This Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin will give you a classic French dessert easily at home with the most delicious flavor. It features caramelized apples and buttery puff pastry that’s actually vegan!
This is an incredibly fancy and elegant dessert that’s actually quite easy to make. With my recipe, you’ll be able to make it perfectly from scratch even on your first try!
You don’t have to be vegan to love this popular Apple Tarte Tatin recipe. It's rich, juicy and absolutely mouthwatering. No one will be able to tell, this tarte doesn't contain any eggs or dairy.
The rich and delicious flavor of this dessert makes it a perfect treat to serve during special occasions or as a comforting dessert after a long day. While traditionally made with butter, this vegan version of tarte tatin is just as delicious if not more!
The recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients which are easy to find, and the preparation process is straightforward. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, this dessert is guaranteed to turn out perfectly every time.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this vegan apple tarte tatin recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Try my easy vegan twist on this traditional French dessert and I’m sure it’ll become your new favorite!
Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegan apple tarte tatin today!
Jump to:
- What is a Tarte Tatin?
- What is Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin?
- Why This Is The Best Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe
- What You Need to Make Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin At Home
- How to Make Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Step by Step
- Tips For Making the Best Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Every Single Time
- How to Make Sure Tatin Pastry Bakes Perfectly
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin
- 🍏 Similar Recipes
- Recipe
What is a Tarte Tatin?
Tarte Tatin is a French-style upside-down apple tart, which is made with caramelized fruits and sweet pastry crust - Pâté Sucrée. The recipe was invented in 1898 by Tatin sisters, who owned the Lamotte-Beuvron hotel.
Traditionally Tarte Tatin was made with apples, but over the years, new recipes emerged and both sweet and savory tarte tatins became widely popular.
It's not difficult to find tomato or onion tarte tatins, however sweet recipe versions made with apples, pears and other fruits still remain the most popular ones.
Nowadays, many Apple Tarte Tatins involve a puff pastry. If you can find a quality store-bought vegan puff pastry, you can certainly use it and it will speed up the process even more.
However, in my opinion, vegan Apple Tarte Tatin prepared made with Pâté Sucrée is especially delicious.
What is Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin?
If you love tarte tatin but you’re vegan, then you might feel you can’t ever enjoy this French classic - but that’s not true! My recipe is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
The apples are cooked in a mixture of sugar and vegan butter until they are caramelized and tender. Then, the pastry is placed on top of the apples and baked until golden brown.
The result is a delicious dessert that is sweet, buttery, and fruity all in one. It is also a great option for those who want a delicious dessert without any use of animal products and is a good way to use up apples that may be overripe or on their way out.
Why This Is The Best Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe
Simple ingredients: This vegan apple tart is a dessert that requires minimum ingredients. You probably even have them at home.
Rustic: No need to layer the apples or tuck the dough perfectly. Anyone can do it and. This vegan Apple Tarte Tatin is supposed to look like it's been made in a hurry. That's what makes it so gorgeous.
Delicious: Apples and caramel are best buddies and what other way to experience their delicious combo if not in vegan Apple Tarte Tatin? This gourmet fall cake is so juicy and flavorful, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress and satisfy a crowd, making it a great option for dinner parties or gatherings.
Unique: This recipe provides a unique twist on a classic French dessert, and is a great way to introduce non-vegans to delicious and satisfying vegan options.
What You Need to Make Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin At Home
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan apple tarte tatin recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
For the Sweet Pastry Crust:
All-purpose flour: We will also be using all-purpose flour to make the crust. It will help bind the ingredients together and create a sturdy base that won’t crumble when we slice it.
Vegan butter: For the crust, we will need some vegan butter. It will provide a rich and buttery flavor without the use of dairy products.
Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the crust will enhance the flavors and balance out the sweetness of the filling.
Ice cold water: We will be needing some ice cold water in order to bring the crust together, as using cold water will help create a flaky texture and prevent the butter from melting too quickly.
For the Apple-Caramel Filling:
Apple: The star of this recipe is the apple-caramel filling. It will be made with a combination of Gala, Granny Smith, and Daisy apples, which will create a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Vegan butter: We will also be using vegan butter in the filling which will help create a smooth and creamy texture and add richness to the caramel sauce.In I personally used Miyoko's unsalted butter to make this. If you buy a salted butter, omit the salt from the ingredients.
Cane sugar: To make the caramel sauce, we will need some organic cane sugar. It will melt and caramelize, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Make sure to buy organic cane sugar, as a regular cane sugar is not vegan. Also, I tried this recipe with brown sugar. You can use it too, however I noticed that brown sugar doesn't melt that easy. You can help this process by adding a few tablespoons of cool water, one at a time. Keep adding water at about 1 minute interval until the sugar melts. You can also use coconut sugar or other unrefined sugar.
