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Caramelized French Tarte Tatin

Name: Caramelized French Tarte Tatin
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and quartered; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced; ¼ cup ice-cold water; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup heavy cream, warmed; 2 tbsp unsalted butter

An iconic French dessert featuring caramelized apples topped with a flaky pastry, served with a luscious caramel sauce.

4.8(874 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·June 27, 2025

Caramelized French Tarte Tatin — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Apple Filling

For the Pastry

For the Caramel Sauce

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 644 kcal
Protein: 3.13 g
Carbs: 90.63 g
Fat: 32 g
Fiber: 4.38 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 5149 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 725 g
Fat: 256 g
Fiber: 35 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
6 large apples peeled, cored, and quartered	570	1	152	2	28
1 cup granulated sugar	774	0	200	0	0
½ cup unsalted butter	810	1	0	92	0
1 tsp vanilla extract	12	0	1	0	0
1 tsp ground cinnamon	6	0	2	0	1
1½ cups all-purpose flour	684	19	142	3	6
2 tbsp granulated sugar	97	0	25	0	0
½ cup unsalted butter chilled and diced	810	1	0	92	0
¼ cup ice-cold water	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup granulated sugar	774	0	200	0	0
½ cup heavy cream warmed	408	3	3	44	0
2 tbsp unsalted butter	204	0	0	23	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Apples

1
Toss Apples with Vanilla and Cinnamon
In a bowl, toss apple quarters with vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
2
Rest the Apples
Let the apples sit at room temperature to absorb the flavors, about 20 minutes.
3
Stir Occasionally
Occasionally stir to redistribute the marinade.

Preparing the Pastry

1
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar.
2
Cut in the Butter
Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Tip: Ensure the butter remains cold to achieve a flaky pastry.
3
Form and Chill the Dough
Gradually stir in ice-cold water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Tip: Roll the pastry out slightly larger than your pan for easy coverage.

How to Make Caramelized French Tarte Tatin

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 8 servings

1
Caramelizing the Sugar
In a heavy skillet, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts into a golden brown syrup. Add butter and mix until smooth.
2
Layering the Apples
Arrange marinated apples on the caramel in the skillet, cut-side up, in a tight circular pattern. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the apples to soften slightly.
3
Covering with Pastry
Roll out the chilled pastry dough and place it over the apples, tucking the edges inside the skillet. Prick all over with a fork.
4
Baking
Bake the tarte at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.