Foolproof Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe with Puff Pastry
Home » COOK » Recipes » Recipes By Course » Desserts »
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic French dessert with our irresistible Apple Tarte Tatin recipe.
This easy apple Tarte Tatin recipe combines tender apples, golden brown caramel, and flaky pastry for a perfect dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Don’t have time for this recipe now? Tap the heart icon ♥ in the bottom right of the screen to save it for later!
Affiliate Disclosure
We have included affiliate links to products and services related to the topic of this post.
We may earn a commission if you purchase after clicking on those links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read Our Full Disclosure Policy and Privacy Policy
While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we recommend reading through the blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
Easy Apple Tarte Tatin
Despite its grand appearance, classic apple Tarte Tatin is surprisingly easy to make using just four simple ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time.
We made this French apple tart in a springform pan, but a cast iron skillet works too—and makes for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
What Is Apple Tarte Tatin?
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert, typically made with apples (but other fruits like pears or apricots can be used), and the best way to describe it is like an upside-down pie.
The apple tart recipe was invented by accident in the Hotel Tatin, 100 miles south of Paris, way back in the 1880s.
The hotel was run by two sisters—Caroline and Stéphanie Tatin. Stephanie did most of the cooking and got sidetracked one day while baking a traditional apple pie.
She had left the apples cooking in butter and sugar for too long and tried to rescue the dish after smelling them burning.
Stepanie placed some buttery pastry dough on top of the caramelized apples and placed the pan in the oven.
When she turned out the upside-down apple tart, she found that the hotel guests loved the dessert, and it soon became a signature dish!
Gorgeous Apple Tart
When flipped onto a large plate or serving platter, the beauty of this French tart is revealed.
The dark brown, caramelized apples arranged on the pastry base, with hot caramel sauce oozing in between, is a feast for the eyes!
It’s one of those desserts that is simple enough to be enjoyed at a casual family dinner and elegant enough to be served at a dinner party.
What Can I Serve With Apple Tarte Tatin?
- Vanilla Bean Crème Fraîche: A dollop of creamy crème fraîche adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet apple flavors.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Whipped Cream: Elevate your dessert experience with a dusting of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream, enhancing the warm flavors of the tart.
- Fresh Berry Medley: The bright burst of freshness from a mix of seasonal berries provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the Tarte Tatin.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Enhance the caramel notes by drizzling a luscious salted caramel sauce over each serving, taking the indulgence to the next level.
- No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream: A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfection for this French tart.
Ingredients & Equipment Used In This Recipe
The ingredients and tools for this recipe are conveniently linked to online retailers such as Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart. The quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients Needed For Apple Tarte Tatin
- Apples – The best apples for making Tarte Tatin are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- Unsalted Butter
- White Granulated Sugar – You can also use light brown sugar if desired.
- Puff Pastry – Using a sheet of store-bought puff pastry makes this Tarte Tatin a breeze!
- Flour – For dusting your surface and your rolling pin.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream – For [optional] serving with the apple dessert.
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post.
No time to read now? Tap the buttons below to save the recipe to your Pinterest boards or Facebook page for later!
What Are The Best Apples For Apple Tarte Tatin?
The best apples for Tarte Tatin are those that hold their shape well during baking and offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, and Pink Lady apples all work wonderfully.
Their firmness and flavor contribute to this classic dessert’s perfect caramelized apple layers.
Other apple varieties to try include Braeburn, Cox’s Orange Pippin, Adams Pearmain, and Golden Delicious.
Equipment Needed For This Recipe
- 8-Inch or 9-Inch Springform Baking Pan – You can also make this in an oven-safe skillet.
- Sharp Knife
- Chopping/Cutting Board
- Rolling Pin
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post. The Purple Pumpkin Blog uses both cups and weighted measurements in its recipes, making American cups and kitchen food scales valuable tools for trying all the recipes. We provide US customary, imperial, and metric measurements. Still, it’s important to note that while you can combine cup measurements with weighted measures, never mix US customary/imperial (pounds, ounces, pints, etc.) with metric (kilograms, grams, liters, etc.).
Reasons You’ll Love Apple Tarte Tatin
- Elegant Simplicity: Crafted with just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe exemplifies the beauty of simple, honest flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: The striking appearance of the Tarte Tatin makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert, guaranteed to garner admiration from your guests.
- Delightful Texture Play: From the tender, caramelized apples to the flaky pastry, each bite offers a delightful interplay of textures that’s utterly satisfying.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether for special occasions or everyday delights, our apple Tarte Tatin is a versatile treat that fits any event.
- Timeless French Charm: Embrace the allure of classic French desserts with a Tarte Tatin that pays homage to culinary traditions passed down through generations.
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions
You’ve made the dessert, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Appetizer: Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Soup: Harvest Soup with Butternut Squash and Apples
- Salad: Roasted Pear and Blue Cheese Salad With Balsamic Glaze
- Main Dish: Beef Bourguignon
- Side Dish: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Cocktail: Apple Cider Dark and Stormy Cocktail
How Do I Make Apple Tarte Tatin?
