The homemade apple tart is one of the most popular desserts in France — yet many hesitate to make it, intimidated by peeling and cutting the fruit. Good news: with the right method and the right tools, making a crispy, golden, and flavorful apple tart becomes child's play. In this guide, Kitchygoods walks you through step by step, from selecting the apples to baking, including tips to save time in the kitchen. And if you have extra apples, we also explain how to turn them into a smooth, effortless homemade applesauce.
Which apple to choose for a successful apple tart?
Choosing the variety is the first decision that determines the result. Not all apples behave the same way when cooked.
- Golden Delicious: tender, slightly sweet, ideal for a classic tart. It holds up well during baking without falling apart.
- Reinette grise du Canada: more tart, it adds character and an incomparable aroma. Perfect for lovers of strong flavors.
- Granny Smith: very firm and tart, suitable for tarts where you want the slices to remain clearly visible and slightly crunchy.
- Boskoop: the pastry chefs' favorite for compotes and rustic tarts. Its mealy flesh melts when cooked and develops an intense flavor.
For a classic apple tart, the Golden + Reinette mix is often the most balanced: tender, aromatic, and slightly tart. Plan about 1 kg of apples for a 28 cm pan, or 4 to 5 apples depending on their size.
How to peel and cut apples quickly?
Peeling and cutting are often the most tedious steps. Yet, with the right tools, they can be done in minutes.
To peel quickly, an ergonomic peeler with a ceramic or stainless steel blade is much more efficient than a knife. The Kitchygoods Crank Apple Peeler goes even further: it peels, cores, and slices the apple in a single rotation, in less than 10 seconds per fruit. Ideal when preparing several tarts or a large amount of applesauce.
For cutting into even slices, the 12-Slice Apple Slicer is the go-to tool. In one motion, it divides the apple into 12 equal parts while removing the core. Result: uniform slices that bake evenly and arrange easily in a rosette on the tart.
For side vegetables or other preparations, the 3-in-1 Vegetable Peeler perfectly complements the set with its three interchangeable blades suited to every type of skin.
Homemade apple tart recipe — key steps
Here is the method in broad steps for a successful homemade apple tart, with or without applesauce as a base.
The dough: use a homemade shortcrust pastry (250 g flour, 125 g cold butter, a pinch of salt, 50 ml cold water) or a quality store-bought dough. Roll it out in a buttered 28 cm pan and prick the bottom with a fork. Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge.
The applesauce base (optional but recommended): cook 3 peeled and chopped apples with 1 tablespoon sugar and a knob of butter for 15 minutes over low heat. Roughly mash with a fork. This base adds softness and intensifies the apple flavor. Spread it over the cooled tart base.
The topping: peel and slice the remaining 2 apples into thin, even slices. Arrange them in a rosette over the applesauce. Sprinkle with brown sugar and a few small knobs of butter. Bake at 180 °C for 35 to 40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the apples slightly caramelized.
The finishing touch: when out of the oven, brush with a little warmed apricot jam for a shiny finish worthy of a pastry shop display.
Kitchygoods tools to prepare your apples effortlessly
Three Kitchygoods tools turn apple preparation into a quick and pleasant moment, whether for a tart, applesauce, or a simple snack.
The 12-Slice Apple Slicer cores and slices in one motion. The Crank Apple Peeler peels, cores, and slices in under 10 seconds. The 3-in-1 Vegetable Peeler adapts to all fruits and vegetables with its three interchangeable blades. Together, they cut preparation time in half.
Find all our pastry utensils to equip your kitchen with durable and efficient tools.
Conclusion: homemade apple tart, a classic within reach
Making a homemade apple tart requires neither special talent nor professional equipment — just the right varieties, a clear method, and suitable tools. With the 12-Slice Apple Slicer, the Crank Peeler, and the 3-in-1 Peeler from Kitchygoods, preparation becomes quick, precise, and even enjoyable. Ready to impress family and friends? Discover our full selection of pastry utensils and turn every dessert into a moment of shared pleasure.
