Apple tart with custard, fragrant, soft, and delicious: a homemade dessert that feels like a warm oven, warm wood, and slow family days. The lemon custard meets apples and cinnamon, creating a scent that fills the entire kitchen and instantly lifts your mood. For this recipe, I almost always choose Golden Delicious apples: sweet, slightly tart, and perfect for enhancing the handmade shortcrust pastry. Cinnamon adds that enveloping note that makes each slice special, perfect for an afternoon snack or a Sunday breakfast. If you love fruit desserts, also try my Grandma’s apple cake and the soft tart from Grandma: fluffy, genuine, and always appreciated by everyone. It’s a simple recipe, accessible to all, ideal for making a homemade dessert that wins you over at first bite. Let’s prepare it together calmly and with heart. See you soon, Susy 💕
You might be interested in:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 10
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 413.91 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 60.55 (g) of which sugars 32.61 (g)
- Proteins 7.68 (g)
- Fat 17.42 (g) of which saturated 10.01 (g)of which unsaturated 7.35 (g)
- Fibers 5.42 (g)
- Sodium 54.77 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 180 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for the apple tart with custard
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 lemon zest (grated)
- 2 cups milk
- 8 egg yolks egg yolks
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 lemon zest
- 3 Golden Delicious apples
- brown sugar (for the top)
- lemon juice (for the apples)
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
Useful tools
- Pan 9-inch tart pan
- Rolling Pin
- Brush kitchen brush
Preparation of the apple tart with custard
I start by preparing the shortcrust pastry: I quickly mix the softened butter with the sugar, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until I get a smooth cream. I add the egg and the yolk, then gradually incorporate the flour. I work the dough just enough, form a dough ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the fridge for about 2 hours: this step is essential for having an elastic, fragrant, and easy-to-roll pastry.
Meanwhile, I prepare the custard: I heat the milk with the lemon zest. In a bowl, I whisk the yolks with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, add the starch, and mix. I pour the hot milk in a thin stream, mix, and bring everything back to the heat, stirring until the cream thickens and becomes velvety. I transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool completely.
I peel the apples, slice them thinly, and place them in a bowl with lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon, so they don’t brown and stay fragrant. I take the pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface, and fit it into the pan, ensuring it adheres well to the edges. I prick the base with a fork, pour in the custard, and level it. I arrange the apples in a circular pattern and sprinkle with brown sugar for a perfect golden finish.
I bake in a preheated static oven at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, until the tart is golden and fragrant. I let it cool completely before removing it from the pan: this way, it remains compact, crisp, and perfect when cut.
Storage and tips
The apple tart with custard keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or under a glass dome, so it stays soft, fragrant, and always perfect for tasting. If you prefer to serve it slightly warm, you can leave it at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying it.
For a gluten-free variant, you can use a specific mix for desserts: you’ll get a crumbly and delicate base, perfect even for those with intolerances.
Want a touch of freshness? Add a little grated orange zest to the custard: it will smell even more delightful, and the flavor will become even more enveloping.
For a glossy and irresistible appearance, heat 2 tablespoons of apricot jam with a teaspoon of water, mix well, and brush the tart’s surface when it is completely cold: it will be bright, elegant, and ready to impress.
FAQs
Can I prepare it in advance?
Sure, you can make it the night before: the next day, it will be even better.
