Tarte Tatin Recipe - Easy Caramel Apple Tart

Introduction

Hello, this is Chef John from Food Wishes with a delightful recipe for Tarte Tatin, or as it's pronounced in France, "Tata Tatin." This rustic apple tart, composed merely of caramelized apples and a crust, has been a long-requested recipe. It's incredibly simple yet stunningly delicious. The magic of this dessert lies in its minimalism and the transformation of basic ingredients into a glossy, flavorful tart that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and quartered)
• 3 tablespoons of softened butter (for the pan)
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• Pastry dough for a single crust (homemade or store-bought)

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Apples: Begin by peeling, coring, and quartering the Granny Smith apples. If you're prepping the apples ahead of time, keep them in cold water with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Prepare the Pan: Generously butter a 10-inch skillet (with a metal handle suitable for oven use) on the bottom and sides. Then, evenly spread the sugar on the bottom of the pan.
3. Arrange the Apples: Place the apple quarters in the pan, rounded side down and core side up, covering the surface.
4. Caramelize: Cook the apples on medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves, bubbles, and caramelizes into a golden brown, and the apples soften slightly, about 12 minutes.
5. Prep the Crust: Roll out your pastry dough to about 11 inches in diameter. Pre-crimp the edges for ease of handling. Once the apples are caramelized, place the crust over the apples, tucking the sides down into the pan.
6. Bake: Place the skillet in a preheated 425°F oven for about 20 minutes or until the crust is beautifully browned.
7. Cool and Flip: After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, place a plate over the skillet, and carefully flip the tart onto the plate. If any apples stick to the pan, simply reposition them on the tart.
8. Serve: Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before serving. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Tarte Tatin is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. With just a few ingredients, this recipe transforms into a dessert that's both rustic and refined. The caramelized sugar and butter create a complex flavor profile that makes it taste like it contains lemon and spices, despite only having apples and sugar. This dessert is lighter and thinner than a traditional American apple pie but equally, if not more, delicious. It's a fantastic alternative for those looking for something a bit different yet thoroughly enjoyable. Give it a try, and enjoy the glossy awesomeness of this classic French tart.