French Apple Pie

Ingredients

While the American Apple Pie is known for its thick, double-crust pastry, the French Apple Pie, or Tarte aux Pommes, features a thin, crisp crust that allows the apples to take center stage. The French version also often includes a layer of almond cream or custard, adding a luscious richness to the pie. Additionally, the French Apple Pie is typically served at room temperature or slightly warm, emphasizing the natural flavors of the apples. We alse have the original recipe for Apple Pie, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (50g) almond cream or custard (optional) 1/4 cup (50g) almond cream or custard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) apricot jam, warmed (for glaze) 1/4 cup (50g) apricot jam, warmed (for glaze)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 15g (7g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 43g (20g sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and press it gently into the bottom and sides.
5. 5.
   If using almond cream or custard, spread it evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
6. 6.
   Arrange the sliced apples in a decorative pattern over the almond cream or custard.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
8. 8.
   Fold the edges of the dough over the apples, creating a rustic border.
9. 9.
   Bake the French Apple Pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. 10.
    Remove the pie from the oven and brush the top with the warmed apricot jam for a glossy finish.
11. 11.
    Allow the pie to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
12. 12.
    Serve the French Apple Pie at room temperature or slightly warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious.
• Almond cream or custard — If using almond cream, you can make your own by combining equal parts almond flour, sugar, and softened butter. If using custard, ensure it is thick enough to hold its shape when baked.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the pie before baking.
• Serve the French Apple Pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
• If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the apples before baking.
• To achieve a perfectly crisp crust, blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the almond cream or custard and apples.
• Experiment with different apple varieties to discover your favorite flavor combination.

Serving advice

Serve the French Apple Pie as a stunning dessert centerpiece at your next dinner party. Cut it into elegant slices and present it on individual dessert plates. Add a final touch by dusting each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the French Apple Pie, arrange the apple slices in a concentric pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center. This will create a beautiful rose-like design when the pie is baked.