Perfect Tarte Tatin Apple Tart
A classic French upside-down tart featuring caramelized apples and a flaky buttery puff pastry crust, perfect for any occasion and easy to make in under 45 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples (about 2 lbs), preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (85g), divided
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 9x9 inches), thawed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel, core, and quarter the apples into 1/2 inch thick slices. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In an oven-safe skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the sugar and stir gently until it dissolves and turns a rich amber color, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid rushing or stirring aggressively.
- Carefully arrange the apple slices in the caramel in a circular, overlapping pattern. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes on medium-low heat, occasionally spooning caramel over the apples. Apples should soften but not become mushy.
- Lightly flour your surface and roll out the puff pastry to about 10 inches in diameter, slightly larger than your pan.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Place the puff pastry over the caramelized apples, tucking the edges down around the apples inside the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let the tart cool for 5 minutes. Place a large plate over the skillet and invert the tart in one smooth motion. Gently reposition any apples that stick.
- Serve warm to enjoy the buttery, caramelized apples and flaky crust.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Take your time caramelizing sugar and butter to avoid grainy caramel. Keep puff pastry chilled until use. If caramel bubbles over, place a rimmed baking sheet under the skillet. Cover pastry loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Tarte Tatin, apple tart, caramelized apples, puff pastry, easy dessert, French dessert, caramel tart