The printable recipe card with the ingredients list and instructions can be found at the end of this post.
Number of Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Step 1 – Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/Gas 6.
Spread softened butter over the bottom of an 8-9″ springform pan or ovenproof skillet.
Step 2 – Arrange Apples: Sprinkle sugar over the buttered pan. Arrange the apple slices over the sugar and butter layer in a repeating circular pattern.
Step 3 – Bake Apples: Bake the apples in the oven for 20 minutes or until the caramelized sugar is bubbling between the apples. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Turn off the oven.
Step 4 – Preheat Oven: Once apples have completely cooled, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/Gas 4.
Step 5 – Roll Pastry: Roll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface to a circle slightly larger than your baking pan. Place the pastry on top of the cooled apples.
Step 6 – Bake Tarte Tatin: Bake the Tarte Tatin in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7 – Cool and Invert: Remove the Tarte Tatin from the oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Invert a serving plate on top of the baking pan. Quickly and carefully flip so that the apples are now on top of the pastry.
Step 8 – Serve: Serve the apple Tarte Tatin warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Arrange the apples neatly in concentric circles for a visually appealing tarte.
- Choose a mix of apple varieties for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Can I Prepare Apple Tarte Tatin in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the caramelized apples the day before and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Remove the apples from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before baking.
When ready to bake, place them in the bottom of the skillet, place the pie dough on top of the apples, and cook according to the recipe card.
Storing Leftovers & Freezing
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Freezing Instructions:
- Prepare the * to step * in the recipe card.
- Cool completely and wrap in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil (or an airtight, freezer-safe container) to help prevent freezer burn and eliminate unwanted freezer smells.
- Label with the dish’s name, thawing/reheating instructions, and the date to keep track of your food storage.
- Store in the freezer for up to * months.
- To defrost the *, unwrap it completely and place it in the fridge to thaw overnight (or at least 12 hours).
- Reheat in * until piping hot throughout.
- With all leftovers, ensure the food looks and smells okay before consuming.
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for Cooking
- You can always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Standards Agency (UK) | Food Safety (USA).
Printable Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe Card
The printable recipe card is below—please leave a star rating and quick review to share your experience with others!
Apple Tarte Tatin
Ingredients
- 6-8 apples peeled, cored and cut into 8 even wedges
- ½ C unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ C sugar
- One 8-10 oz. sheet puff pastry depending on the size of your package
- Flour for dusting board
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to top dessert Optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C/Gas 6. Spread softened butter over the bottom of an 8-9" springform pan or ovenproof skillet.
- Sprinkle sugar over the buttered pan. Arrange the apple slices over the sugar and butter layer in a repeating circular pattern.
- Bake the apples in the oven for 20 minutes or until the caramelized sugar is bubbling between the apples. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely. Turn off the oven.
- Once apples have completely cooled, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/Gas 4.
- Roll the puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface to a circle slightly larger than your baking pan. Place the pastry on top of the cooled apples.
- Bake the tarte tatin in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the tarte tatin from the oven and cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Invert a serving plate on top of the baking pan. Quickly and carefully flip so that the apples are now on top of the pastry.
- Serve the apple tarte tatin warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
Want to make more apple desserts? Check out these recipes next:
- Spiced Rhubarb And Apple Crumble
- Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
- Gluten-Free Baked Cinnamon Apple Cobbler
- Homemade Apple Pie
- Apple Pie Layer Cake with Cinnamon Frosting and Walnut Crumble Topping
- Caramel Apple Bread Pudding
- Apple Brown Betty
- Caramel Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Pie Crust Topping
And here are all of our Dessert Recipes to take a look at.
FAQs About Apple Tarte Tatin
Here are some questions people often ask about making Apple Tarte Tatin
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post.
Apple Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert featuring caramelized apples baked in a pastry crust and inverted to reveal the caramelized apple topping.
Runny Tarte Tatin can occur due to excess moisture from the apples. Be sure to thoroughly cool the caramelized apples before adding the pastry to prevent sogginess.
A cast-iron skillet or ovenproof skillet works well as a substitute for a dedicated tart pan.
Slice peeled and cored apples into even wedges, about 8 per apple, ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking.
The Tarte Tatin is done when the pastry is golden brown, and the caramelized sugar is bubbling around the apples.
Allow caramelized apples to cool before adding the pastry to maintain a crisp crust.
Yes, a springform pan can be used for Tarte Tatin, providing a similar result to a tart pan.
Toss sliced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Tarte Tatin typically features a flaky puff pastry crust.
While apples are traditional, you can experiment with pears, plums, peaches, and even tropical fruit, like mango or pineapple, for unique variations.
Using the same method of caramelization, you can make savory tarts with vegetables such as onions or tomatoes. Add salt and herbs to the sugar as you caramelize.