When it comes to classic French desserts, few can rival the charm and delectable flavors of apple tarte tatin. This rustic yet elegant pastry is known for its caramelized apples, flaky buttery crust, and unforgettable aroma that fills your kitchen.

A slice of apple tarte tatin on w white and gold plate.

What is apple tarte tatin?

Apple tarte tatin is a classic French dessert that features tender caramelized apples, which are cooked in a buttery sugar mixture on the stovetop and then topped with a pastry dough and finished in the oven. The dessert is then flipped upside down to reveal the beautifully caramelized fruit when served.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Only 4 ingredients – All you need is butter, sugar, apples, and puff pastry to make this incredible apple tarte tatin recipe.
  • Easy to make – Simply par-cook the apples in butter and sugar, top them with a sheet of puff pastry, and finish baking it in the oven. It has all the great flavors of a caramel apple pie but is half the work!
An apple tarte tatin on a clear plate and two gray napkins.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • granulated sugar
  • unsalted butter
  • apples
  • puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)

How to make apple tarte tatin:

(the ingredient amounts are listed in the printable recipe card further below)

4 process shots of how to make apple tarte tatin.
  1. In a large saucepan or medium-sized skillet, heat the sugar on medium heat until completely melted and amber in color. Add the butter and whisk together until all of the butter has melted.
  2. Carefully add the apples and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Arrange the apples in a circular pattern on the bottom of a greased 9″ cake pan. Pour the rest of the caramel on top.
  4. Roll and cut the puff pastry into a 10″ circle. Poke some holes with a fork. Place the pastry on top of the apples and tuck in the sides. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Best apples for apple tarte tatin:

The best kind of apples to use are the ones that hold their shape when cooked and have a tart flavor to balance the sweetness of the caramel, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.

How to serve:

Serve warm as is or with some vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or crème fraîche. Perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of sweet white wine.

A slice of apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream.

FAQ:

Can you freeze apple tarte tatin?

Yes. Allow the dessert to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, and store it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, reheat it in the oven at 350F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

How long will an apple tarte tatin keep?

Apple tarte tatin is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store it, you can keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How to store apple tarte tatin:

Tightly cover in saran wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for short-term storage or in the freezer for up to a month for longer-term storage.

A slice of apple tarte tatin with a piece on a fork

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Apple Tarte Tatin

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Lily Ernst
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: French
Print Recipe

Description

This rustic yet elegant pastry is known for its caramelized apples, flaky buttery crust, and unforgettable aroma that fills your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted butter
  • 4 apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp are best) peeled, cored, and cut into quarters
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F. Grease a 9″ cake pan and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan or medium-sized skillet, heat the sugar on medium heat until completely melted and amber in color. (Tip: use a light colour pan or skillet to make it easier to keep track of the color)
  3. Add the butter and whisk together until all of the butter has melted.
  4. Carefully add the apples and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Careful not to burn the caramel. Reduce the heat if needed.
  5. Arrange the apples in a circular pattern on the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Pour the rest of the caramel on top. Set aside.
  6. Roll and cut the puff pastry into a 10″ circle (I used a dinner plate to cut around). Poke some holes with a fork. Place the pastry on top of the apples and tuck in the sides.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
  8. Cool for 30 minutes, then place a plate on top and carefully flip over to remove the tarte tatin. Slice and serve.

Notes

Leftovers can be covered and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Recipe very slightly adapted from Dinner then Dessert