Apple Sour Cream Tart

This apple tart features a buttery, crisp crust and a creamy sour cream filling, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The tart’s light sweetness balances beautifully with the tartness of the apples, and the optional almond flakes add a delightful crunch. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish!

Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 250 g (1.5 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) cold butter, cubed
  • 1 egg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

For the Filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 250 g (8.8 oz) sour cream
  • 3-4 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • Almond flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crust:
    • In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
    • Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Stir in the egg, sugar, and sour cream. Mix until the dough comes together.
    • Form the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla sugar, regular sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
    • Add the sour cream and whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Tart:
    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
    • Roll out the chilled dough and press it into the bottom and sides of a 22 cm (9-inch) tart pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
    • Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on the dough.
    • Pour the sour cream mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly.
  4. Optional Garnish:
    • If using almond flakes, sprinkle them over the top of the tart for extra crunch.
  5. Bake the Tart:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
    • Remove from the oven and let the tart cool slightly.
  6. Final Touch:
    • Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Cooking Tips:

  • Make sure the butter is cold when incorporating it into the dough to achieve a flaky, crisp crust.
  • To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the filling, you can toss them in a little lemon juice.
  • You can use any type of firm apple, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Apples provide a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
  • Sour cream adds a creamy richness without overwhelming the dish.
  • Almond flakes (if used) provide a boost of healthy fats and a delightful crunch.

Dietary Information:

  • This tart contains dairy and gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour and plant-based sour cream for alternative versions.

Storage Information:

  • Room Temperature: This tart can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, covered.
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the baked tart for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

This Apple Sour Cream Tart is a delightful combination of sweet apples and creamy sour cream filling encased in a buttery, crumbly crust. The tart’s subtle sweetness makes it a perfect dessert for any occasion, and it’s easy enough to prepare for a family gathering or a cozy weekend treat.