Description
A classic French dessert with a twist, this Maple Apple Tarte Tatin features caramelized apples glazed in pure maple syrup atop a buttery puff pastry. The tart is baked to golden perfection and inverted to showcase the glossy apple topping, making a perfect autumn treat to enjoy warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Caramel
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the tart.
- Make the Caramel: In an oven-safe 9-inch skillet or cast iron pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and maple syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture dissolves and cooks for 4–5 minutes until it turns a golden caramel color.
- Cook the Apples: Carefully place the quartered apples rounded side down into the caramel in the skillet. Let them cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, so the apples soften and get well coated with the caramel.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cinnamon over the apples, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing gently to combine flavors.
- Arrange the Puff Pastry: Drape the thawed sheet of puff pastry over the apples in the skillet, tucking the edges gently down around the apples to contain the filling. Cut a few small slits in the pastry surface to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Tarte: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tarte rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then, place a large serving plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tart onto it, so the caramelized apples are on top. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best shape and texture in the tart.
- If your maple syrup has a very strong or dark flavor, try mixing it with a bit of honey for a balanced sweetness.
