To begin, you’ll need about six medium-sized apples (Granny Smiths work well), a stick of unsalted butter, one cup of granulated sugar, and a sheet of puff pastry. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Begin by peeling and coring the apples. Cut them into thin slices and set aside. In a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it has dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, add the apple slices to the skillet. Cook the apples until they are golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
While the apples are cooking, prepare the puff pastry. Carefully roll it out into a circle that is slightly larger than the skillet. Once the apples are caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and place the puff pastry on top of the apples. Tuck the pastry edges down into the skillet to create a seal.
Bake the Tarte Tatin in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
Once the Tarte Tatin has cooled slightly, it’s time to flip it over onto a serving platter. Place a large plate or platter over the top of the skillet. Using oven mitts or a kitchen towel to hold the skillet and plate firmly together, quickly flip the skillet over so that the Tarte Tatin falls onto the plate.
Serve the Tarte Tatin warm, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The caramelized apples and buttery pastry make for a truly decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
While apples are the classic choice of fruit for Tarte Tatin, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of fruit. Pears, peaches, and even pineapple can work well in this recipe. Additionally, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of flavor to the caramelized fruit.
In conclusion, Tarte Tatin is a delicious and impressive-looking dessert that is deceptively easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some cooking know-how, you can create a beautiful and memorable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, why not give it a try?