Caramel Apple Tarte Tatin (Printable)
Upside-down French tart with caramelized apples, golden pastry, and crunchy candy topping for extra sweetness.
# What You'll Need:
→ Caramelized Apples
01 - 6 large firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and quartered
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - Pinch of salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
→ Pastry
07 - 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry, about 9 ounces, thawed if frozen
→ Candy Crunch
08 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 tablespoon water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
11 - 2 tablespoons crushed hard candies, such as toffee, butterscotch, or caramel candies
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Melt 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a 9-inch ovenproof skillet or tarte Tatin pan over medium heat without stirring, swirling gently until it turns deep amber.
03 - Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and cinnamon if desired; stir until smooth.
04 - Arrange apple quarters cut side up, packing them tightly in the pan. Cook over medium, basting occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until apples soften and caramel thickens. Remove from heat.
05 - Roll out puff pastry to slightly larger than the pan diameter. Drape pastry over apples, tucking edges down around the fruit.
06 - Bake for 25–30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and crisp.
07 - Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water; cook over medium heat without stirring until golden amber. Stir in sea salt and crushed candies, pour onto prepared sheet, cool, and break into shards.
08 - Allow tart to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
09 - Before serving, scatter candy crunch shards over the tart for texture and sweetness.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Delightfully caramelized apples in every bite
- Playful candy crunch adds unexpected texture and sweetness
02 -
- Puff pastry may contain gluten and eggs check labels for allergies.
- Candy crunch could have traces of nuts or soy depending on candies used.
03 -
- Use a mix of apple varieties for deeper flavor.
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts to candy crunch for extra texture.