“A French classic with a caramelized twist, reimagined with bold spices and rich textures.”
Thomy
The Story Behind Apple Tarte Tatin
The Apple Tarte Tatin is one of the most beloved desserts in French cuisine, originating at the Hotel Tatin in the late 19th century. A cooking mishap by one of the Tatin sisters led to the creation of this upside-down tart, where caramelized apples meet buttery pastry. Over the years, it has become a timeless classic, celebrated for its simple elegance and indulgent flavors.
About the Recipe
This recipe transforms the traditional Apple Tarte Tatin with a modern twist by adding five-spice powder and a layer of almond cream under the buttery puff pastry. The five-spice blend adds aromatic warmth, while the almond cream introduces a nutty richness, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and inventive. Finished with a sprinkle of toasted almonds, this version of the Tarte Tatin is a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Tarte Tatin:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and halved
- 100g sugar
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp five-spice powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
For the Almond Cream:
- 50g ground almonds
- 25g sugar
- 25g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
For Garnish:
- Crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream
- Chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramelized Apples
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In an ovenproof skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar, stirring until it dissolves and turns golden brown.
- Stir in the five-spice powder and a pinch of salt.
- Arrange the apple halves, cut side up, in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes, basting the apples with the caramel as they soften slightly.
2. Prepare the Almond Cream
- In a small bowl, mix ground almonds, sugar, softened butter, egg yolk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of the almond cream over one side of the puff pastry.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Roll out the puff pastry slightly to fit the size of the skillet. Place the almond cream-covered side of the pastry over the apples, tucking the edges neatly around the fruit.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
- Let the tart cool for 5-10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve warm with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Thomy Twist
The addition of five-spice powder adds a bold, aromatic layer to the classic caramelized apples, while the almond cream brings nutty richness. Together, they create a modern take on this timeless French dessert.
Elevate the Experience
PIE SERVER
Serve your Apple Tarte Tatin with a touch of elegance using a pie server that makes each slice feel like a moment of indulgence. Its sharp edges allow for clean slices, elevating the moment of presenting and sharing the dessert, making it feel as special as the flavors themselves.
CAST IRON SKILLET
Ideal for creating a perfectly caramelized base for the Apple Tarte Tatin, a cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution, helping the apples cook evenly and the pastry crisp to golden perfection. Its versatility makes it the perfect tool for transitioning from stovetop to oven, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This
This modernized Apple Tarte Tatin combines the classic charm of caramelized apples with the bold flavors of five-spice and the creaminess of almond cream. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, guaranteed to impress your guests or make any occasion special.
