balance of tart and sweet apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla make each bite unforgettable.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to celebrate apple season in style.

Ready to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself? Let’s dive into the best French apple pie recipe that promises flaky crust, tender apples, and a golden finish every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French apple pie recipe stands out because of its perfectly flaky crust and the artful layering of apples that creates a stunning presentation. It’s a dessert that feels both elegant and approachable, suitable for novice bakers and experienced cooks alike.

The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced with just the right amount of sugar and warm spices without overpowering the fruit’s fresh flavor. Plus, the use of real butter in the crust gives it that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Compared to other apple pies, this one is lighter and less heavy on the filling, making it a perfect balance of crust and fruit. Also, it’s a versatile recipe—you can easily swap apples or add nuts and other spices to tailor it to your taste.

Ingredients

• For the crust: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the filling: 6 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken filling)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon apricot jam for glaze

Equipment

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or food processor (for crust)
• Rolling pin
• Peeler and corer for apples
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet (to place under tart pan)
• Brush (for glazing)
• Oven

Instructions

1. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork.
3. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
4. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and flour. Set aside.
5. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to fit your 9-inch tart pan. Carefully place the dough into the pan, trimming excess dough.
6. Pre-bake the crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to prevent sogginess.
7. Arrange apples: Starting from the outer edge, arrange apple slices in overlapping concentric circles, working your way to the center. Pour any remaining juices over the apples.
8. Bake the pie: Place the tart pan on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden.
9. Glaze the pie: Warm the apricot jam slightly and brush it over the hot apples for a beautiful shine and added flavor.
10. Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, chill the tart pan before rolling out the dough.

You can experiment with different apple varieties such as Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Fuji depending on your sweetness preference. Mixing tart and sweet apples gives a balanced flavor.

If you prefer a nutty touch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples before baking. For a richer filling, add a splash of Calvados or apple brandy to the filling mixture.

For a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and ensure the apricot jam is vegan-friendly.

To add a decorative touch, weave thin strips of dough over the apples for a lattice top or add a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This French apple pie is delightful served warm or at room temperature. Enhance the experience by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.

For a more sophisticated touch, serve alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of chilled dessert wine, such as a late harvest Riesling, complements this tart beautifully.

If you’re looking for more delicious dessert ideas, don’t miss our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan or the elegant Clafoutis Recipe Vegan for dairy-free options.

Conclusion

Making the best French apple pie at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of warm apples and buttery pastry. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic French technique and accessible ingredients, ensuring a pie that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this tart will impress your family and friends with its flaky crust and tender, fragrant apple filling. Remember, the key to success lies in choosing the right apples and taking your time to layer them carefully.

Don’t hesitate to explore more recipes to complement your baking adventures, such as our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for savory delights, or the flavorful Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Happy baking and bon appétit!

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