How to Make a Classic French Tarte Tatin

Tarte Tatin is a beloved French dessert that features caramelized apples, baked with a buttery pastry crust. This upside-down tart is rich, sweet, and satisfying, with a perfect balance of crisp pastry and luscious fruit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic French Tarte Tatin.

Ingredients:

• For the Caramel:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

• For the Tarte Tatin:

  • 6-8 medium apples (Golden Delicious or Granny Smith work well)
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment:

• 9-10 inch (23-25 cm) oven-safe skillet or Tarte Tatin pan
• Rolling pin (if using homemade puff pastry)
• Paring knife or apple corer

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples:

   • Start by peeling the apples using a vegetable peeler. Then, slice each apple into quarters and remove the cores.
   • Slice each quarter into thick wedges, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. This ensures that the apples hold their shape during the caramelization and baking process.

2. Toss with Lemon Juice:

   • To prevent the apples from browning while you work, toss the apple slices in lemon juice.

Step 2: Make the Caramel

1. Caramelize the Sugar:

   • In a 9-10 inch (23-25 cm) oven-safe skillet, melt the sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar begins to melt and turn a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
   • Once the sugar is fully melted and caramelized, reduce the heat to low, and carefully add the butter. Stir until the butter is completely incorporated.

2. Finish the Caramel:

   • Add a pinch of salt and the vanilla extract if desired. Stir well to combine and ensure the caramel is smooth.
   • Remove the pan from the heat and let the caramel cool slightly.

Step 3: Arrange the Apples

1. Layer the Apples:

   • Arrange the apple wedges tightly in a spiral pattern on top of the caramel in the skillet. The apples will shrink as they cook, so pack them closely together.
   • Start by placing the apple slices in a circle around the outer edge of the skillet, working your way toward the center.

2. Cook the Apples:

   • Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the apples for about 10 minutes, occasionally pressing them down to ensure they cook evenly. The apples should start to soften and release some of their juices into the caramel.

3. Add Cinnamon (Optional):

   • If you prefer a hint of spice, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples at this point.

Step 4: Top with Puff Pastry

1. Prepare the Puff Pastry:

   • Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about the size of your skillet. If you’re using store-bought puff pastry, this step will be quicker.
   • If needed, trim the edges of the pastry to ensure it fits snugly over the apples.

2. Cover the Apples:

   • Once the apples are softened and the caramel has thickened, place the rolled puff pastry on top of the apples. Tuck the edges of the pastry around the apples inside the skillet.

3. Poke the Pastry:

   • Use a fork to poke a few small holes in the center of the puff pastry to allow steam to escape as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Tarte Tatin

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Tarte Tatin:

   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully puffed up.
   • The apples will continue to soften and caramelize, creating a rich, sticky sauce under the pastry.

Step 6: Invert and Serve

1. Cool Slightly:

   • Once baked, allow the Tarte Tatin to cool in the skillet for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the caramel time to set and makes it easier to invert the tart.

2. Invert the Tarte Tatin:

   • Place a large serving plate over the skillet and carefully flip the pan over to release the Tarte Tatin. The caramel will flow down over the apples and pastry, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

3. Serve:

   • Serve the Tarte Tatin warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Choosing Apples: While most apple varieties work for Tarte Tatin, the best choices are those that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples.
• Caramel Tips: Be cautious when making the caramel. If it starts to burn, remove it from the heat and add a bit of water to cool it down before proceeding.
• Puff Pastry: If you prefer, you can use homemade puff pastry, but store-bought puff pastry makes this dessert much quicker to prepare.

Tarte Tatin is a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a special gathering. Its elegant appearance and rich, caramelized flavor are sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Enjoy!