Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2-4 tablespoons (30-60ml) ice water
  • 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk in egg. Gradually add ice water until dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat milk in a saucepan until simmering. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk in a bowl. Temper the egg mixture by slowly whisking in a ladleful of hot milk. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened but still hold their shape (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in lemon juice. Set aside.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the springform pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the cooled custard over the dough. Arrange the apple slices attractively on top of the custard. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted into the center of the custard should come out clean.
  5. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before releasing the sides of the springform pan. Allow to cool completely before serving.