Elegant Caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin
Indulge in this Elegant Caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin, a classic French dessert that combines tender, caramelized apples with a flaky crust. This version is simplified for home cooks, making it easy to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an exquisite treat that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a cozy family dinner, this upside-down tart is sure to become a favorite!
N/A
Servings
410
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking apples
6-8 large (Peeled, cored, and quartered)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Sugar
6 tablespoons, plus 2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Butter
1/4 cup (Unsalted)
Frozen pie shell or puff pastry
1 (Slightly thawed)
Ice cream, whipped cream, or cheese
optional (For serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Peel, core, and quarter the apples. In a mixing bowl, toss the apple wedges with the lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Allow them to sit for about 15 minutes to let the sugar dissolve and the apples absorb the flavor.
3
In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the remaining sugar evenly over the butter. Stir gently until the sugar begins to dissolve and forms a light syrup. Remove from heat.
4
Arrange the apple wedges in the skillet, standing them on their ends if possible. This will give your tart an elegant look as it cooks. Do not worry if they are tightly packed; they will shrink while cooking.
5
Return the skillet to medium heat and cook the apples for 20-25 minutes. You’ll notice the sugar caramelizing and forming a thick syrup. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
6
Once the apples are tender and the syrup has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7
While the apples cool, roll out the pie shell or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s slightly larger than the skillet. Drape it over the caramelized apples, trim any excess edges, and tuck the pastry edges into the skillet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the tart onto a large serving platter, allowing the caramelized apples to be on top. Serve warm with optional ice cream, whipped cream, or cheese.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
60
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Elegant Caramelized Apple Tarte Tatin?
It is a classic French upside-down dessert featuring tender caramelized apples topped with a flaky crust, then inverted for serving.
What kind of apples are best for this Tarte Tatin?
Cooking apples that hold their shape when heated are best; use 6 to 8 large apples for this recipe.
How should I prepare the apples?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into quarters before being tossed with lemon juice and sugar.
Why do I need to add lemon juice to the apples?
Lemon juice adds a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness and helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before you begin the baking process.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
You will need a total of 8 tablespoons of granulated sugar: 2 tablespoons for the apples and 6 tablespoons for the caramel syrup.
What type of skillet is necessary?
A 10-inch ovenproof skillet is required because the tart starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven.
How long should the apples macerate in the sugar and lemon juice?
Allow the apple wedges to sit for about 15 minutes so the sugar can dissolve and the flavors can be absorbed.
What is the first step in making the caramel syrup?
Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in the skillet over medium heat, then sprinkle 6 tablespoons of sugar evenly over it.
How should the apples be arranged in the skillet?
For an elegant look, arrange the apple wedges standing on their ends, packing them tightly together.
Will the apples shrink during cooking?
Yes, the apples will shrink as they release moisture and caramelize, so it is okay if they are packed tightly initially.
How long do the apples cook on the stovetop?
Cook the apples over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until they are tender and the syrup has thickened.
Should I stir the apples while they are caramelizing?
Yes, stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the sugar from burning.
Can I use puff pastry instead of a pie shell?
Yes, either a frozen pie shell or puff pastry works well; just ensure it is slightly thawed and rolled to fit the skillet.
How do I prepare the pastry for the tart?
Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface until it is slightly larger than the 10-inch skillet.
How do I assemble the tart before baking?
Drape the pastry over the caramelized apples, trim any excess, and tuck the edges down into the skillet.
How long does the Tarte Tatin bake in the oven?
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
What is the best way to serve Tarte Tatin?
Serve it warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some cheese.
How do I remove the tart from the skillet?
After cooling for a few minutes, carefully invert the skillet onto a large serving platter so the apples are on top.
How many calories are in a serving of this tart?
One serving contains approximately 410 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dessert?
Each serving contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 2.5 grams per serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh and warm, you can prepare the caramelized apples in advance and bake the pastry just before serving.
What makes this a 'French' dessert?
Tarte Tatin originated in France and is famous for its unique upside-down preparation and buttery caramel flavor.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
No, the 1/4 cup of butter used to create the caramel prevents the apples from sticking to the pan.
Is the pastry supposed to be crisp?
Yes, the goal is a golden brown and crisp pastry to provide a texture contrast to the soft apples.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but salted butter can be used if you prefer a slightly salted caramel profile.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Absolutely; its elegant appearance and rich flavors make it perfect for holiday celebrations or dinner parties.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
You will need a vegetable peeler, a knife, a mixing bowl, a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, and a rolling pin.