Swiss Apple Tart

Shortcrust pastry

To prepare perfect shortcrust pastry, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients: flour, cold butter cut into cubes, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients, mixing them gently with a spatula. Then, add the butter and, using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until you achieve a texture similar to coarse sand. This step is essential for obtaining a shortcrust pastry, as you do not want to melt the butter too much. Once you have achieved this consistency, add a beaten egg and a splash of cold water, mixing gently until the dough comes together into a ball. Do not knead too much, as this may cause the dough to become tough. Once you have formed the ball, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out into a round sheet about 22 cm in diameter, using a rolling pin or just your hands. Place the dough on a sheet of baking paper, then transfer it to a tart tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden.

Filling

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Peel the apples and remove the seeds. Grate 250 grams of apples on a large grater and immediately sprinkle them with lemon juice to prevent oxidation. These grated apples will add a wonderful texture to the tart. The remaining apples, cut into quarters, should also be sprinkled with lemon juice to keep their vibrant color. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with honey, sugar, and cinnamon, beating them until you achieve a fluffy and homogeneous cream, in which the sugar completely dissolves. Incorporate the grated apples and ground hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds, depending on your preferences. Pour this filling over the already partially baked shortcrust pastry, and arrange the apple quarters evenly with the curved side facing up for an attractive appearance.

Liaison

To achieve a delicious liaison, beat the egg yolks with the whipped cream, then brush this mixture over the tart. This step will add a creamy note and bind all the ingredients together. Place the tart back in the preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for another 40 minutes. When it is ready, remove the tart from the oven and from the tin, allowing it to cool on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set and make the tart easier to slice.

Serve the sliced tart, ideally alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of cream, to complement the delicious dessert. This apple tart, with its shortcrust pastry and flavorful filling, is sure to become a family favorite!