Description
Springtime in Tuscany is best enjoyed on a sidewalk café in Florence. But if you can’t make it there, you can get a bite of it with this fantastic apple tart.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Ingredients for the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 10.5 oz (300g) white spelt flour
- 5.5 oz (150g) caster sugar
- 5.5 oz (150g) softened butter
- Grated peel of 1 lemon
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Ingredients for the Custard:
- 17 fl oz (500ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- Lemon peel
Ingredients for Assembling the Tart:
- 7 oz (200g) apricot jam
- A pinch of cinnamon powder
- 2 Golden Delicious apples
- Extra caster sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry:
- Sift the flour and baking powder onto a clean surface and make a well in the center.
- Add sugar, salt, and grated lemon peel into the well.
- Beat the egg and pour it into the well, mixing lightly with sugar using your fingers.
- Incorporate softened butter and blend until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Knead until forming a smooth dough, roll it between parchment papers, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Make the Custard:
- Heat the milk and lemon peel to just before boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and flour.
- Remove lemon peel from milk and slowly incorporate into the egg mixture.
- Return to heat and stir constantly until the custard thickens. Once thick, remove from heat, cover with cling film directly on the surface, and cool.
Assemble and Bake the Tart:
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) and grease a 24 cm round baking tin.
- Roll out the pastry to fit the tin, trim excess, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Spread apricot jam over the base, followed by a thick layer of custard. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Arrange them on the tart and sprinkle generously with sugar.
- Bake for about 50 minutes until golden. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all pastry ingredients are cold to help make the dough easier to handle.
- The custard should be allowed to cool to prevent it from baking prematurely when added to the tart.
- Arrange apple slices neatly for a better presentation.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Chilling Time: 120 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian