Apple Tart (Crostata di Mele)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 250g |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | 100g |
| Butter (Burro) | 100g |
| Eggs (Uova) | 55g |
| Fine salt (Sale fino) | 1 pinch |
| Lemon zest (Scorza di limone) | 1 |
| Golden apples (Mele Golden) | 950g |
| Brown sugar (Zucchero di canna) | 100g |
| Lemon juice (Succo di limone) | 1 |
Instructions:
To make this delicious apple tart, start by preparing the shortcrust pastry using the sabbiatura method. Begin by placing the all-purpose flour into a food processor (you can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, following the same steps). Add the cold butter, cut into small pieces, to the flour. Pulse the mixture intermittently until it becomes crumbly, resembling sand. This method helps prevent the dough from overheating, which ensures the pastry stays light and flaky.
Once you have a sandy texture, turn off the processor and add the powdered sugar. Mix briefly to combine. Then, add the lightly beaten egg and continue mixing until the dough begins to come together.
Next, work the dough quickly with your hands to form a smooth and homogeneous dough, avoiding overworking it to prevent the gluten from developing. Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
While the dough is resting, prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice the Golden apples, then place the slices in a bowl. Pour the lemon juice over the apples to prevent them from browning.
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin until it’s about 2-3 mm thick. Carefully lift the rolled dough onto the rolling pin and transfer it to a 28 cm tart pan. Gently press the dough into the base and sides of the pan, ensuring it fits snugly.
Once the dough is in the pan, arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge. Place the slices in a concentric circle, working your way inward to create a lovely spiral. Fill the center with more apple slices, making sure there are no gaps.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the apples to add a sweet, caramelized touch.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) in static mode. Place the tart in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
After baking, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the delightful sweetness of the baked apples with the buttery, crumbly crust – a perfect dessert for any occasion!
This apple tart is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy apples and a buttery, crisp shortcrust pastry. Whether served at a family gathering or a casual dinner, it’s sure to be a hit!
