Description
A delightful dessert combining caramelized apples and a crispy puff pastry, topped with a candy crunch for added sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 sheet all-butter puff pastry (about 9 ounces), thawed if frozen
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for candy crunch)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons crushed hard candies (such as toffee, butterscotch, or caramel candies)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9-inch ovenproof skillet or tarte Tatin pan, melt 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat without stirring until it reaches a deep amber color. Gently swirl the pan to distribute the color evenly.
- Add 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon if desired, stirring until smooth.
- Place apple quarters in the pan, cut side up, packing them tightly. Cook over medium heat for 12 to 15 minutes, basting occasionally with caramel, until apples begin to soften and caramel thickens. Remove from heat.
- Roll out puff pastry to slightly larger than the pan diameter. Drape pastry over the apples, tucking the edges down around the fruit.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- While the tart bakes, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water. Do not stir. Cook until it turns golden amber. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and crushed candies, then quickly pour mixture onto the prepared sheet. Let cool, then break into small shards.
- Cool tart for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate while still warm.
- Before serving, sprinkle candy crunch shards over the tart for added sweetness and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use firm apples to hold their shape.
- Allow the tart to cool slightly before inverting to prevent breaking.
- Experiment with different types of hard candies for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg