It seems like everyone is in Europe at the moment. Everytime I open Instagram, I see another beach, another cobblestone street. So, I’ve decided, if you can’t get to Europe, bring Europe to you – with the famous French dish Apple Tarte Tatin. Whether you want to make your own pastry or buy one from the store, I’ve made sure my apple tarte tatin can be achieved by bakers of all levels.
Apple Tarte Tatin
I love an Apple Tarte Tatin. It looks and sounds so much more complicated than it actually is – which is always my favourite flavour of cooking. I use a homemade rough puff pastry for mine, as it’s easy to make for the most basic of pastry chefs. But, it can also be replaced easily by a high quality frozen pastry, which is just as delicious and a lot less labour.
What is a tarte tatin?
Named after two sisters who shared the surname Tatin, a Tarte Tatin is a beautiful pastry full of fruits. Traditionally, apples are used. With its origins in nineteenth century Paris, Tarte Tatin is the cheat sheet to feeling like you’re in Europe without actually making the trip across the pond. This apple tarte tatin is a sweet yet acidic treat that will transport you right to the Champs-Elysees.
Temptation apple
Oh, there is only one sort of apple that can be used for this, and it’s the green apple. I’m sorry pink ladies, I’m sorry red delicious. We need the tartness of a green apple to bring this tarte to life. You can cut them however you like but I like to quarter them!
Making the rough puff
Pastry is a tricky subject. It is so hard to master, and people really shy away from it. But, rough puff is easy. It’s easier than it sounds, tastes, and looks. So, although the store bought kind is a great replacement, don’t shy away from attempting a rough puff. It’s about a patience with waiting until the butter is cold enough to grate, and using a good eye for creating the dough with your hands. But, from there, this recipe is way easier than it looks.
FAQ
Why rough puff?
Rough puff is a quicker way to make pastry that doesn’t take hours nor need proving. It’s a really great beginner’s guide and foray into more complicated pastries. And… It tastes great! It really is the home cook friendly version of your classic puff pastry.
Can I use other fillings?
Well, of course! Peaches, apricots, dates. Whatever you like. This is a great base for a delicious fruity dessert.
If you make this Apple Tarte Tatin, please tag me on Instagram, Tik Tok or Pinterest so I can see your wonderful creations!
If you have any questions or would like to leave a review, please do so here! I always love answering your food and recipe related questions and hearing your feedback on my recipes.
Apple Tarte Tatin
Ingredients
Rough Puff
- 2 cups white all purpose flour
- 200 g unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp icy cold water
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
Tarte Tatin
- 3-4 large green apples peeled, cored and quartered
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 70 g caster sugar
- 1 puff pastry sheet
Instructions
- Rough puff pastry
- Chill a large bowl, grater and the butter in the freezer for 20 minutes before making your pastry. Combine the flour and sugar into the chilled bowl and mix together with a fork. Grate the butter on the chilled grater and add to the flour. Break the butter into the flour with your fingertips until you have a pebble like crumbly texture. You can do this by pinching and rubbing the butter and flour between your finger.
- Create a well in the centre of the flour and pour in the icy cold water. Use a fork to combine the flour and water until most of the flour is moist.
- Lightly dust your kitchen bench or working surface with flour and mould your dough into a rough disc shape. The dough should be firm and moist but not sticky. You want just enough moisture so the dough is barely sticking to itself. If it needs more moisture slightly wet your hands when working with it or if it’s too dry, lightly dust it with flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and leave to rest in the fridge for 1 – 2 hours or overnight.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a thick rectangle shape about 2cm thick. Fold the dough into thirds as if you were folding a piece of paper to go into an envelope. Turn the dough 90 degrees clockwise and roll it back out into a 2cm thick rectangle. Repeat this step 4 – 6 times until you have created many layers and the dough is smooth.
- Divide the dough into two and wrap each piece in glad wrap. You will only need half of the dough for this recipe. The dough will keep in the fridge for 2 days and in the freezer for 3 months. Leave the dough to rest for a minimum of 1 hour or ideally overnight.
Apple Tarte Tatin
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Roll out the puff pastry. Using a 20cm diameter base pan, place it over the puff pastry sheet and cut to shape so it nicely fits the pan.
- In the same pan on a medium heat, scatter the sugar over and leave to cook until it turns an amber colour and begins to caramalise. Do not stir the sugar during this step. Add the butter to the pan and stir through the sugar until melted and combined with the sugar.
- Take the pan off the heat and place the apples over the caramel sauce. Lay the puff pastry over the apples and tuck in the edges. Poke the pastry with a sharp knife up to four times. Place into the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and the caramel sauce is bubbling over the edges.
- Carefully transfer the apple tarte tatin to a plate by place it over the pan and then flipping the pan onto the plate. The tarte should easily remove itself from the pan.
- Serve immediately with a dollop of ice cream or freshly whipped cream
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