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Delightful Apple Flan

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A comforting apple flan pie made with a homemade crust, rich vanilla custard, and tender baked apples. Great for family time!
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:51:45 GMT
A golden apple pie with caramelized apple slices and a hint of cinnamon on a plate. Pin it
A golden apple pie with caramelized apple slices and a hint of cinnamon on a plate. | Tastyhush.com

This classic apple custard tart has been perfected over generations in my kitchen. The secret lies in balancing the silky smooth custard with tender, spiced apples. It's a beloved family recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia with every slice - the kind of dessert that creates lasting memories around the table.

A Heritage Recipe

Sunday afternoon baking sessions turned simple ingredients into something magical. The combination of vanilla-scented custard and caramelized apples creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. This traditional French tart celebrates the beauty of classic pastry techniques.

Essential Ingredients

  • For the Shortcrust Pastry:
    • 200g sifted all-purpose flour
    • 100g cold unsalted butter
    • 70g fine sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • Pinch of sea salt
  • For the Custard Filling:
    • 3 fresh eggs
    • 100g golden sugar
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 500ml whole milk
    • Madagascar vanilla bean
    • Pinch of fine salt
  • For the Fruit:
    • 4 ripe baking apples
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Method

Pastry Base
Combine dry ingredients before working in cold butter pieces until crumbly. Form into a ball and chill thoroughly.
Custard Preparation
Whisk eggs with sugar until pale and fluffy. Incorporate cornstarch, then gradually add warm milk and vanilla.
Apple Preparation
Slice apples thinly, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Season with sugar and cinnamon.
Assembly
Roll pastry and line tart pan. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern, then carefully pour custard over top.
Baking
Watch carefully as tart bakes until golden brown and custard is set.
Une part de tarte aux pommes garnie de tranches de pommes et saupoudrée de sucre glace, présentée sur une assiette. Pin it
Une part de tarte aux pommes garnie de tranches de pommes et saupoudrée de sucre glace, présentée sur une assiette. | Tastyhush.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices with homemade vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. The recipe adapts beautifully to seasonal fruits - try ripe pears or add toasted hazelnuts for variation. Each season brings new possibilities to this timeless dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best apple type for this?
Golden or Granny Smith apples work great. Golden gives a sweet taste, while Granny has a tart note.
→ Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
You can make the crust up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. It can also be frozen for a month.
→ How do I know the custard is fully cooked?
The custard is done when it’s slightly golden and firm to touch. Check with a knife—it should come out clean.
→ Is cinnamon necessary?
Cinnamon is optional. You can swap it with vanilla or leave it out for a simpler flavor.
→ How should this pie be stored?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Take it out 30 minutes before serving to enjoy its flavors fully.

Apple Flan Pie

A creamy flan dessert with a buttery crust, fragrant cinnamon, and soft apple slices—perfect for any gathering.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
85 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (One 24 cm tart)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 500 ml of milk.
02 200 g of all-purpose flour.
03 A pinch of vanilla extract (1 tsp).
04 A single tablespoon of cornstarch.
05 100 g of cold, unsalted butter.
06 Four fresh eggs.
07 70 g of white sugar.
08 4-5 apples, peeled.
09 Cinnamon (1 tsp).
10 A squeeze of juice from half a lemon.
11 Two tablespoons of sugar, for sweetening the apples.
12 A second portion of sugar: 100 g for the flan filling.
13 A couple of pinches of salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add an egg, form a smooth ball, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Whisk eggs, sugar, and cornstarch together. Slowly pour in heated milk, cooking until thickens. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 03

Peel the apples and slice them thinly. Toss them with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.

Step 04

Roll out the dough into a 24 cm tart pan, poking holes in the base. Layer the apples, then pour the flan mixture over them.

Step 05

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 35-40 minutes, or until the flan is golden and set.

Notes

  1. Keep the dough cold; it’s easier to work with.
  2. Letting the dough rest in the fridge is key for a perfect tart crust.

Tools You'll Need

  • 24 cm tart pan.
  • Oven.
  • Cooking pot.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy products.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 7 g