Apple pie with lemon cream

Apple tart with lemon cream is a dessert that perfectly combines the sweet taste of apples with the fresh acidity of lemon, having a crunchy texture due to the puff pastry. This dessert is not only a delicious choice but also a true visual delight that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Moreover, it is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients
- For the tart:
- 250 g puff pastry (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 apples (preferably sweet-tart varieties)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- For the lemon cream:
- 3 egg yolks
- Juice from one lemon (about 50 ml)
- 100 g melted butter
- 100 g sugar

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the puff pastry
1. Fold the edges: Start by rolling out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Fold the edges of the pastry to create a small wall that will prevent the cream from spilling.
2. Prick the base: Use a fork to prick the base of the pastry. This will allow steam to escape and prevent air bubbles from forming.

Step 2: Preparing the lemon cream
1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, melted butter, and sugar. Use a whisk to mix all the ingredients well until smooth.
2. Cook the cream: Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly for 10-15 minutes, until the cream thickens. It is important not to leave it unattended to prevent burning.

Step 3: Assembling the tart
1. Cool the cream: After the cream has thickened, let it cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.
2. Spread the cream: Pour the cooled cream over the puff pastry, being careful not to reach the edges.
3. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples (if preferred) or leave them with the skin for a more rustic taste. Remove the core and slice them thinly. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the lemon cream.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the oven for 10 minutes.
3. Add the sugar: After this time, remove the tart and sprinkle the mixture of vanilla sugar and cinnamon over the apples.
4. Bake again: Put the tart back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, being careful to monitor it. If you notice that the tart is puffing up, you can gently pierce it with a knife to let the steam escape.

Serving and suggestions
The apple tart with lemon cream is served warm or at room temperature, delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You can also accompany it with a caramel sauce for a sweet contrast. This combination will add a touch of elegance and transform the simple dessert into a true feast.

Nutritional benefits
This tart is not only tasty but also nutritious. Apples are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C, while lemon provides a beneficial acidity that aids digestion. Egg yolks contain quality proteins, and although butter is caloric, it is a source of healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use apples from other varieties? Absolutely! Tart apples are ideal, but any variety you prefer will work.
- What can I use instead of eggs? You can try replacing the yolks with a mixture of flaxseeds and water or a plant-based product, but the texture and taste will vary.
- How do I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 days to maintain its crunchy texture.

Variations and tips
- Add nuts: A delicious variation is to sprinkle chopped nuts or sliced almonds on top of the apples before baking the tart.
- Vanilla cream: You can replace the lemon cream with vanilla cream for a sweeter version of the dessert.
- Berries: For a more exotic taste, you can add berries among the apple slices.

This apple tart with lemon cream is more than just a simple recipe; it is an opportunity to create delicious memories with family and friends. All you have to do is get cooking! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 250g puff pastry, 2 apples, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. For the cream: 3 egg yolks, juice of 1 lemon, 100g melted butter, 100g sugar.