Upside Down Apple Tart Recipe
This upside down apple tart recipe puts a fun twist on the classic apple dessert. It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for holidays, parties, or even a cozy weeknight at home.
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Upside-down tarts are so fun to make. The fruit starts at the bottom of the pan, then gets flipped after baking to reveal a glossy, caramelized topping.
They’re usually made with fruits like apples, pears, and peaches, but there are savory versions, too. You can also use tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, or even root vegetables for a delicious twist!
Is it your first time making these treats from scratch? You have to try this version this fall.
Apples and puff pastry are a classic pair you’ll crave again and again, even beyond the season. 🍁
How to Make Upside Down Apple Tarts
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes (10 minutes for caramelizing apples + 30 minutes for baking)
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6 tarts
Equipment
- 9-inch round baking pan or oven-proof skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Fork for pressing pastry edges
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 Red Delicious apple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
- Confectioners’ sugar, for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In your pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add both sugars, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
Step 3: Arrange the apple slices tightly in a circular pattern. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the caramel.
Step 4: While the apples are caramelizing, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into six even rectangles.
Step 5: Once the apples are caramelized, let them cool for a few minutes. Place one portion of apples on the baking sheet, top with puff pastry, and press the edges down with a fork.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
Step 7: Let the tart cool for a few minutes after baking. Carefully flip it onto a plate. Be extra cautious, as the caramel and pan will be very hot! Dust them with confectioners’ sugar.
Step 8: Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What to Serve with Homemade Upside Down Apple Tarts
- Hot drinks: Pair them with coffee, spiced chai, or even hot apple cider. The warm spices and caramelized fruit go perfectly with cozy drinks.
- After-dinner treat: Pair them with your favorite fall dishes for the perfect sweet finish.
- Sweet platter: Arrange them on a dessert board with other sweets. Serve them alongside chewy gingersnap cookies and pumpkin cinnamon rolls!
Tips for Exploring this Upside Down Apple Tart Recipe
- Pick the right apples: This recipe calls for Red Delicious, which gives you a softer, sweeter finish once baked. If you’d like firmer slices that hold their shape more, try mixing in an apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. The combination adds both sweetness and a little tartness for balance.
- Mini versions: Try making these in a muffin tin for single-serve tarts. They’re easier to portion and perfect for parties.
- Add a nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apples before topping with pastry. They’ll toast in the oven and add extra flavor and texture.
How to Store Your Delicious Upside Down Apple Tarts
These tarts can sit out for a few hours if you’re serving them the same day. Just cover them lightly with foil so they don’t dry out.
In case you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just warm them briefly in the oven to bring back their flakiness! 😋
Helpful Extras for Serving Upside Down Apple Tarts
- Save yourself some prep time with an apple slicer and corer. It’s also handy for everyday snacking, so it won’t just sit in your kitchen drawer.
- Serving these tarts for a party or holiday dinner? Get a dessert stand to display them beautifully. You can also add cinnamon sticks, whole apples, or tiny bowls of whipped cream or caramel sauce between the tarts.
- If you’re just preparing for a small gathering and feel like there’s no need for a dessert stand, fall-themed paper plates are a perfect option. They add a festive touch and there’s no need to worry about cleanup!
FAQs about Apple Tarts
How to glaze an apple tart?
You can glaze apple tarts by brushing the top with a little warmed apricot jam or honey right after baking. You can also make your own glaze with simple sugar syrup or try other options like maple syrup for a cozy fall twist.
Do you eat apple tart hot or cold?
Both traditional apple tarts and upside down apple tarts are delicious served warm with ice cream or enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge.
These treats may look like something you’d buy at a bakery, but you can make them easily at home.
Want to make them more exciting, especially for the kids? Try using cookie cutters to shape the puff pastry into stars, hearts, or leaves before baking. 👩🍳
Looking for more desserts? These options are all warm, cozy, and oh-so inviting:
- Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake
- Apple Crisp with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Sweet Potato Bites
- Chocolate Walnut Brownies
- No-Churn Vegan Mango Sorbet
Upside Down Apple Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
Description
Upside-down tarts are a fun twist on classic fruit desserts! They’re so fun to make. The fruit starts at the bottom of the pan, then gets flipped after baking to reveal a glossy, caramelized topping.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 Red Delicious apple, peeled, cored, and cut into thin slices
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- A pinch of salt
- Confectioners’ sugar, for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In your pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add both sugars, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugars dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
- Arrange the apple slices tightly in a circular pattern. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Be careful not to burn the caramel.
- While the apples are caramelizing, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into six even rectangles.
- Once the apples are caramelized, let them cool for a few minutes. Place one portion of apples on the baking sheet, top with puff pastry, and press the edges down with a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and puffed.
- Let the tart cool for a few minutes after baking. Carefully flip it onto a plate. Be extra cautious, as the caramel and pan will be very hot.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
