Save A cozy, comforting tart featuring tender baked apples with warm spices, all nestled in a golden, custard-like base no crust required. Perfect for showcasing seasonal apples.
I love making this pie when apples are at their best fresh from the orchard. Its warm spices and creamy custard always bring my family together.
Ingredients
- Apples: 4 large apples (about 700 g), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Filling: 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk, 1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, pinch of salt
- Topping: 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, 1/4 cup (25 g) sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish or tart pan with butter.
- Prepare Apples:
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and arrange them evenly in the prepared dish.
- Make Custard:
- In a mixing bowl whisk together eggs granulated sugar milk cream vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt until smooth.
- Pour Custard:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the apples.
- Add Topping:
- Drizzle melted butter over the top sprinkle with brown sugar and scatter sliced almonds if using.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the custard is set and lightly golden at the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This pie always brings my family together especially on chilly fall evenings when the kitchen smells like warm cinnamon and baked apples.
Notes
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Swap almonds for pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Required Tools
9-inch (23 cm) pie dish or tart pan Mixing bowls Whisk Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains eggs milk and nuts (if using almonds). For nut-free omit almonds. Always check product labels for potential allergens.
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This rustic pie is a delightful way to enjoy apples any time of year with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different apple varieties?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet and tart apples creates a depth of flavor and a balanced sweetness in the tart.
- → How do I know when the custard is set?
The custard should be lightly golden at the edges and just firm to the touch, with a slight jiggle in the center.
- → Can I omit the almonds?
Yes, simply leave out the almonds for a nut-free version without affecting the tart’s texture significantly.
- → Is it better to serve warm or cold?
Both options work well. Warm enhances the spice aromas, while room temperature allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- → What can I use instead of lemon juice?
A mild vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used to prevent apples from browning, but lemon juice is preferred for its fresh brightness.