Apple Tarte Tatin: A Caramelized French Dessert Dream

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, core, and quarter apples. Set aside. Thaw puff pastry.
2. 2

   In a heavy, oven-safe 9 or 10-inch skillet, melt sugar over medium heat without stirring until edges caramelize. Swirl gently until fully melted and amber.
3. 3

   Remove from heat. Carefully add cubed butter, swirling until melted and combined. Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
4. 4

   Arrange apple quarters tightly in a single layer over the caramel in the skillet, cut side facing up.
5. 5

   Return skillet to medium-low heat. Cook apples for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and caramel thickens.
6. 6

   Roll out puff pastry slightly larger than the skillet. Carefully lay pastry over apples, tucking edges down into the sides of the pan. Cut a few small slits in the top for steam.
7. 7

   Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown.
8. 8

   Remove from oven. Let cool for 5-10 minutes. Place a large serving plate over the skillet, then, using oven mitts, swiftly flip the tart onto the plate. Gently lift the skillet. Serve warm with crème fraîche or ice cream.