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