Description
These Upside-Down Apple Tarts with a Caramel Twist offer a warm, flaky puff pastry base topped with caramelized Red Delicious apples, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. This nostalgic dessert combines the rich flavors of buttery caramel and tender apples with a golden puff pastry crust. Perfect for any occasion and served best warm with a dusting of confectioners sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed if frozen
 
Apple and Caramel Mixture
- 1 Red Delicious apple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
 - 1/8 cup (25g) brown sugar
 - 1/8 cup (25g) granulated sugar
 - 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
 - A pinch of salt
 
For Serving
- Confectioners sugar, for dusting
 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
 
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a round baking pan or oven-proof skillet, approximately 9 inches in diameter.
 - Make Caramel in Pan: In the pan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
 - Caramelize Apples: Add the sliced apple wedges to the pan, arranging them tightly in a circular pattern. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized, taking care not to burn the caramel.
 - Prepare Puff Pastry: While the apples are caramelizing, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 6 even rectangles.
 - Cool Caramelized Apples: Once caramelized, allow the apples to cool for a few minutes to set the caramel slightly.
 - Assemble Tarts: On a baking sheet, place 1 square of butter, add 4 slices of the caramelized apple, then place one rectangle of puff pastry on top. Press the edges down with a fork to seal.
 - Bake: Bake the assembled tarts in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
 - Flip Tarts: Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip each tart onto a plate, being cautious of hot caramel and pan.
 - Decorate: Dust the tarts with confectioners sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
 - Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the dessert experience.
 
Notes
- Use Red Delicious apples for sweetness; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well for a tangy variation.
 - Caramelize apples gently over medium heat to avoid burning.
 - Ensure puff pastry is chilled before use for optimal puff and crispness.
 - Handle flipped tarts with care; caramel and pan can be very hot.
 - Don’t overcrowd apple slices to allow even caramelization.
 - Add nutmeg or vanilla extract to the caramel for extra warmth if desired.
 - Let tarts rest before serving to allow caramel to set for easier slicing.
 - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
 - Reheat leftover tarts in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
 - Assembly ahead and freezing is possible before baking; bake from frozen for 30-35 minutes without thawing.
 - Store any extra caramel sauce separately in the fridge and drizzle over tarts when serving.
 
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 40 minutes
 - Category: Desserts & Sweet Treats
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American