Irish Apple Tart

The Irish Apple Tart with Almond Frangipane is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The flaky, buttery crust encases a rich almond cream, topped with a medley of tart Granny Smith and sweet Pink Lady apples. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of nutty and fruity notes, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. This tart is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. The golden crust, speckled with demerara sugar, gives a satisfying crunch, while the tender apple filling provides a juicy contrast. Serve it warm with a

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the pie dough:

400g plain flour
280g unsalted butter, cubed and frozen
80g caster sugar
5g salt
147g ice-cold water

For the almond frangipane:

60g unsalted butter, softened
40g caster sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
10g plain flour
60g almond meal
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
15g rum (optional)

For the apple filling:

2 large Granny Smith apples
1 large Pink Lady apple
75g unsalted butter, melted
60g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For assembling the tart:

Demerara sugar, for sprinkling
1 egg, for egg wash

Directions:

Prepare the pie dough: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, combine plain flour, frozen cubed butter, caster sugar, and salt. Mix until pea-sized butter chunks remain. Gradually add ice-cold water and mix until the dough just comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Roll out the dough: Divide the chilled dough in half. Roll out each half to 5mm thickness. Line a 24cm fluted tart ring with one half, trimming excess dough. Refrigerate the lined tart shell.
Prepare the almond frangipane: Cream softened butter and caster sugar until combined. Add the egg and mix until emulsified. Incorporate plain flour, almond meal, salt, vanilla extract, and rum (if using). Mix until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a 9mm nozzle.
Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples into 1cm cubes. In a bowl, combine the diced apples with melted butter, caster sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Assemble the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Pipe a layer of almond frangipane into the chilled tart shell. Fill with the apple mixture, spreading evenly.
Top the tart: Roll out the second half of the dough to 5mm thickness. Place over the filled tart, trimming any excess. Press the edges to seal. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with demerara sugar.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Kcal: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8

Traditional Irish Apple Tart with Almond Frangipane – A Timeless Dessert

A Slice of Irish Heritage

The Irish Apple Tart is one of Ireland’s most beloved desserts, deeply rooted in its rich culinary history. Unlike the American-style apple pie with a lattice crust, the Irish version is often simpler, with a shortcrust pastry encasing fresh, tart apples. Traditionally, Irish households would make this tart using locally grown apples, particularly Bramley apples, which are known for their sharp and tangy flavor.

Apples have been a staple in Ireland for centuries, dating back to monastic orchards in medieval times. The cool climate and fertile soil of the Irish countryside produce apples with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them ideal for baking. Adding almond frangipane to this classic recipe enhances the texture and depth of flavor, making it a modern twist on a timeless favorite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are countless apple tart recipes, but what makes this one exceptional is the combination of:

A Buttery, Flaky Shortcrust Pastry – Unlike store-bought pie crusts, this homemade version is rich and tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
A Creamy Almond Frangipane Layer – This gives the tart a nutty, slightly sweet contrast to the tangy apples, adding depth and richness to the dessert.
The Perfect Blend of Apples – Using both Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples ensures a balance of tartness and natural sweetness, preventing the filling from becoming overly sugary.
A Rustic, Homemade Appeal – Irish apple tarts are known for their simplicity, yet they carry an irresistible charm and warmth.
Versatility – Serve it warm with whipped cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or enjoy it as a simple breakfast pastry with a cup of tea.

The Nutritional Benefits of Apples

Beyond the delicious taste, this apple tart offers some surprising health benefits:

Rich in Fiber – Apples are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
Loaded with Antioxidants – Apples contain flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
Supports Heart Health – Studies have shown that apples can help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health.
Low in Calories, High in Flavor – Despite their natural sweetness, apples are low in calories, making this dessert a satisfying yet lighter choice compared to heavy, cream-based sweets.

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Irish Apple Tart

This tart is an excellent dessert for a variety of occasions, including:

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations – What better way to honor Irish tradition than by serving a homemade apple tart at your gathering?
Family Dinners – A comforting, homemade dessert that brings people together at the dinner table.
Holiday Feasts – Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this tart is a wonderful alternative to classic pies.
Afternoon Tea or Brunch – Pair it with a cup of black tea for an authentic Irish experience.
Baking with Kids – A fun and rewarding recipe to make as a family, teaching kids the joy of homemade baking.

Tips for Making the Perfect Irish Apple Tart

To ensure your tart comes out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

1. Use the Right Apples

The best apples for baking are Granny Smith (for tartness) and Pink Lady (for natural sweetness). If you’re in Ireland or the UK, Bramley apples are the gold standard for this recipe.

2. Chill the Dough

For a flaky crust, chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly in the oven, resulting in a crisp and tender pastry.

3. Don’t Overload the Filling

While it might be tempting to add extra apples, too much filling can lead to a soggy bottom crust. Stick to the recommended apple-to-pastry ratio.

4. Use Demerara Sugar for Extra Crunch

Sprinkling demerara sugar on top before baking gives the crust a caramelized, crunchy finish.

5. Let It Cool Before Slicing

Freshly baked apple tarts smell irresistible, but letting it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing ensures that the filling sets properly, preventing a messy cut.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this tart is so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

At Room Temperature: The tart can be kept covered for up to 2 days on the counter.
In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore the crust’s crispiness.

Pairing Suggestions

This tart is already delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right beverage or topping can elevate the experience:

Tea Pairing: Traditional Irish breakfast tea or Earl Grey enhances the flavors beautifully.
Wine Pairing: A glass of sweet Riesling or cider complements the tart’s apple notes.
Toppings: Freshly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce make this dessert even more indulgent.

Conclusion

The Traditional Irish Apple Tart with Almond Frangipane is more than just a dessert – it’s a piece of Irish heritage wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. The contrast of sweet and tart apples, combined with the richness of almond frangipane, makes this tart a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a comforting homemade treat, this apple tart is the perfect way to bring a taste of Ireland into your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and experience the magic of this timeless recipe!