recipe

Mini Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe: A Sweet & Flaky French Classic Made Easy

Name: Mini Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe: A Sweet & Flaky French Classic Made Easy
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4-6
Ingredients: puff pastry roll, 1; apples, peeled and cored, 2; sugar, 50 grams (1/4 cup); butter, cold, cut into cubes, 60 grams (1/4 cup); egg wash, to taste

Total time: 30 mins.

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 4-6

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By Ilaria Canevara

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both elegant and approachable, this Mini Apple Tarte Tatin will win you over at first bite. Featuring buttery puff pastry and perfectly caramelized apples, this French classic has been reinvented into a bite-sized treat that’s ideal for entertaining — or simply spoiling yourself on a cozy evening at home.

These individual tartes offer all the magic of the traditional version but in a smaller, more manageable form. The result? A golden, flaky crust layered with tender, syrupy apples that melt in your mouth.

The Origin of Tarte Tatin

The story of Tarte Tatin is as charming as the dessert itself. This upside-down pastry was born in the early 1900s in the small French town of Sainte-Suzanne, thanks to the Tatin sisters. Legend has it that one sister accidentally dropped apples into a pan of butter and sugar before adding pastry on top — creating a delicious mistake that became an enduring French icon.

Today, the Tarte Tatin remains a beloved dessert across the world, known for its caramelized fruit topping and rich, buttery crust. This mini version captures that same flavor and drama — just in a format that’s easier to serve (and eat!).

Why You’ll Love This Mini Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe

Perfect for Entertaining: Impressive presentation with minimal effort.
Quick & Easy: Thanks to store-bought puff pastry.
Flavorful: Caramelized apples bring natural sweetness and depth.
Versatile: Works with apples, pears, or even plums.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be baked ahead and gently reheated.

Ingredients

puff pastry roll

apples, peeled and cored

sugar

50 grams (1/4 cup)

butter, cold, cut into cubes

60 grams (1/4 cup)

egg wash

to taste

How to Make Mini Apple Tarte Tatins

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C. Peel and slice the apple into thin slices. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a circle cookie cutter on each piece of parchment, and sprinkle sugar into the center of each cutter.

Step 2

Add a small piece of butter. Top the sugar and butter with sliced apple.

Step 3

Cut the puff pastry sheet into 8 equal circles. Cover each apple with a puff pastry circle.

Step 4

Brush the tops with egg wash and bake the tarts for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the tarts over and serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t overfill – too many apple slices can make the crust soggy.
Let them rest briefly before flipping – helps the caramel set slightly.
Serve warm – pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for perfection.

Variations to Try

Mini Pear Tarte Tatin: Substitute ripe but firm pears.
Spiced Apple Tatin: Add nutmeg or cardamom for fall flavor.
Mixed Fruit Tatin: Combine apples with cranberries or figs.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Assemble tarts up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Store cooled tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving.