Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refined tart showcasing caramelized apples infused with Calvados apple brandy, nestled in a rich, flaky Breton butter crust. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, tablespoons granulated sugar, teaspoon salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 8 tablespoons cold cubed Breton-style unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons ice water, pulsing until dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While dough chills, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 medium peeled, cored, and sliced apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes until apples are tender and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons Calvados apple brandy. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, trimming edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Spread the cooled apple mixture evenly in the tart shell. Brush edges of pastry with egg wash made from 1 beaten egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
  6. Step 6: Bake tart for 35-40 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Apple and Calvados Tart with Breton Butter Pastry?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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