Mastering Julia Child's Classic Apple Tart Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide Like No Other!
Julia Child, the cherished icon of foodies everywhere, gifted us numerous recipes celebrating French cooking. One of her most beloved creations, the Apple Tart, is a perfect example of her skill and love for food. We will walk you through mastering Julia Child's classic Apple Tart recipe. Get ready to wow your friends and family!
Why This Apple Tart Is Special
Julia's Apple Tart is more than just a dessert; it's a delightful blend of crisp, juicy apples and a rich, buttery crust. This recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal.
The versatility of this tart is impressive. You can serve it warm, paired with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it cold with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. In fact, studies show that desserts enhanced with ice cream are often 30% more popular among guests than those served plain. Plus, the sweet aroma of baked apples and spices wafting through your kitchen is guaranteed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere!
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Tart Crust:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 sticks butter
2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/3 cup ice water
Note: When I make this recipe, I always make a double, or even a triple batch and put extra crusts in the freezer for later. This recipe freezes well, so feel free to make extra crusts for later.
For the Apple Filling:
4 pounds of cooking apples (I use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor)
2 tablespoons sugar
Juice of two lemons
1/3 cup apricot jam
1/3 cup brandy, cognac or rum
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze:
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons sugar
Now that you have gathered everything, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Make the Tart Dough
To create a delicious crust, start by blending the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and shortening and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together without being sticky.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
This resting period relaxes the gluten, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
While the dough chills, it's time to prep the star ingredient: the apples.
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Core and slice 2-4 of your apples (about 3 cups of apples) into 1/8-inch slices. The more evenly you cut these apples, the better your tart will look. Immediately squeeze the juice of a lemon and 2 tablespoons sugar over these slices to keep them from browning. These apples will be the top of your tart. The remaining apples can be roughly cubed or cut, as they will be made into apple filling.
Step 3: Make The Apple Filling
Combine the roughly cut apples in a bowl (about 8 cups) and toss with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Put in a large Dutch oven or pot and cook over low heat for 20 minutes until the apples are tender. Beat in the apricot jam, brandy, sugar, butter and cinnamon. Raise heat and boil until the apple filling is quite thick.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
After the dough has rested, remove it from the fridge and place it on a floured surface. Roll out the dough into a circle approximately 1/8 inch thick using a rolling pin. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your tart pan, pressing it gently into the sides.
Trim any excess dough to ensure a clean finish. Prick your crust with a fork all over the bottom. Line the crust with parchment paper, and partially bake your crust with pie weights or other filler (I use dried beans) in a 425 oven for 15 minutes. Take the pie out briefly and remove the pie weights and parchment. Prick the crust again with a fork and put back into the oven for 5 additional minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool at least 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Now for the fun part: putting your tart together!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread the apple filling in the cooled tart shell. Arrange the retained sliced apples in concentric circles over them, as shown.
Step 5: Bake the Tart
. Bake the tart for 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crust turns golden brown.
Take the tart out and allow it to cool. Your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful scent of baking apples, sure to tempt anyone nearby!
Step 6: Add the Glaze
Combine the apricot preserves and water in a small saucepan over medium heat for a perfect finish. Once melted, use a pastry brush to glaze the warm tart generously. This adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the tart's sweetness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow your tart to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with your choice of ice cream or whipped cream.
Enjoy the smiles on your guests' faces as they savor each bite of your delicious creation.
Final Thoughts
Julia Child's classic Apple Tart recipe offers a fantastic way to explore the nuances of French baking. With this step-by-step guide, you can make it uniquely yours. This delightful dessert showcases a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more.
Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your friends and family. With effort and love, this tart will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Happy Baking!
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