Classic Tarte Tatin Recipe

Classic tarte tatin — or upside-down apple tart — may look like an intimidating baking project, but our foolproof recipe breaks the steps down so any home cook can make a special dessert to end a great meal. Take your time when making the caramel and browning the apples, keep in mind that well-browned food develops richer flavors!

This recipe is from the Sunday Supper repertoire. 

Classic Tarte Tatin Recipe
No Ratings
Prep Time
40
minutes
Cook Time
45
minutes
Servings
0
servings
Ingredients
  • 6 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Golden Delicious)
  • 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 1 pinch sea salt
Directions
  1. Heat the oven to 375 F. Sprinkle the lemon juice evenly onto the apples to prevent them from discoloring.
  2. Place sugar in a cast-iron skillet and melt over medium heat.
  3. Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar is a light butterscotch color and its temperature reaches 320 degrees (measure with a candy thermometer). Turn off the heat. The temperature will continue to rise.
  4. Once the temperature reaches 350 degrees, whisk in the butter, 1 piece at a time. Make sure each piece is incorporated before adding the next, then add the salt.
  5. Cover the caramel with the apple slices, starting in the center and overlapping in a spiraling. Turn the heat back on and cook for 15 minutes. 
  6. Stir to make sure the apples are cooking evenly, but be sure to return the pieces to the original configuration.
  7. Cover the pan with the puff pastry. Tuck in the edges around the apples and prick the pastry with a fork.
  8. Bake until the edges are deep amber in color and the pastry is puffed and golden, 40 to 45 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate larger than the pan. 
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