The classic French upside-down apple tart with a rich salted caramel bottom — golden, buttery, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- Golden Delicious Apples8 large
- Caster Sugar200 g
- Salted Butter100 g
- Ready-made Puff Pastry320 g
- Vanilla Bean1 whole
- Calvados (optional)2 tbsp
- Sea Salt Flakes1 pinch
Nutrition total (8 servings)
Instructions
👨🍳 Cooking ModePrepare the Apples
Peel, core, and quarter the apples. If using large apples, cut into sixths. The apples will shrink considerably during cooking, so don't cut them too small.
Make the Caramel
In a 26cm ovenproof frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the caster sugar in an even layer. Cook without stirring (swirl the pan occasionally) until a deep amber caramel forms — about 8-10 minutes.
Arrange the Apples
Remove from heat. Add the Calvados if using — stand back as it will bubble and steam. Arrange the apple quarters tightly in concentric circles, curved-side down, in the caramel. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds over the apples. They will shrink, so pack them very tightly.
Cook on the Hob
Return to medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the apples have softened and the caramel bubbles up around them, turning a rich mahogany colour.
Add the Pastry & Bake
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Roll the puff pastry into a circle slightly larger than the pan. Drape it over the apples, tucking the edges down around them. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and deep golden.
The Flip
Remove from the oven and rest for exactly 5 minutes — no longer or the caramel will set and stick. Place a large plate over the pan, then flip confidently in one swift motion. Scatter sea salt flakes over the top. Serve immediately with crème fraîche.
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