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Delicious classic French Tarte Tatin with caramelized apples and buttery pastry.

Tarte Tatin

A classic French dessert featuring caramelized apples and puff pastry, baked upside down for a dramatic presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, French
Cuisine: French
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tarte Tatin
  • 6 to 8 pieces firm apples, peeled, halved, cored Best to use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady.
  • 1 cup sugar Regular white sugar is classic.
  • 1/2 cup butter Do not go light on the butter.
  • 1 pinch salt Enhances flavor of the caramel.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional, for added flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional, for added flavor.
  • 1 sheet puff pastry Store-bought is fine.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In your pan, melt the butter, then add sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until it turns a warm amber color.
  3. Add the apples cut side up, packing them tightly in the pan.
  4. Cook the apples in the caramel for about 10 to 15 minutes, spooning caramel over them occasionally.
  5. Turn off the heat and lay the puff pastry over the apples, tucking the edges down into the pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deep golden.
  2. Rest for 10 minutes before flipping the tarte tatin onto a plate.
  3. Flip it in one confident motion to reveal the caramelized apples.

Notes

Don’t rush the caramel. Medium heat is best to prevent burning. Rest before flipping to avoid a runny caramel. The dessert is meant to look rustic, so any shifted apples can be nudged back into place.