An upside-down apple tarte tatin with caramelized apples and golden puff pastry
IntermediateTarts

Classic French Apple Tarte Tatin

Caramelized, tender apples baked under a blanket of flaky puff pastry, inverted to reveal a glossy glaze.

70m
Total time
8
Servings
380
Calories
4.8(1,340 reviews)

About this recipe

The Tarte Tatin is a legendary French upside-down apple tart. Apples are cooked in a skillet with butter and sugar until they form a deep amber caramel, then topped with puff pastry and baked. The magic happens when you flip it over: the pastry becomes the crisp base, and the apples sit on top, glistening in a sticky, rich caramel.

#tarte tatin#apple#french#upside-down#puff-pastry
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8
Approximate cost
$7.95($0.99/serving)

Ingredients

For 8 servings

Tip: Tap any ingredient name to view substitutes, nutrition, and storage tips.

Instructions

7 steps · 60 minutes active

  1. 1

    Prepare the apples

    Peel, core, and halve the apples. Toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.

    Tip: Keep the apple halves intact.
  2. 2

    Make the caramel

    Sprinkle the sugar evenly over a 10-inch ovenproof skillet. Cook over medium heat without stirring until deep amber.

    Medium heatDry Caramel
    Tip: Do not walk away.
  3. 3

    Add butter and apples

    Remove from heat. Add butter and salt. Arrange the apple halves cut-side up in a tight, circular pattern.

    Arranging
  4. 4

    Cook the apples

    Return to medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally, until softened.

    Medium heat20 minutes
  5. 5

    Top with pastry

    Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Drape the puff pastry over the skillet. Tuck the edges down inside.

    200°C / 400°F
  6. 6

    Bake

    Bake for 25-30 minutes until the puff pastry is deeply golden brown and crisp.

    200°C / 400°F27 minutes
  7. 7

    Rest and invert

    Let rest for exactly 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, place a plate over the skillet, and quickly flip.

    5 minutesInverting
    Tip: Do not wait longer than 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 8 servings per recipe

Calories380 kcal
Protein4 g
Total Carbohydrates54 g
Dietary Fiber3 g
Total Sugar38 g
Total Fat17 g

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Pastry Chef Tips

Tested notes from our kitchen.

01

Use a cast-iron skillet; it retains heat beautifully for an even caramel.

02

Pack the apples tightly in the pan as they will shrink significantly.

03

Let the tart rest for exactly 5 minutes before flipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this recipe.

What are the best apples for Tarte Tatin?+

You need firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that will hold their shape and not turn into applesauce.

Why is my Tarte Tatin watery?+

A watery tart means the apples were not cooked long enough on the stovetop to evaporate their moisture.

B