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Homemade Irish Apple Tart
This easy apple tart reminds me of my childhood. Perfect for family gatherings or simply with a cup of tea.
SERVES
8
COOKING TIME
45 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
What is an Irish apple tart?
An Irish apple tart is a traditional dessert made with pastry and a generous filling of cooked apples, usually sweetened with sugar and often flavoured with cinnamon. A classic homemade Irish apple tart is simple, comforting and delicious served warm with custard, cream or ice cream.
What apples are best for apple tart?
Bramley apples are a fantastic choice for an apple tart because they have a lovely sharp flavour and soften beautifully when baked. You can also use a mixture of cooking and eating apples if you prefer a sweeter filling. The key is choosing apples that soften without completely losing their texture.
Do you peel apples for apple tart?
Yes, I recommend peeling the apples before making your tart. Removing the skin gives the filling a softer, smoother texture and allows the apples to cook evenly with the sugar and spices.
How do you stop apple tart from getting soggy?
There are a few simple tricks to avoid a soggy apple tart. Don’t add too much liquid to the filling, avoid overfilling the pastry case and make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. You can also avoid cutting into the tart immediately after it comes out of the oven, as allowing it to rest helps the filling set.
Should you cook apples before putting them in a tart?
You don’t always need to pre-cook the apples. Thinly sliced apples can cook perfectly well in the oven, particularly when using apples that soften easily. If you’re using particularly firm apples or very thick slices, gently cooking them first can help make sure the filling is tender by the time the pastry is golden.
How do you know when an apple tart is cooked?
Your apple tart is ready when the pastry is deep golden brown and the apples inside are tender when pierced with a knife. You should also see the filling bubbling gently around the edges. If the pastry is browning too quickly before the apples are cooked, loosely cover the top with foil and continue baking.
What do you serve with Irish apple tart?
A warm slice of Irish apple tart is delicious with homemade or shop-bought custard, vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. For a really traditional-style dessert, serve the tart warm with plenty of custard.
Can you make apple tart ahead of time?
Yes, apple tart is a great make-ahead dessert. Bake it, allow it to cool and keep it covered until you’re ready to serve. You can warm it gently before serving, making it particularly handy when you’re cooking a Sunday roast or entertaining family and friends.
How do you store homemade apple tart?
Allow the tart to cool completely before covering and storing it. Keep it in the fridge if you’re not eating it within a short period, particularly if you’ve served it with cream or custard. Reheat individual portions gently when you’re ready to serve.
Can you freeze apple tart?
Yes, you can freeze apple tart. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it well and freeze. Defrost thoroughly before reheating and serving. For the best pastry texture, reheat it in the oven rather than relying solely on the microwave.
Can you reheat apple tart?
Absolutely. Place a slice of apple tart in a preheated oven until warmed through. This helps bring the pastry back to a lovely crisp texture. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry, although the pastry will be softer.
Why does my apple tart have a watery filling?
A watery filling can happen when apples release a lot of moisture during baking. Bramley apples can be particularly juicy, so avoid adding unnecessary liquid to the filling and don’t overfill the pastry case. Allowing the tart to rest after baking also gives the filling time to thicken.
Is Irish apple tart the same as apple pie?
They’re very similar, but an Irish apple tart traditionally tends to be made with a shortcrust pastry and a simple apple filling. Apple pie can vary considerably depending on the recipe and may have a deeper filling and different pastry styles.
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Method
Step 1
Add the flour, butter, sugar and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blitz 2–3 times until the mixture starts to resemble breadcrumbs.
Step 2
Add one egg and water, then blitz another 4–5 times until the pastry starts to come together. Transfer the pastry to a bowl, cover, and place in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3
While the pastry is chilling, peel, core and chop the apples. Set them aside until ready to use.
Step 4
Once the pastry has chilled, preheat your oven to 180°C. Remove the pastry from the fridge and divide it into two equal pieces.
Step 5
Lightly flour a work surface and roll out one piece of pastry until it is roughly circular and large enough to line your tart dish (approximately 30cm diameter).
Step 6
Add a layer of apples to the pastry, then sprinkle over 3–4 tablespoons of sugar. Add another layer of apples and finish with the remaining sugar.
Step 7
Roll out the second piece of pastry to create the pie lid. Place it over the apples, then lightly brush the edges with water, then press the pastry together and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Step 8
Pierce the top of the pie 4–5 times with a fork to allow the steam to escape. Then brush the top of the pie with some egg wash.
Step 9
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Step 10
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving with plenty of warm custard. Enjoy! 🙂
Ingredients
320g plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
200g butter (room temperature)
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
2 eggs (one for egg wash)
1-2 tbsp water
For the apple mixture:
4 cooking apples, peeled, cored and sliced
8 tbsp sugar
