Vegan Tarte Tatin

Tarte Tatin is one of those desserts that sound fancier than they actually are, and I’m the biggest fan of secretly quick and easy recipes. This vegan version of the famous French tart calls for plant-based puff pastry and a few tablespoons of vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are true to the original, as is the tart’s rustic appearance and rich flavour.

What Is Tarte Tatin?

Tarte Tatin is a type of upside down cake, consisting of puff pastry and caramelised apples. was named after the Tatin sisters who are said to have  invented it and served it in their hotel in the 1880s.

While it originated in France, the recipe has since spread all over the world, and has several regional varieties. The traditional one was made with two regional apple varieties, Reine des Reinete Pippins and Calville, caramelised in butter and sugar, and topped with puff pastry.

If you’re looking for a different apple dessert, I’d recommend checking out this vegan apple galette, apple pie muffins or these easy baked apples with walnuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Vegan Tarte Tatin

Vegan puff pastry - you can either use ready-made vegan puff pastry, or make your own puff pastry. I tend to go with the store-bought variety because it makes things so much easier and I really love the quality of my go-to brand.

Apples - you can use pretty much any variety, or mix them up. A good rule of thumb is to use a sweet and firm apple, and I know for a fact that Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Fuji and even Gala all work great. Traditionally, the tart was made with Reine des Reinette Pippins, and Calville, which are regional varieties and probably what the Tatin sisters had at hand.

Sugar - you can use cane sugar, brown sugar, beet sugar, coconut sugar or other unrefined sugar you like.

Vegan butter - use your go-to plant-based butter or margarine.

Vanilla - I added two teaspoons of vanilla extract to the caramel for a bit more aroma, but you can easily skip this step. If you like, you can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the caramel.

How to Make Vegan Tarte Tatin

Step One - Prepare the Puff Pastry

Using a cake pan as a template, cut a circle out from the puff pastry. Using a fork, poke holes all over to provide ventilation.

Step Two - Cook the Apples

In a large saucepan over low heat, distribute the sugar evenly and cook until light amber in colour, stirring to help melt any lumps, 5-7 minutes. Add vegan butter, stirring constantly until the colour is a creamy light brown. Add the apples, stirring until they are coated in a thick layer of caramel. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat when the caramel has reduced and little remains in the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to burn the caramel, tasting it from time to time to ensure it does not taste bitter. Add vanilla extract at this point if using.

Step Three - Layer the Apples

Arrange the apple slices in concentric circles on the bottom of the cake pan. Press the apples tightly against each other, then pour the remaining caramel over the top.

Step Four - Layer the Pastry

Lay the circle of puff pastry on top. Tuck the puff pastry down the sides of the pan.

Step Five - Bake & Serve

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and firm. Cool for at least 1 hour, then invert onto a plate. Slice and serve with vegan vanilla ice cream.

Tips to Make Sure This Tart Turns Out Well for You

• Cut the apple into quarters. Anything smaller will turn into mush while cooking.
• Make sure the sugar sugary syrup turns into proper caramel before you add the butter and apples. If you do it too soon, you’ll end up with syrup instead of caramel.
• Cook the caramel on low heat and taste it from time to time to ensure it doesn’t taste bitter.
• Don’t cover the pot while cooking the apples - the water needs to be able to evaporate for the caramel to thicken.
• Don’t mix the apples once they’re soft - you can damage them. When they’re done, carefully transfer them into the dish one by one using a spoon.
• Place the apples with the cut side up. Remember, this will be the hidden side when you turn the tart upside down.

Tarte Tatin FAQs

What makes this tarte Tatin vegan?

The only two ingredients that need to be replaced to make tarte Tatin vegan are butter and puff pastry, which is often made with butter. Both can easily be substituted with vegan butter and vegan puff pastry.

Can I use regular puff pastry if I’m not vegan?

Yes, absolutely. IF you’re not trying to make a dairy-free tarte Tatin, you can also use regular butter in the caramel.

Can I make my own puff pastry?

Sure, there are lots of good recipes for homemade vegan puff pastry out there. I recommend this one.

Which kind of apples should I use?

It’s best to use sweet and firm apples. Originally, the tarte Tatin was made with two regional apple varieties: Reine des Reinette Pippins and Calville. Over the years, varieties such as Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn and Gala have replaced them.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes. Tarte Tatin can also be made with pears, quinces, peaches, pineapple, and tomatoes and other fruit, or even vegetables, such as onion.

My tart fell apart when I flipped it over. What went wrong?

The most common reasons for this are the caramel sticking to the pan, and the tart still being warm when you flip it over. I would recommend lightly greasing the bottom and sides of the pan even if it’s non-stick. Make sure to cool the tart for at least an hour before trying to flip it.

More Apple Desserts

• Easy Baked Apples with Walnuts
• Vegan Apple Galette
• Apple Pie Muffins
• Vegan Autumn Cheesecake