Alsatian Apple Flan Recipe
Alsatian Apple Flan is a rustic French dessert that combines a crisp shortcrust pastry with tender apple slices and a creamy custard filling. Delicately sweet and warmly spiced with cinnamon, this flan is a cozy, elegant treat perfect for gatherings or simple indulgence.
Equipment
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- 9-inch tart pan
- Knife
- Peeler
- Hand mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
Apple tart filling
- 2 medium eggs
- 500 g apples
- 2 g cinnamon powder
- 100 g creme fraiche
- 50 g flour
- 2 ml vanilla extract
- 115 g sugar
Shortcrust pastry
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp ice cold water
- 250 g flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 125 g butter
Instructions
- To make the shortcrust pastry, combine the flour, salt, oil, and butter in a food processor and pulse until lumps form.
- Add the ice-cold water and mix again until the dough resembles coarse sand.
- Shape it into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, roll out and press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (375°F).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples, then arrange them neatly over the pastry base.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, 1/3 cup sugar, and crème fraîche until smooth, using a hand mixer if available.
- Pour this custard over the apples.
- Mix the remaining sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Let the flan cool for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with extra cinnamon sugar if desired, and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
- Don’t overwork the pastry dough—minimal handling ensures a tender crust.
- The custard sets better if the eggs are at room temperature.