Crousti-Fondant Aux Pommes Recipe

Crousti-Fondant Aux Pommes Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Nestled in the heart of french culinary traditions, this crousti-fondant aux pommes brings a delightful twist to classic apple desserts.

Delicate layers of buttery pastry cradle soft, caramelized apples in a dance of textures.

Crisp edges give way to a meltingly tender center that whispers of comfort and warmth.

Each slice promises a sensory journey through rich, golden-brown perfection.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla weave through the dessert, creating an irresistible aroma.

Baking this treat feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy kitchen memory.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible french delicacy.

Steps to Prepare Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Wash and peel the apples. Core them and slice into thin, delicate pieces. Keep the slices ready for cooking.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle brown sugar into the melted butter. Let the mixture bubble and caramelize gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook Apple Slices

Add apple slices to the caramel base. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until apples become soft and develop a golden-brown edge. This process takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Flour
  • Rolled oats
  • Brown sugar
  • Cold butter

Use your fingers to mix ingredients until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert

Transfer cooked apple mixture to a baking dish. Spread crumble topping evenly over the apples.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Pro Tips for Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes

  • Slice Apples Uniformly: Cut apple slices thin and even to ensure consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation in the dish.
  • Control Caramelization Carefully: Watch the butter and brown sugar closely to achieve a perfect golden caramel without burning, which can create bitter flavors.
  • Choose the Right Apple Variety: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during cooking and provide balanced sweetness.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation during preparation.
  • Adjust Spice Intensity: Customize the cinnamon amount to suit your taste preferences, starting with a light sprinkle and adding more if desired for deeper flavor complexity.

Storage and Reheat Info for Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes

  • Store leftover crousti-fondant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the dessert stays fresh and maintains its delicate texture.
  • Warm the dessert at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying and preserve its original moisture.
  • Gently reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power, watching carefully to prevent overheating and maintain the apple's tender consistency.
  • Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its soft, delectable texture and enhance the caramel's rich flavor.
  • Spike the apple dessert with a smooth French apple brandy that echoes the caramelized notes and intensifies the dessert's richness.
  • Serve a cold, creamy scoop alongside the warm apple dish to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
  • Brew a fragrant herbal tea with extra cinnamon to harmonize with the dessert's warm spices and provide a gentle, comforting accompaniment.
  • Sprinkle crispy, lightly salted almond pieces over the dessert to add textural complexity and nutty depth to the sweet apple base.

Flavor Ideas for Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes

  • Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat-based ingredients with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's crispy texture.
  • Vegan Apple Crumble: Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine, and use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of traditional sugar to create a dairy-free and animal-product-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Substitute refined sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while preserving the classic caramelized apple flavor.
  • Spiced Autumn Version: Enhance the recipe by adding nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom alongside cinnamon for a more complex and warming flavor profile that celebrates seasonal spices.

Top Notes of Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes

  • Transforms simple apple slices into an elegant French-style dessert with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crafts a delicious treat in under 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Combines classic caramelized apple flavors with warm cinnamon, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies all age groups.
  • Works beautifully as a standalone dessert, accompaniment to vanilla ice cream, or elegant finish to a dinner party menu.

Crousti-Fondant aux Pommes Ingredient Breakdown

Fruits:
  • Apples: Sweet, crisp fruit that provides the main flavor and texture of the dessert. Best when using firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for holding shape during cooking.
Sweeteners and Spices:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Warm, caramelizing elements that enhance apple's natural sweetness and add depth of flavor. Brown sugar creates a rich, golden caramel base while cinnamon offers a classic aromatic touch.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for caramelizing apples and creating smooth, luxurious texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of recipe's overall saltiness.
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Crousti-Fondant Aux Pommes Recipe

Crousti-Fondant Aux Pommes Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delightful French “crousti-fondant aux pommes” invites sweet exploration of crisp pastry and tender apples. Rich layers of buttery texture and caramelized fruit promise a classic Parisian dessert experience you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit:

  • 4 to 5 apples (Golden or Pink Lady type)

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) flour
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) almond powder

Butter and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) brown sugar
  • 80 grams (2.8 ounces) cold butter, cut into cubes
  • 80 grams (2.8 ounces) brown sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Carefully peel and core the apples, then slice them into delicate, uniform thin strips using a sharp knife.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth, glistening base for the caramelization process.
  3. Sprinkle brown sugar into the melted butter, stirring gently to initiate the caramelization, allowing the mixture to develop a rich, golden hue.
  4. Add the apple slices and a dash of fragrant cinnamon to the caramel-coated pan, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
  5. Gently cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5-7 minutes until they transform into a tender, lightly golden delicacy with a soft, yielding texture.
  6. Remove the caramelized apple mixture from heat and set aside, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify before serving.

Notes

  • Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramelization and texture in this classic French dessert.
  • Slice apples uniformly thin to ensure even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation that will impress your guests.
  • Control the heat carefully when caramelizing to prevent burning – medium-low heat helps develop a rich golden color without scorching the sugar or apples.
  • Consider serving this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to balance the sweet caramelized apple flavor and add a luxurious creamy contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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