Some recipes travel the world and pick up something special along the way. This French apple tart — inspired by our Parisian friends Tessa and Todd — is one of them. The technique is classic: a delicate pastry crust, a smooth applesauce base, and elegantly arranged apple slices. But in our curious kitchen, we couldn't resist a Southern twist.
Instead of the traditional apricot-Calvados glaze, we're reaching for the pantry. Try our Bourbon Blueberry Jam for a rich, deep glaze with a bourbon warmth that feels right at home on a French tart. Or go bold with our Strawberry Jalapeño Jam — sweet heat that makes every elegant slice a little unexpected. Both are delicious. Both are very us.
This is French technique meets American curiosity — and we think you're going to love it.
French Apple Tart — The Curious Kitchen Way
For as long as I can remember, my birthday cake came from Magee's Bakery, a tiny corner bakery shop in my hometown of Frankfort, KY. But some recipes find you in unexpected places. This one came to me through our dear friends Tessa and Todd, who brought the spirit of Paris right into our kitchen. I've made it my own ever since — and now, with a Southern pantry twist, it's become one of our most requested recipes.
The Curious Twist: Choose Your Glaze
Skip the Calvados and reach for something from our pantry instead:
- Bourbon Blueberry Jam — Rich, jammy, and kissed with bourbon. Brush it warm over the tart for a deep, glossy glaze that pairs beautifully with the apple and pastry. The sophisticated choice.
- Strawberry Jalapeño Jam — Sweet heat with a Southern kick. Unexpected on a French tart, but absolutely unforgettable. For the adventurous baker.
Simply warm your jam of choice in a small saucepan over low heat until loose, then brush generously over the finished tart while still warm.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Applesauce Base:
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Topping:
3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For the Glaze (The Curious Twist):
3–4 tablespoons Bourbon Blueberry Jam or Strawberry Jalapeño Jam, warmed
Directions
- Make the crust: Combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together. Flatten into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the applesauce base: Cook chopped apples with sugar, butter, and cinnamon over medium heat until soft, about 15 minutes. Mash into a smooth sauce and let cool.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll dough into an 11-inch circle and fit into a 9-inch tart pan. Spread applesauce base evenly over the crust. Arrange apple slices in overlapping concentric circles over the base. Sprinkle with sugar and dot with butter.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until apples are tender and edges are golden. Check at 35 minutes.
- Glaze: While tart is still warm, brush generously with your warmed jam of choice. Let set for 5 minutes before slicing.
Serves 8–12. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of apple varieties — Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness and structure.
- Slice apples as thin and uniform as possible for that classic Parisian look.
- The jam glaze sets as it cools — don't skip it, it's what makes the tart shine (literally).
- Make the crust and applesauce base a day ahead to save time.
Shop the Curious Twist
Two glazes. One beautiful tart. You pick.
🫐 Bourbon Blueberry Jam — The sophisticated Southern glaze. Rich, glossy, and bourbon-kissed.
🌶️ Strawberry Jalapeño Jam — Sweet heat for the adventurous baker. Unexpected and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
This tart is proof that the best recipes don't stay in one place — they travel, they evolve, and they pick up something curious along the way. Whether you go with the Bourbon Blueberry or the Strawberry Jalapeño, you're making something truly special.
Bon appétit — and as always, stay curious.
Cheers!
MK