Vanilla extract: Adding a dash of vanilla extract to the caramel sauce will enhance the flavors and add a hint of sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
To make this glorious vegan Apple Tarte Tatin, you don't need the special equipment.
Usually, Tarte Tatin is prepared entirely in the cast iron skillet. However, it's quite heavy and I prefer to make vegan Tarte Tatin in the cake pan.
For this vegan recipe, I recommend using a 9-inch cake pan. You can also use 8-inch cake pan.
Of course, if you want to go the traditional route, make your vegan Apple Tarte Tatin entirely in cast iron skillet.
How to Make Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Step by Step
Making this incredible vegan apple tarte tatin recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Prepare a sweet pastry dough.
In a bowl of food processor add flour, vegan butter and salt. Pulse on high for 5-6 times to break big chunks of butter. The mixture will be crumbly. With a motor running on low add ice cold water and process for 5-7 seconds until the dough starts to pull away from the walls.
If after 7 seconds, the dough doesn't pull away from the walls of food processor, add another tablespoon of ice cold water and process on low for a few more seconds until the dough comes together.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry crust to about 11 inches on a piece of plastic, parchment or wax paper. Wrap the dough with a plastic wrap and put in a fridge.
- Prepare the caramel. Add butter and organic cane sugar to a large pan and on a medium heat. Stir until the butter melts. The mixture will be grainy at first. Add 3 tablespoons of water and cook the caramel stirring from time until the sugar melts, about 10-15 minutes. Water will speed up the process. Keep an eye on the caramel sauce, it should be dark amber in color. Don't overcook.
- Cut the apples. Meanwhile, peel, core and quarter the apples.
- Cook the apples. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Stir the apple slices into the caramel sauce and cook until the apples caramelize turning them every few minutes to coat in caramel. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Add in vanilla extract, stir once again and remove apples from the heat.
- Spray the sides and bottom of an 9-inch baking pan with a cooking spray and line with a parchment paper.
- Arrange the apples on the bottom of the pan in the concentric circles Remove the sweet pastry dough from the fridge and place it over the apples. Tuck the sides down around the apples. (It doesn't have to be perfect). Using a knife, make a few slits in the pastry to release the steam.
- Bake vegan Apple Tarte Tatin for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove tarte from the oven and let it cool until it is barely warm. Place a dish over a cake tin and quickly invert cake onto the plate. Serve immediately.
Your delicious Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin is ready to be served!
Tips For Making the Best Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin Every Single Time
Preparing the Apples: To guarantee even cooking, it is absolutely crucial to chop the apples into uniform thickness. Choose firm and crisp apples that hold their shape when baked.
Caramelizing the Sugar: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to melt the sugar. Swirl the pan occasionally for even browning. Once the mixture has turned a deep amber color, you’ll know it’s ready.
Arranging the Apples: Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern, starting from the outer edge and working your way to the center. Overlap the slices slightly to create a beautiful design.
Rolling the Dough: Roll the pastry dough into a circle that is slightly larger than the skillet. Use a rolling pin to transfer the dough onto the apples.
Baking the Tarte Tatin: Bake the tarte tatin in a preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate.
Serving and Garnishing: Serve the tarte tatin warm with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Make Sure Tatin Pastry Bakes Perfectly
It's normal for the tatin pastry to be a little moist once baked. If you want make sure you vegan apple Tarte Tatin pastry stays as crisp as possible and not soggy, here's what you can do.
- Follow the advice by Gordon Ramsay and peel the apples the day before. Leave them in the fridge overnight. This way, the apples will dry out and release less juices during cooking.
- Don't forget to cut a few slits in the dough to allow the steam to escape.
- Finally, once baked - leave the tarte undisturbed. Do not unmold it and let it cool completely. When it's time to serve Tatin, preheat the oven to 350 F and warm the tarte for about 3-5 minutes. This will help to loosen up the apple-caramel filling and you'll be able to easily remove Tarte Tatin from the pan.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a classic and delicious dessert. The ice-cream will melt into the apples creating an ultimate vegan Tarte Tatin experience.
- Pair with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an indulgent afternoon snack.
- Top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin
This delicious vegan apple tarte tatin recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Pear: For a delicious twist on this classic dessert, try using pears instead of apples. Simply substitute the apples for sliced pears and add a touch of ground ginger to the caramel mixture for extra flavor.
