This Classic German Apple Tart is a delightful combination of a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and creamy custard topping, all enhanced with the nutty crunch of almond flakes. Perfect for an afternoon tea, a cozy dessert, or festive gatherings, this tart is as easy to make as it is delicious. The balance of sweet apples, aromatic vanilla, and crunchy almonds makes it a timeless treat.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Butter: 100 g (7 tbsp)
- Powdered Sugar: 50 g (⅓ cup)
- Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 tsp)
- Salt: A pinch
- Vegetable Oil: 3 tbsp
- Cornstarch: 50 g (¼ cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Baking Powder: A pinch
- All-Purpose Flour: 250 g (2 cups)
For the Apple Filling
- Apples: 4, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 tsp)
- Cinnamon: A pinch
- Butter: 1 tbsp
For the Custard Topping
- Eggs: 2 large
- Granulated Sugar: 60 g (¼ cup)
- Vanilla Sugar: 8 g (1 tsp)
- Melted Butter: 60 g (4 tbsp)
- Whipping Cream: 100 ml (⅓ cup)
- Almond Flakes: For topping
For Garnish
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Directions
- Prepare the Crust
- Mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Add oil, cornstarch, and the egg. Mix until combined.
- Gradually mix in flour and baking powder until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough into a 28 cm (11-inch) tart mold. Place in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Melt butter in a pan and sauté the apples with sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon until slightly softened. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Custard Topping
- Whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Add whipping cream and whisk until smooth.
- Assemble the Tart
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Arrange the apple slices over the prepared crust.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apples.
- Sprinkle almond flakes generously on top.
- Bake the Tart
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with freshly whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
- Enjoy with a cup of black coffee or spiced tea.
- Serve as a centerpiece dessert for holiday gatherings.
Cooking Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of sweetness and tang.
- Avoid overworking the dough to maintain its tender texture.
- Pre-cook the apples to prevent a soggy tart base.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth in the apple filling.
- For a glossy finish, brush the baked tart with a thin layer of apricot jam.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: High in fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestion and immunity.
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
- Eggs: Offer protein and essential vitamins for overall health.
- Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Butter: Supplies energy and fat-soluble vitamins in moderation.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains Gluten and Dairy: Not suitable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
- Contains Nuts: Avoid if allergic to almonds.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 24 g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat slices in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Combination: The balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors is irresistible.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for casual gatherings or festive occasions.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive presentation, it’s beginner-friendly.
- Seasonal Delight: Ideal for fall and winter when apples are at their peak.
- Customizable: Swap apples for pears or peaches, or try adding marzipan for a decadent twist.
Conclusion
This Classic German Apple Tart is a showcase of simple, wholesome ingredients combined to create a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and elegant. From the buttery crust to the luscious custard and crunchy almond topping, every bite is a celebration of texture and flavor. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s sure to impress and delight.
Try this timeless recipe today and bring a touch of German tradition to your table!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different fruit? Yes, pears or peaches make great substitutes.
- What apples are best? Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Boskoop work well for baking.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Can I make this tart ahead of time? Yes, prepare the tart and store in the fridge before baking.
- Can I use almond flour in the crust? Yes, almond flour adds a nutty flavor and works well.
- How do I know when it’s done? The tart is ready when the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- How do I prevent a soggy crust? Pre-cook the apples and chill the dough before baking.
- What if I don’t have almond flakes? Use chopped nuts or skip the topping entirely.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, reduce sugar in the filling and custard for a less sweet tart.
- How should I serve leftovers? Reheat in the oven or enjoy cold for a different texture.