Apple Tarte Tatin

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Tarte Tatin is a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The sweetness of the caramelized apples balances perfectly with the crisp, buttery pastry, making each bite irresistible. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—only a few ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Plus, the upside-down method ensures that every bite is rich with caramelized goodness, and the presentation is always stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this dessert is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into quarters or wedges.
3. In a 9-inch (or 10-inch) oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve and the mixture turns into a golden caramel, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice to the caramel, stirring to combine.
5. Arrange the apple wedges in the caramel, placing them closely together and layering them slightly. Cook the apples in the caramel for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to coat the apples in the syrup. The apples should soften slightly.
6. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it to the size of your skillet, making sure it will fully cover the apples.
7. Carefully place the puff pastry on top of the apples in the skillet, tucking the edges in around the apples. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip the tart onto a serving plate. Be cautious as the caramel will be hot!
10. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Use different fruits: You can replace the apples with pears, peaches, or even plums for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced Tarte Tatin: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the caramel mixture for a more aromatic flavor.
• Add nuts: For added crunch and richness, sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top of the apples before covering them with puff pastry.
• Caramel sauce drizzle: After inverting the tart, drizzle extra homemade caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftover caramel sauce, it can be stored separately in the fridge.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make Apple Tarte Tatin ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart a day in advance. Let it cool completely before storing it at room temperature. Reheat it in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other varieties of apples, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best since they hold their shape during baking.

3. Can I make this dessert without puff pastry?

While puff pastry is traditional, you can use shortcrust pastry as an alternative. It will result in a slightly denser crust but still delicious.

4. What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe skillet or even a regular baking dish. The key is ensuring the skillet or dish is large enough to hold the apple slices and the pastry.

5. Can I make this without butter?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter or coconut oil. The flavor will slightly change, but it will still be delicious.

6. How do I prevent the apples from turning mushy?

Be sure to not overcook the apples before adding the pastry, as this can cause them to break down and become mushy. A quick caramelization before baking should be sufficient.

7. How do I flip the Tarte Tatin without making a mess?

Let the tart cool for a few minutes after baking to avoid burns from the hot caramel. Flip the tart onto a plate with a wide surface and be sure to move quickly to avoid spilling the caramel.

8. Can I add ice cream to the Tarte Tatin?

Yes! Vanilla ice cream, cinnamon ice cream, or whipped cream are perfect pairings with the warm caramelized apples and puff pastry.

9. Can I make a mini version of this Tarte Tatin?

Yes, you can make individual mini Tarte Tatins using small oven-safe skillets or ramekins. Just adjust the size of the puff pastry accordingly and reduce the baking time slightly.

10. Is there an alternative to flipping the tart?

If you’re worried about flipping, you can also serve the tart directly in the skillet. Just spoon the caramel sauce over the apples before serving, and it will still be a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Conclusion

Apple Tarte Tatin is a delightful and indulgent dessert that brings together the comforting sweetness of caramelized apples with a golden, flaky pastry. Its rich, buttery flavor and elegant presentation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of classic French cuisine in the comfort of your own home!

Apple Tarte Tatin

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Apple Tarte Tatin is a French classic combining caramelized apples with buttery, flaky puff pastry, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
   
   1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
   
   1/2 cup unsalted butter
   
   1/2 cup granulated sugar
   
   1/4 cup brown sugar
   
   1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
   1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
   
   Pinch of salt
   
   Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into quarters or wedges.
2. Make the caramel: In a 9-inch (or 10-inch) oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugars dissolve and the mixture turns into a golden caramel, about 5-7 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice to the caramel, stirring to combine.
3. Arrange the apples: Arrange the apple wedges in the caramel, placing them closely together and layering them slightly. Cook the apples in the caramel for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to coat the apples in the syrup. The apples should soften slightly.
4. Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it to the size of your skillet, making sure it will fully cover the apples.
5. Assemble the tart: Carefully place the puff pastry on top of the apples in the skillet, tucking the edges in around the apples. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the center of the pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
6. Bake the tart: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
7. Flip the tart: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip the tart onto a serving plate. Be cautious as the caramel will be hot!
8. Serve: Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

1. For a different fruit, try using pears, peaches, or plums in place of apples for a unique twist.
2. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work.
3. Make sure to cook the apples just enough to soften them, as overcooking can cause them to become mushy.
4. For a richer touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the tart before serving.
5. This dessert is best served warm, but it can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 35mg