Apple Tart Upside Down: A Dessert Worth Flipping Over

If you’ve never flipped an apple tart upside down and revelled in its caramelised glory, then what are you even doing? Apple tart upside down, or tarte Tatin as the French like to call it (because everything sounds fancier in French), is the dessert equivalent of a happy accident. Sticky, buttery, and unapologetically indulgent, this treat isn’t just a dessert; it’s a lifestyle choice.

How Apple Tart Upside Down Came to Be

The tale of this delectable dessert’s origin is as sweet as the tart itself. The Tatin sisters, Caroline and Stéphanie, ran a small hotel in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, in the 1880s. Legend has it that Stéphanie was in the kitchen one day, presumably daydreaming about a countryside stroll, and left her apples caramelising in butter and sugar for too long. In a panic, she slapped a sheet of pastry over the apples and shoved the whole thing into the oven. The result? A dessert that became an icon.

Some say the story is pure myth, cooked up to add intrigue to an already luscious dessert. But does it really matter? The only thing that’s undeniable is the perfection of this caramelised, flaky delight.

Famous Fans of Apple Tart Upside Down

You’re not the only one obsessing over this dessert. Julia Child, the grande dame of French cooking, sang its praises in her seminal book “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.” Then there’s James Beard, who called it “a triumph of French ingenuity.” Even Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly partial to a slice, further proof that the dessert’s allure knows no bounds.

In pop culture, tarte Tatin has quietly stolen the spotlight in numerous cooking shows and films about food. It’s the dessert that whispers sophistication while secretly encouraging you to unbutton your trousers for that second slice.

Why We Love Apple Tart Upside Down

What sets apple tart upside down apart from your average apple pie is its unapologetic decadence. The base, made of caramelised apples and a thick, buttery pastry, creates a symphony of textures. The apples become soft and jammy, while the pastry remains crispy and golden. The moment you flip it out of the pan, the caramel oozes slightly, forming a glossy, irresistible topping. It’s a dessert that says, “I’m worth the calories.”

Beyond its taste, the tart is a marvel of simplicity. Few ingredients, minimal fuss, and yet the outcome is nothing short of spectacular. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up to impress your dinner guests without breaking a sweat.

Drinks to Pair with Apple Tart Upside Down

This dessert isn’t shy, so its drink pairings shouldn’t be either. Here are some great options to elevate your experience:

Tea

A cup of Earl Grey, with its citrusy bergamot notes, provides a refreshing contrast to the tart’s rich caramel. For something cosier, opt for chai tea; the spices marry beautifully with the caramelised apples.

Coffee

Whether it’s a strong espresso or a creamy latte, coffee and apple tart upside down are a match made in heaven. The bitter notes of coffee balance the sweetness, creating a harmonious pairing.

Cider

Apple cider, especially the sparkling variety, is an obvious choice. The apple-on-apple combination is like a culinary high-five between the tart and the drink.

Dessert Wines

For those who like their desserts extra indulgent, pair your tart with a glass of sauternes or late-harvest riesling. The wine’s sweetness enhances the caramel notes, while its acidity keeps the richness in check.

Varieties of Apple Tart Upside Down

The classic tarte Tatin is exquisite, but creativity has its place. Over the years, inventive chefs and home bakers have put their own spin on the dessert. Here are some variations to try:

Traditional Tarte Tatin

The original recipe features firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn. These apples hold their shape during cooking and provide a pleasant tang that cuts through the sweetness.

Pear Tarte Tatin

A cousin to the classic version, this uses ripe pears instead of apples. The result is softer and slightly floral, perfect for those who enjoy a more delicate dessert.

Spiced Apple Tart Upside Down

Adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or star anise to the caramel takes the dessert to another level. These warm spices add depth and complexity, making it perfect for autumn evenings.

Puff Pastry Tarte Tatin

While the original uses a shortcrust pastry, puff pastry adds an extra layer of buttery decadence. The flaky layers soak up the caramel beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Mini Tarte Tatins

Why share when you can have your own? Mini versions of the tart are ideal for dinner parties or as an elegant addition to afternoon tea. They’re also ridiculously cute.

Making Apple Tart Upside Down at Home

Ready to try your hand at this legendary dessert? Here are three recipes to guide you through, each with its own unique twist.

Classic Apple Tart Upside Down Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5-6 firm apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn)
• 100g unsalted butter
• 150g sugar
• 1 sheet of shortcrust pastry

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Peel, core, and quarter the apples.
3. In an ovenproof skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves and forms a caramel.
4. Arrange the apple quarters in the skillet, rounded side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Lay the pastry over the apples, tucking the edges around the fruit.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
7. Let the tart cool for a few minutes before flipping it onto a serving plate.

Spiced Apple and Pear Tart Upside Down Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 apples (Granny Smith or Braeburn)
• 3 ripe pears
• 100g unsalted butter
• 150g sugar
• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Peel, core, and slice the fruit into quarters.
3. Melt butter and sugar in a skillet to make a caramel. Add the spices and stir.
4. Arrange the fruit in the skillet, alternating apples and pears.
5. Cover with puff pastry and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Flip onto a plate and serve warm.

Mini Apple Tart Upside Down Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 firm apples
• 75g unsalted butter
• 100g sugar
• 1 sheet of puff pastry

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
3. Use a muffin tin to create individual tarts. Add a small amount of butter and sugar to each cup.
4. Layer apple slices in each cup, then cover with pastry circles cut to size.
5. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool slightly before flipping each tart out of the tin.

Apple tart upside down is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of caramel, butter, and fruit at their best. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with new flavours, one thing’s certain: you’ll be flipping out for this treat every time.