Cinnamon: Add a warm and cozy cinnamon flavor to your tarte tatin by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the caramel mixture. This will pair perfectly with the sweet apples and buttery crust.
Nuts: For a nutty and sweet variation, sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts over the apples before adding the pastry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert consisting of caramelized fruit (usually apples) cooked in a skillet and topped with a layer of pastry. It is then baked until the pastry is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
It's important not to overcook the caramel. Keep an eye on it at all times and remove from the heat once the caramel turns amber in color.
If you cook it any longer, the tarte might taste slightly bitter from the overcooked caramel.
Pick the type of apple that holds its shape once baked. Gala apples, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are all great choices.
You can prepare an apple-caramel filling 1 day in advance. Let it cool, cover it with a plastic wrap and store in a fridge. When ready to bake Tarte Tatin, reheat the filling, then cover with the dough and bake.
If you're using a cake pan to bake Tarte Tatin, I recommend to line it (bottom and the sides) with the parchment paper. If you use cast iron pan, make sure to grease it well with a cooking spray.
Yes, you can use other fruits such as pears, or even peaches. Just make sure they are ripe and firm enough to hold their shape when cooked.
Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust if you prefer. Just make sure it is vegan-friendly and fits the size of your skillet or baking dish.
How to Store Leftover Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin
To store leftovers of this vegan apple tarte tatin recipe, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Please be aware that the longer you store it, the soggier the crust will become. It will however not affect the taste of the tarte.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the tarte tatin in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, it is recommended to freeze the tarte tatin before baking it. Simply prepare the tarte tatin as directed and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil and bake it as directed.
However, if the tarte tatin has already been baked, it is not recommended to freeze it as the texture of the apples can become mushy and the pastry can become soggy when thawed and reheated.
🍏 Similar Recipes
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Recipe
Vegan Apple Tarte Tatin
Ingredients
Sweet pastry crust
- 1 ¼ c all-purpose flour
- 7 tablespoon vegan butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon ice cold water
Apple-caramel filling
- 7 large apples Gala, Granny Smith, Daisy
- 5 tablespoon vegan butter
- ¾ c organic cane sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make a sweet pastry crust
- In a bowl of food processor add flour, vegan butter and salt. Pulse on high for 5-6 times to break big chunks of butter. The mixture will be crumbly. With a motor running on low add ice cold water and process for 5-7 seconds until the dough starts to pull away from the walls.
- If after 7 seconds, the dough doesn't pull away from the walls of food processor, add another tablespoon of ice cold water and process on low for a few more seconds until the dough comes together.
- Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry crust to about 11 inches on a piece of plastic, parchment or wax paper. Wrap the dough with a plastic wrap and put in a fridge.
Prepare the apple-caramel filling
- Add butter and organic cane sugar to a large pan and on a medium heat. Stir until the butter melts. The mixture will be grainy at first. Add 3 tablespoons of water (one at a time, at 1 minute intervals and stirring in between) and cook the caramel stirring from time until the sugar melts, about 10-15 minutes. Water will speed up the process. Keep an eye on the caramel sauce, it should be dark amber in color. Don't overcook.
- Meanwhile, peel, core and quarter the apples.
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Stir the apples into the caramel sauce and cook until the apples caramelize turning them every few minutes to coat in caramel. This should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Add in vanilla extract, stir once again and remove apples from the heat.
- Spray the sides and bottom of an 9-inch baking pan with a cooking spray and line with a parchment paper.
- Arrange the apples on the bottom of the pan in the concentric circles Remove the sweet pastry dough from the fridge and place it over the apples. Tuck the sides down around the apples. (It doesn't have to be perfect). Using a knife, make a few slits in the pastry to release the steam.
- Bake vegan Apple Tarte Tatin for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove tarte from the oven and let it cool until it is barely warm. Place a dish over a cake pan and quickly invert cake onto the plate.
- Serve immediately.
Carol says
A really beautiful recipe and I am wondering about using springform pan and lining it with parchment ? It seems like it would be easier to unmold, I am also thinking that peeling those apples day before is a really good idea and am glad to learn this.
I am in Canda so of course out Thanksgiving was last month, but I am still happy to get these recipes. I won't be waiting for an occasion to make this dessert.
Iryna says
The first time when I made this recipe was actually in a springform pan. However one issue was that the caramel sauce leaked through the tiny openings in between the base of a pan and its sides. So it kept dripping while the cake was baking. I had to put an empty pan under the cake to catch the drippings. That's why when I made the cake again I used a regular cake pan which I lined with parchment paper. It was really easy to flip the cake on a plate and nothing sticked.