If you are craving a dessert that feels like a hug from the French countryside, you are going to love this Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe. This beautiful tart combines a crisp, buttery vegan shortcrust pastry with tender, thinly sliced apples nestled in a luscious, creamy vegan custard. The apricot glaze on top adds a subtle, glossy finish that makes every bite a perfect balance of sweet and silky textures. It’s a stunning centerpiece dessert that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy, ideal for sharing with friends, family, or treating yourself on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something truly satisfying about recipes with simple yet essential ingredients that each play their part to bring out the very best flavors and textures. For this Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe, every component—from the vegan butter in the custard to the tangy apricot jam—works together like a well-orchestrated symphony of taste and texture.
- Vegan shortcrust pastry: The crisp, flaky foundation that supports all the delicious filling.
- Apricot jam: A sweet, naturally fruity glaze that keeps the tart glossy and moist.
- Oat milk: Smooth, mild, and perfect for creamy vegan custards without overpowering the flavors.
- Coconut cream or vegan heavy cream: Provides richness and a silky texture to the custard.
- Vegan Greek-style yogurt: Adds a tangy depth and thickens the custard naturally.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard without overshadowing the apples.
- Cornstarch: Our secret to that perfect custard consistency that holds together beautifully.
- Vegan butter: Adds a luscious mouthfeel and subtle buttery flavor despite being completely plant-based.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Infuses that irresistible aromatic warmth into the custard.
- Vanilla pod (optional but recommended): For a natural vanilla burst that’s hard to beat.
- Golden Delicious apples: Thinly sliced tender apples that soften during baking with just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Make Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Start by making your vegan shortcrust pastry from scratch or using a trusted store-bought alternative. Roll it out evenly and place it into your tart tin. Par-bake the crust until it’s just turning golden around the edges, then let it cool completely. This step ensures your crust stays crisp under the custard’s moisture.
Step 2: Glaze the Pastry Base
Warm the apricot jam gently until it’s melted and easy to brush. Using a pastry brush, coat the base and sides of the cooled pastry with the jam, reserving a tablespoon for later glazing. This thin layer acts as a moisture barrier while adding a subtle fruity note that complements the apples beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Custard Filling
In a high-speed blender, combine oat milk, coconut cream, vegan Greek-style yogurt, sugar, cornstarch, vegan butter, vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, and the seeds from the vanilla pod if you have one. Blitz the ingredients until completely smooth and silky. This custard is the heart of the Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe, bringing richness without any dairy.
Step 4: Prepare the Apples
Core and quarter your Golden Delicious apples, then slice them paper-thin. Using a mandolin slicer can help achieve even slices, which means your tart will bake evenly and look utterly stunning. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping circular pattern over the apricot-glazed pastry, building a pretty, delicate bed for the custard.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the custard evenly over the arranged apple slices, filling the tart shell right up to the edge. Place the tart in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden top with just a gentle jiggle in the center—that’s how you know the custard has set perfectly.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow your tart to cool to room temperature before brushing the top with the reserved apricot jam. This adds that beautiful sheen and enhances flavor. For the best texture and taste, pop the tart in the fridge and chill it for one to two hours before serving.
Step 7: Enjoy and Store
Your Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe is now ready to serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a couple of days for perfect freshness.
How to Serve Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can add lovely texture and a hint of warmth to your tart presentation. Fresh mint leaves bring a lovely pop of color and brightness that contrast wonderfully with the golden apples and creamy custard.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an indulgent touch. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the dessert perfectly after a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the tart into rustic wedges for informal settings or use a fluted tart ring for a neat, elegant look perfect for dinner parties. You can also serve individual mini tarts for special occasions, making each piece a charming little work of art.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your tart with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. The Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 to 3 days, making it a great dessert to prepare a day ahead.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but best done before glazing. Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw the tart overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature and adding your apricot glaze.
Reheating
To enjoy your tart warm, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or the custard might become watery. Serving slightly chilled or at room temperature preserves the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute other apples for Golden Delicious?
Absolutely! While Golden Delicious apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and firmness, you can use Fuji, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. Just remember to slice them thinly for even baking and to maintain the tart’s delicate texture.
Is this Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses standard vegan shortcrust pastry, which contains gluten. However, you can easily make or buy a gluten-free vegan pastry to enjoy this dessert gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I make the custard without a blender?
Yes! You can whisk the custard ingredients by hand or with a mixer until smooth, but a high-speed blender helps achieve the silkiness that makes this tart so irresistible.
What if I don’t have coconut cream?
If you can’t find coconut cream, use a thick vegan heavy cream or chilled full-fat canned coconut milk, allowing the cream to rise to the top and scoop it out. This keeps the custard rich and velvety.
How can I prevent the apples from browning when preparing?
To keep your apple slices looking fresh, toss them briefly in a little lemon juice or soak them in cold water with a squeeze of lemon before arranging them on the tart.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe brings together the comfort of a classic dessert with the freshness of vegan ingredients, creating something truly special to enjoy year-round. I honestly cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking to impress their guests or treat themselves to a slice of deliciousness that feels both elegant and homely. Give it a try – I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Vegan Apple Custard Tart (Tarte Normande) Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Apple Custard Tart, inspired by the classic Tarte Normande, features a tender vegan shortcrust pastry filled with creamy coconut and oat milk custard topped with thinly sliced Golden Delicious apples. Glazed with apricot jam for a glossy finish, it’s a delightful dairy-free dessert perfect for gatherings or an elegant treat.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 batch vegan shortcrust pastry
Filling
- 180 ml oat milk
- 200 g coconut cream (or vegan heavy cream)
- 125 g vegan Greek-style yogurt (or thick coconut yogurt)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 40 g cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (block-style)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
- 1 vanilla pod (optional, but recommended)
Topping and Glaze
- 3 Golden Delicious apples
- 50 g apricot jam
Instructions
- Make the pastry: Prepare a batch of vegan shortcrust pastry according to your favorite recipe. Par-bake the crust as per the instructions given in step 4 of the original recipe, then allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
- Glaze the crust: Gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes spreadable. Using a pastry brush, coat the base and sides of the cooled pastry crust with the jam, reserving about a tablespoon for glazing the tart after baking. Let the pastry cool while you preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Make the custard filling: In a high-speed blender, combine the oat milk, coconut cream, vegan yogurt, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vegan butter, and vanilla extract. If using a vanilla pod, scrape the seeds into the blender as well. Blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare the apples: Quarter and core the Golden Delicious apples. Using a sharp knife or mandolin, slice the apples very thinly for even layering. Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern over the cooled pastry crust.
- Fill and bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged apples, filling up to the top edge of the tart crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the custard is set with a light golden color and a slight jiggle in the center.
- Cool and glaze the tart: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, gently brush the reserved apricot jam over the top of the tart to add shine and extra flavor. For optimal texture and flavor, chill the tart in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Storage: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Using a mandolin slicer for the apples ensures evenly thin slices, which helps in even cooking and presentation.
- You can substitute coconut cream with any vegan heavy cream alternative if preferred for a lighter texture.
- Ensure the custard mixture is thoroughly blended to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Letting the tart chill before serving enhances the custard’s set and flavor melding.
- Consume the tart within 2-3 days as it contains fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
