Apple pie with vanilla cream

Apple tart with vanilla cream is a refined and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust, caramelized apples, and a fine vanilla cream, this recipe will captivate you from the first taste. Moreover, it is a simple yet impressive recipe, ideal for cooking enthusiasts who want to bring a touch of elegance to the kitchen. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 140 g sugar (you can adjust the amount, I used 120 g)
- 1 egg
- 140 g butter (at room temperature)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg apples (preferably tart apples, like Granny Smith or Ionatan)
- sugar to taste
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

For the vanilla cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding powder
- 400 ml champagne or white wine (optional, for a touch of elegance)
- 400 ml milk
- sugar to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the crust:
In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and salt. Add the sugar and mix the dry ingredients well. Incorporate the butter cut into cubes and knead with your fingertips until the mixture becomes sandy. Add the egg and knead until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If it is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

2. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky crust, as it allows the butter to firm up.

3. Preparing the apples:
Peel the apples and slice them thinly. In a pan, add the apples and sugar to taste, along with the split vanilla bean (or vanilla extract). Sauté the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Let them cool slightly.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream:
In a saucepan, combine the vanilla pudding powder with the milk and champagne (or white wine). Bringing it to a boil will help activate the thickening agents in the pudding. Continue to stir constantly until the cream thickens. Add sugar to taste and let it cool.

5. Assembling the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it in a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it becomes lightly golden.

6. Assembling the dessert:
Once the crust has cooled, add a uniform layer of caramelized apples. Pour the vanilla cream over the apples, leveling it with a spatula. Return the tart to the oven for another 20 minutes.

7. Serving:
After the tart has cooled completely, you can decorate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few slices of fresh apple for an attractive look. Serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect contrast of textures.

Variations:
For a touch of originality, you can add toasted nuts or raisins to the apple filling. Also, by replacing the champagne with orange juice, you'll achieve a fruity and fresh flavor.

This apple tart with vanilla cream is not only a quick dessert but also an excellent way to impress your guests. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it will surely be a success!