Mini Tarte Tatin 

Yield: 12 mini tartlets Prep: 20-25 mins Cook: 18-22 mins Cooling: 5-10 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples (firm. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
  • Optional: vanilla, cinnamon, or Calvados for flair.

Instructions

  1. Prep apples:
    Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Optional: sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla/Calvados.
  2. Caramel base:
    In a skillet, melt butter and sugar over medium heat. Stir until golden caramel forms (about 5–6 mins). Pour evenly into a greased mini muffin tin (or use silicone).
  3. Layer apples:
    Place 2–3 apple slices over the caramel in each muffin well.
  4. Top with pastry:
    Cut puff pastry into 2-inch rounds. Place one on top of each tart, tucking edges slightly.
  5. Bake:
    Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, until pastry is puffed and golden.
  6. Invert:
    Cool 5 minutes. Place a tray on top of the tin and flip carefully to release tartlets upside-down (caramel on top).
  7. Serve warm or at room temp.

Tips

  • Watch your caramel closely
    Cook butter and sugar until just golden amber. Too pale = bland, too dark = bitter. Pull it early—it keeps darkening after heat is off.
  • Keep the puff pastry cold
    Work quickly and keep pastry cold so it puffs properly. Chill cut rounds before placing over apples if needed.
  • Cut pastry slightly larger than the tin wells
    So the pastry tucks down slightly around the apple—this gives a neat, sealed look when flipped.
  • Vent puff pastry lightly (optional)
    A tiny poke in the middle can help steam escape and prevent sogginess.
  • Use a silicone muffin tin if possible
    MUCH easier to release the tarts without sticking or breaking.