Few desserts capture the essence of French countryside baking as perfectly as the Tarte aux Pommes Normande — a luscious apple tart hailing from Normandy, the land of apples, cream, and butter. With its crisp buttery crust, tender apple slices, and rich vanilla-cream custard, this tart is a rustic yet elegant dessert that embodies the warm flavors of northern France.
Whether served as a Sunday lunch finale or with coffee at a café table in Rouen, Tarte Normande is pure comfort in every bite.
🍏 What is Tarte aux Pommes Normande?
Tarte aux Pommes Normande, or Normandy Apple Tart, is a French dessert that features:
A shortcrust pastry (pâte brisée)
A layer of thinly sliced applesUnlike the classic French Tarte aux Pommes which is more minimalist, the Normande version is richer and creamier, thanks to the addition of custard.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For a 9-inch (23 cm) tart:
🍎 For the pastry (or use store-bought shortcrust):
200g (1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour
100g (7 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, diced🍏 For the filling:
3–4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or Reinette)
2 eggs👨🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Rub in the cold butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
đź“ť Shortcut: Use good-quality store-bought shortcrust pastry if you're in a rush.
🔹 Step 2: Roll Out and Blind-Bake
Roll the dough on a floured surface and line your tart tin. Prick the base with a fork and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line the tart shell with parchment and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for 5–7 more minutes until lightly golden.
🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Peel and core the apples, then slice them thinly. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla, and Calvados (if using).
Arrange the apple slices in a spiral or layered pattern in the tart shell. Pour the custard mixture gently over the apples. Dot with a few small pieces of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
🔹 Step 4: Bake the Tart
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the apples are tender and golden. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature
Dust with powdered sugar before serving🧑🍳 Tips for a Perfect Tarte Normande
Use firm apples that hold their shape while baking
Chill the pastry to avoid shrinking during blind baking🍎 A Taste of Normandy
The Normandy region is famous for its apple orchards, dairy farms, and butter-rich cuisine. Tarte aux Pommes Normande is a celebration of all three — apples, cream, and butter — baked into a golden, custardy tart that evokes the comfort of a French farmhouse.
This dish is especially popular during autumn apple harvest, but its simple beauty makes it a year-round favorite across France.
đź“Ś Variations to Try
Use pears instead of apples for a Tarte aux Poires
Add slivered almonds on top before baking for texture
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