Upside-down apple tarts are a delightful dessert that combines buttery, flaky puff pastry with caramelized apples in a golden, sugary glaze. These individual tarts are simple to make yet elegant enough to impress your guests. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, these tarts are a treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Upside-Down Apple Tarts
These tarts offer everything you love about a classic dessert: a flaky, buttery crust, sweet and tender apples, and the rich flavor of caramelized sugar. They’re easy to prepare and don’t require any special tools, making them accessible even for beginner bakers. Plus, the individual portions make them perfect for entertaining or as a cozy indulgence for yourself.
Tips for Perfect Upside-Down Apple Tarts
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results:
- Choose the Right Apples: Red Delicious apples work wonderfully here, but you can also use Granny Smith for a slightly tart flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the apple slices tightly in the pan for even caramelization and a beautiful presentation.
- Cool Slightly Before Flipping: Let the tarts cool for a few minutes after baking. This allows the caramel to set slightly, making flipping easier and less messy.
- Work Quickly with Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it to ensure the best puff and texture.
What to Serve with Upside-Down Apple Tarts
These tarts are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some serving ideas:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich caramelized apples.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm tarts and cold ice cream create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Cinnamon Sauce: Drizzle a little cinnamon-spiced sauce over the tarts for extra warmth and spice.
- Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes the perfect pairing for this cozy dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Upside-Down Apple Tarts
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), these tarts store well. Place cooled tarts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh the pastry and caramel. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
A Dessert Worth Flipping Over
Upside-down apple tarts are as delightful to make as they are to eat. The process of caramelizing the apples and flipping the tart creates a sense of accomplishment that’s as rewarding as the final result. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening treat, these tarts will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Upside-Down Apple Tart
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen
- 1 Red Delicious apple peeled, cored, and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- Pinch of salt
- powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a 9-inch round baking pan or oven-proof skillet and set it aside.
- In the pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugars dissolve, and the mixture begins to bubble.
- Arrange the apple slices tightly in a circular pattern in the pan. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized. Stir gently as needed to prevent burning. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut it into six even rectangles.
- Place a sheet of puff pastry on top of each portion of caramelized apples, tucking the edges down slightly with a fork to secure the pastry.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed and golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes. Carefully flip each tart onto a plate by placing a plate over the pan and turning it upside down. Use caution, as the caramel will be very hot.
- Dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.