A classic French Tarte Tatin with caramelized pears is a delicious, elegant dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the rich, buttery flavor of caramelized sugar. The tart is cooked upside down, with the fruit and caramel forming a rich base and a golden puff pastry topping. Here’s how you can make this delightful treat at home:
Ingredients:
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Tarte:
- 6 ripe pears (preferably Bosc or Anjou)
- 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
- A pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Oven-safe skillet or Tarte Tatin pan (about 10-inch)
- Knife and peeler for pears
- Rolling pin (if using homemade puff pastry)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pears:
Start by peeling and coring the pears. Slice them into quarters, removing any seeds. You can choose to cut them into wedges or halved quarters, depending on your preference for the final presentation. Set the prepared pears aside.
2. Make the Caramel:
In your oven-safe skillet, add the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir the sugar gently as it begins to melt, watching carefully to prevent it from burning. Once it’s fully melted and amber in color, add the butter. Stir the butter into the caramel until it’s fully incorporated. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Add the lemon juice to balance the sweetness and give the caramel a tangy finish. Once everything is combined, remove from the heat.
3. Arrange the Pears:
Place the prepared pear slices in a circular pattern on top of the caramel. Depending on the size of your skillet and pears, the pears may need to be packed tightly, as they will shrink slightly while cooking. Try to arrange them neatly so they look beautiful once the tart is flipped over.
4. Caramelize the Pears:
Put the skillet back on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the pears to cook in the caramel. The pears will soften and start to release their juices, which will combine with the caramel. Keep an eye on the caramel so it doesn’t burn, but allow it to thicken and darken slightly, which will intensify the flavor.
5. Add the Spice (Optional):
At this stage, sprinkle the ground cinnamon and optional ground ginger over the pears. This will add a warm, fragrant flavor that complements the caramelized pears beautifully.
6. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. If you are using store-bought puff pastry, you can skip this step. The pastry should be slightly larger than the skillet, as it will shrink slightly during baking. You can trim the edges to fit perfectly or allow the edges to fold over for a rustic look.
7. Cover the Pears with Puff Pastry:
Once the pears have caramelized and are bubbling in the skillet, place the puff pastry on top of the pears. Gently tuck the edges of the pastry down the sides of the skillet, ensuring it completely covers the fruit. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the pastry to allow steam to escape while baking.
8. Bake the Tarte:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crisp. The pastry should rise slightly and have a beautiful golden color.
9. Flip the Tarte:
Once the tart is fully baked, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before flipping it over. To flip, carefully place a large plate or serving platter over the skillet, and while holding the plate and skillet together, quickly invert them. You may need to tap the skillet gently to release the tart.
10. Serve the Tarte Tatin:
Once flipped, you should have a beautiful golden-brown crust with caramelized pears on top. If any pears have stuck to the skillet, simply use a spoon to carefully scrape them off and place them back on the tart. For an extra touch, drizzle a little heavy cream over the tart for added richness.
Slice and serve warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of caramelized pears, crispy pastry, and rich flavors. Tarte Tatin is best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Tarte Tatin:
- Pears: Choose pears that are ripe but firm. Softer varieties can break down too much during cooking.
- Caramel: Don’t rush the caramelization process. Patience is key to getting the right depth of flavor.
- Baking: If you find that the pastry is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
- Resting Time: Allow the tart to cool slightly before flipping. This helps the caramel set and prevents it from spilling out.
With these steps, you’ll be able to create a stunning Tarte Tatin that rivals those found in French bistros! The combination of sweet caramel, tender pears, and crispy puff pastry will surely be a hit with anyone who tries it.