This recipe was written in Spanish and translated automatically. The translation may contain errors. View the original Spanish recipe
Tarte Tatin (Caramelized Apple Upside-Down Tart)
by Waatokok Kitchen
Apples cooked in a butter-and-sugar caramel, topped with dough, and baked, then turned over to reveal a shiny, caramelized surface—an eye-catching dessert that’s easier to make than it looks.
- Servings
- 8
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Category
- Dessert, Baking & pastry
- Cuisine
- French
- Serve
- Warm
- Texture
- Soft / Tender, Crispy / Crunchy
- Techniques
- Bake
- Meal
- Dinner
- Holiday
- Family meal
Tips
Flipping the dish is the trickiest part—do it over the sink or on a surface covered with a towel in case some caramel spills, and don’t wait too long after baking, or the caramel will harden too much to come out cleanly. Here’s a video to help you make your dessert.
Ingredients
Apples (8 pieces)
No price yet
Sugar (3/4 cup)
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Butter (6 tablespoons)
≈ $22.31 MXN
Puff pastry (one sheet, thawed) (1 piece)
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Vanilla (1 teaspoon)
$0.56 MXN
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
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WaatoPrice
Price reference: Guadalajara, Jalisco
Estimated cost so far
≈ $22.87 MXN
≈ $2.86 MXN per serving
2 of 6 ingredients
priced
Prices are approximate. · Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Some prices may be outdated.
Tools
Frying pan
Oven
Peeler
Knife
Cutting board
Steps
- 1. Make the caramel10 min
In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sugar together, stirring occasionally, until it turns amber or caramel in color—keep a close eye on it toward the end, as caramel can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.
- 2. Arrange the apples10 min
Make sure your apples are cored, with or without the peel, and cut into wedges. Mix the apple halves with lemon juice, if using, to prevent them from browning. Arrange them cut-side up, packed tightly together, on top of the caramel in the skillet.
- 3. Cover with the dough and bake35 min
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the sheet of puff pastry over the apples, tucking the edges around them. Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, 30–35 minutes.
- 4. Flip and serve10 min
Let the tart cool in the skillet for 10 minutes—this allows the caramel to set a little so it doesn’t run everywhere. Place a large plate upside down over the skillet, then, using oven mitts and a firm, quick motion, flip the skillet and plate together so that the tart lands with the caramelized side facing up. Serve warm.
Substitutions & variations
- Don't have puff pastry? Plain pie dough works too, although the top won't puff up quite as dramatically.
- You can leave the apples unpeeled—that’s a matter of personal preference.
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