Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe – A Classic French Dessert Made Simple

Apple Tarte Tatin is a timeless French dessert known for its rich caramelized apples and buttery pastry, all baked upside down and inverted just before serving.

Elegant yet rustic, this dessert proves that some of the best recipes are born from happy accidents.

Originally created in France in the late 19th century, Apple Tarte Tatin combines just a few humble ingredients—butter, sugar, apples, and pastry—into a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.

With the right technique and apples that hold their shape, you can recreate this classic at home with ease.

What Is Apple Tarte Tatin?

Apple Tarte Tatin is an upside-down apple tart where sliced apples are caramelized in butter and sugar, topped with pastry, baked, and then inverted so the glossy apple layer sits on top.

Unlike an upside-down cake, the base is flaky pastry rather than sponge.

The magic lies in the caramel: as the tart bakes, the butter and sugar melt together, coating the apples in a deep, golden glaze while the pastry turns crisp and buttery.

Why This Recipe Works

Uses apples that hold their shape
Simple ingredients with maximum flavor
No advanced pastry skills required
Perfect for entertaining or special occasions

Apple Tarte Tatin

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9-inch single-crust pie

½ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

½ cup white granulated sugar

3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Braeburn recommended)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place a rimmed baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any caramel drips.

Prepare the pan: Line the base of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Make the caramel base: Evenly scatter the butter pieces over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the butter.

Arrange the apples: Layer the apple slices in an overlapping circular pattern over the sugar and butter.

Add the pastry: Lay the pastry over the apples, tucking the edges down inside the pan. Trim excess pastry if needed.

Bake: Place the pan on the baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Cool and invert: Let the tart cool for 10–15 minutes. Carefully release the sides of the pan, place a large plate over the tart, and invert so the apples are on top.

Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Best Apples for Apple Tarte Tatin

Choosing the right apple is essential. The apples must hold their structure during baking and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Best options include:

Granny Smith (tart and firm)
Braeburn (sweet-tart balance)
Honeycrisp
Pink Lady

Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, which tend to collapse when baked. For more guidance, our guide The Versatile Apple: A Culinary Staple Across the Globe explores the best apples to use for baking.

The Versatile Apple: A Culinary Staple Across the Globe

Tips for Success

Always bake the tart on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent caramel spills.
Don’t rush the inversion—cooling slightly helps the caramel set.
For deeper flavor, allow the tart to rest for 20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Apple Tarte Tatin ahead of time?

Yes. Bake it up to 1 day ahead and reheat gently in the oven before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought pastry?

Absolutely. A good-quality refrigerated pie crust works perfectly.

3. Why did my caramel turn bitter?

The sugar likely overcooked. Stick to the recommended temperature and avoid baking too long.

4. Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?

Yes. Puff pastry creates a lighter, flakier topping and is a popular variation.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

6. Can I make this without a springform pan?

Yes. A heavy oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan works very well.

Final Thoughts

Apple Tarte Tatin is proof that simplicity can be extraordinary.

With just a few ingredients and thoughtful technique, you’ll create a dessert that’s deeply caramelized, beautifully rustic, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself, this classic French tart never fails to impress.

Love Upside-Down Desserts?

If you love upside-down desserts, you’ll want to explore these unique upside-down cake recipes. They go far beyond the classic and offer creative twists you won’t want to miss.

Take Your Cake To The Upside Down

Explore how to make Homemade Cinnamon Brown Sugar Applesauce or this Baked Apples Apple Pie Dessert.

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