What is a Normandy apple tart?
Normandy apple tart is a regional tart made with apples covered with a cream and egg mixture. It is distinguished by its creamy texture and rich flavor, typical of Normandy cuisine, where cream plays a central role. Unlike some modern variations, the traditional version remains simple, without excessive ingredients, and focuses on the quality of the products. The simpler, the better, as my grandmother Simone (who was from Normandy!) used to say. According to Monsieur de France, the leading French-language website dedicated to French culture, tourism, and heritage, the Normandy apple tart perfectly illustrates the delicacy of Normandy cuisine and the art of enhancing the apples that are so readily available there.
What ingredients are needed for a real Normandy apple tart?
Respect for the ingredients is essential to making an authentic Normandy tart.
You will need:
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Shortcrust or sweet shortcrust pastry
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Apples
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Fresh cream
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Eggs
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Sugar
Optional:
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Sliced almonds (optional depending on the recipe)
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Why not a little cinnamon?
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Calvados (optional but traditional)
Calvados is the original touch in Normandy apple tart. Used sparingly, it brings out the flavor of the apples. That said, it's not always available, and it's perfectly possible to make the recipe without alcohol, while still retaining the spirit of Normandy thanks to the cream and apples.
A beautiful Normandy apple tart / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: frederiquewacquier via depositphotos
Traditional recipe for Normandy apple tart
Ingredients
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1 shortcrust or sweetcrust pastry
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4 to 5 apples
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20 cl of heavy cream
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2 eggs
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80 g sugar
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1 to 2 tablespoons of Calvados (optional)
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30 g slivered almonds (optional)
Step-by-step preparation
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Roll out the dough in a pie dish and prick the bottom.
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Peel and slice the apples, then arrange them evenly on the dough.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cream, sugar, and Calvados until smooth.
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Pour the mixture over the apples and sprinkle with slivered almonds, if desired.
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Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the pie is golden brown.
Allow to cool before serving so that the mixture firms up.
Tips for making the perfect Normandy tart
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Use whole cream for a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
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Do not overfill the apple pie, the filling should remain visible.
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Use Calvados sparingly.
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Keep an eye on the baking to prevent the pie from drying out.
A good Normandy tart should be generous without being heavy.
Apples in Normandy
It is ancient, as it was already found in Gallic times, and was even considered one of the fruits of the gods. Norman monks also loved apples and cultivated them extensively. It must be said that apple trees thrive in a climate that is not too hot and slightly humid... It was in the 19th century that Normandy literally became covered with apple trees to supply France with cider and also Calvados, a strong alcohol produced by distilling cider. The tradition of apple trees is still alive in Normandy and it is wonderful to travel through Normandy in the spring when the apple trees are in bloom. There are hundreds of different species, some of which are protected in conservation orchards. In Normandy, when talking about apples, a distinction is made between cider apples (small) and "knife" apples, which are the ones you can eat. These are the ones we will use.
Apples. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Rebekka D from Pixabay
FAQ – Normandy apple tart
How to make a real Normandy apple tart?
A true Normandy tart combines apples on a pastry base with a cream and egg filling. Calvados is traditional but optional.
What ingredients are needed for a traditional Normandy apple tart?
The essential ingredients are apples, cream, eggs, sugar, and shortcrust or sweet shortcrust pastry. Almonds and Calvados may be added according to family tradition.
Should you add Calvados to a Normandy apple tart?
Calvados adds a flavor typical of Normandy. However, it can be omitted without compromising the success of the tart.
Which apples should you choose for a Normandy apple tart?
Reine des Reinettes, Boskoop, or Golden apples are ideal. They hold up well when cooked and balance the cream.
How to make the perfect dough for a Normandy tart?
A well-chilled and properly pricked pastry will bake evenly. It is not necessary to pre-bake it.
Can almonds be added to a Normandy apple tart?
Yes, slivered almonds add crunchiness. However, they are optional in the traditional recipe.
