Vanilla cream tart

Vanilla Cream and Caramelized Apple Tart

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

The dessert we are going to prepare today is a true delight for the taste buds: a tart with vanilla cream and caramelized apples. This recipe combines the crunchy texture of the crust with the delicacy of the vanilla cream and the aromatic sweetness of the apples, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. The vanilla cream tart is a classic dessert, cherished throughout the ages, and is perfect for any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a gathering with friends.

Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 350g flour
- 100g sugar
- 250g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 500ml milk
- 200ml heavy cream
- 8 egg yolks
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For decoration:
- 6 apples (preferably Granny Smith or other tart apples)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 300ml water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparing the crust

1. Making the dough: Start by combining the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingers or a food processor until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. Add the egg and cold water, continuing to mix until the dough becomes smooth and manageable.

2. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This step is essential for achieving a crispy and tender crust.

3. Preparing the tart pan: After the chilling time has passed, grease a tart pan with a diameter of 26-28 cm with butter and dust it with flour. Roll out the dough on the bottom of the pan, ensuring you press it well against the sides. Put the pan back in the refrigerator to firm up a bit.

Preparing the caramelized apples

4. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples and slice them very thinly. In a saucepan, add the water and sugar and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice and cinnamon.

5. Caramelizing the apples: Add the apple slices to the warm syrup and let them soak for 2-3 minutes. Then, carefully remove them and let them drain, taking care not to break them.

Preparing the vanilla cream

6. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in color. Add the flour and cornstarch, mixing continuously.

7. Heating the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk and heavy cream to a boil. Once it reaches temperature, gradually pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.

8. Cooking the cream: Place everything over low heat and stir continuously until the cream thickens. It’s important to be patient at this stage to achieve a smooth and velvety cream.

Assembling the tart

9. Baking the crust: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and pour the vanilla cream over it. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes or until the cream is set lightly.

10. Adding the apples: Once the crust with cream has baked slightly, remove the tart from the oven and arrange the apple slices in a flower shape or as desired. Put the tart back in the oven and bake on low heat for 25 minutes, or until the apples are golden and slightly caramelized.

Serving

11. Cooling and serving: Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing. You can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for added flavor. This tart pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Practical tips and variations

- You can add a few drops of almond extract to the vanilla cream for a more intense flavor.
- Instead of apples, you can experiment with pears or peaches, which add a fresh note.
- If you enjoy a contrast of textures, you can sprinkle some pecans or toasted almonds on top of the tart before serving.

Nutritional benefits and calories

Each serving of tart contains approximately 350 calories, providing a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats from the butter and cream. The apples add fiber and essential vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use sweet or tart apples, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
It is recommended not to freeze the cream tart, as the cream's texture may change after thawing.

I hope this recipe for vanilla cream and caramelized apple tart delights you and becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy!