Apple tart with vanilla cream

Apple and Vanilla Cream Tart - a delicious recipe that combines the crunchy texture of the dough with the sweet and juicy flavor of apples, all topped with a fine vanilla cream. This recipe, which hides a story deeply rooted in culinary tradition, is perfect for special occasions or simply to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. Let's discover together how to prepare this divine tart!

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 250 g butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:
- 600 ml sweet milk
- 4 whole eggs
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 100 g sugar

For decoration:
- 4 large apples (preferably sweet varieties, such as Golden)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 25 g melted butter (for brushing the apple slices)
- 5 tablespoons apricot or peach jam (preferably jelly)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the salt, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, cold butter cubes, and egg yolks. Using a mixer or your hands, mix the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms.

Practical Tips: Make sure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky dough. If you have time, you can place a metal bowl in the freezer for a few minutes before starting.

2. Chilling the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This step is essential to maintain its crunchy texture.

3. Rolling Out the Dough:
Once the dough has cooled, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a round sheet. The sheet should be large enough to cover the sides of the tart pan. Use a pan with a diameter of 29 cm.

Useful Detail: If the dough cracks while rolling, don’t worry! You can easily fix it by pressing it with your fingers.

4. Pre-baking the Dough:
Place the rolled-out dough in the greased and floured tart pan. With a fork, prick the dough in several places to prevent it from puffing up. Leave it in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes.

Cover the dough with baking paper and fill the pan with dry beans or baking weights. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes, then remove the paper and beans, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

5. Preparing the Vanilla Cream:
Meanwhile, start preparing the cream. In a saucepan, bring 500 ml of milk to a boil. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar until frothy. Add the cornstarch and gradually add the remaining milk (100 ml), stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Tip: Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and lump-free mixture.

6. Finalizing the Cream:
Pour the egg mixture into the milk on the stove, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. Once thickened, let it cool.

7. Preparing the Apples:
Peel the apples, cut them in half, and then into thin slices. Soak them in lemon juice to prevent oxidation and to give them a fresh taste.

8. Assembling the Tart:
Once the dough has cooled, spread the vanilla cream evenly over the tart base. Arrange the apple slices on top, then brush them with melted butter for added flavor.

9. Final Baking:
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake until the apples are nicely browned, about 25-30 minutes.

10. Final Touch:
After baking, remove the tart from the oven and brush it with apricot jam (previously warmed) for a shiny and delicious appearance.

A Personal Note:
I recommend finishing this tart with a serving of vanilla or caramel sauce to intensify the flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to the warm tart will turn the dessert into a true feast!

Nutritional Values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Peaches or plums can be a wonderful choice, bringing a different note of freshness.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
Yes, the tart can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled, then you can wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

This apple and vanilla cream tart recipe is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight you with every bite. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply to treat yourself, each slice will tell a story about your passion for cooking. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result!

 Ingredients: Dough 350 g flour 250 g butter 100 g sugar 1 packet vanilla sugar 4 egg yolks a pinch of salt Vanilla cream 600 ml sweet milk 4 eggs 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 packets vanilla sugar 100 g sugar For decoration 4 large apples 3 tablespoons lemon juice 25 g melted butter 5 tablespoons apricot or peach jam (preferably jelly)