The first time I tried making tarte Tatin, I burned the caramel so badly I had to soak the pan overnight and throw out the apples. I didnโt realise how fast sugar goes from golden to bitter black sludge. But the smell of that bubbling sugar stuck with meโin a good wayโso I gave it another shot with Maryโs version.
What surprised me most wasnโt just how easy it actually was (once I stopped overthinking it), but how smart her method is. A layer of buttery pastry on top, sharp Bramley apple purรฉe under sweet slices, and that shiny, dark golden base that becomes the top once flipped. Itโs half pudding, half tart, and full magic. Let me show you how I got it rightโand why this now lives in my โlooks fancy, uses fridge basicsโ folder.
WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE SPECIAL
Most tarte Tatins are fussy: homemade pastry, apples that collapse, or caramel thatโs too thick to pour. Maryโs skips the stress:
- Pre-made puff pastry means no faffโbut you still get the flake and lift.
- Double apple layerโsliced on top, purรฉe underneathโgives amazing texture and depth.
- Water caramelโmuch easier to control than dry sugar. You get more time to catch it before it burns.
INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER
- Granulated Sugar (175g) โ Used for the caramel. Donโt stir once it starts bubbling or it can crystallise.
- Bramley Apples (200g diced) โ Cook down easily into a tangy purรฉe. Balances the sweet caramel.
- Caster Sugar (2 tbsp) โ Sweetens the purรฉe slightly.
- Eating Apples (4 large) โ Hold their shape when baked. I use Braeburn or Jazz.
- All-Butter Puff Pastry (375g block or ready-rolled) โ Gives a golden, crisp top (which becomes the base). Cold is key.
- Plain Flour (for dusting) โ Just enough to stop the pastry sticking.
- Butter (for greasing) โ Used after the caramel has set, not before.
MAKING IT YOURS (WITHOUT RUINING IT)
- No Bramley? Granny Smiths can work for purรฉe, but avoid really sweet varietiesโtheyโll make it cloying.
- Fancy a twist? Add a pinch of cinnamon or star anise to the purรฉe while it cooks.
- Vegan option? Use vegan puff pastry and swap the caramel for a plant-based version with margarine and sugar. Still works!
MISTAKES IโVE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
WHAT WENT WRONG | WHY IT HAPPENS | HOW TO FIX IT |
---|---|---|
Caramel turned bitter | Cooked too long or got distracted | Watch it like a hawkโremove at straw-gold |
Apples sank or collapsed | Sliced too thin | 5mm thick slices hold shape better |
Pastry puffed unevenly | Didnโt press it down properly | Tuck in edges well and prick the centre |
Tart stuck in the tin | Didnโt let it cool before flipping | Rest 30 mins so caramel sets slightly |
HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโS APPLE TARTE TATIN
Make the Caramel
Put 175g granulated sugar and 6 tbsp water in a stainless steel saucepan. Stir gently over low heat until dissolved. Increase heat to high. Boil without stirring until golden straw-coloured (watch it closely). Pour into a 23cm fixed-base cake tin. Tilt gently to coat the base. Let cool 30 minutes.
Make the Apple Purรฉe
In a pan, add diced Bramley apples, 2 tbsp caster sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Cover and simmer 5โ10 mins until soft. Mash into a purรฉe and let cool completely.
Preheat Oven
220ยฐC / 200ยฐC fan / Gas 7.
Layer the Apples
Peel, core and slice the eating apples into 5mm slices. Arrange neatly over the cooled caramelโstart from the outer edge and work inwards. Press down gently, then spoon the cooled purรฉe evenly on top.
Add the Puff Pastry
Roll pastry out on a lightly floured surface to a circle 2โ3cm larger than your tin. Drape it over the apples. Tuck the edges down around the fruit. Cut a small cross in the centre to release steam.
Bake
Place on a baking sheet (to catch drips). Bake 35โ40 mins until pastry is golden and crisp.
Cool and Flip
Let the tart rest for at least 30 minutes. Then run a knife around the edge and carefully flip onto a serving plate.
TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
- I always use a fixed-base tin, never loose-bottomedโcaramel will leak out and burn.
- I cool the caramel fully before layering fruitโit helps the apples stay in place.
- My apples slice best when I use a mandolineโbut only if Iโm feeling brave.
- If the tart sticks slightly when flipping, warm the base over a low flame for 10 seconds to loosen it.
STORAGE + SERVING
Fridge: Keeps for up to 2 days, covered. Best at room temperature.
Freezer: Cool fully, wrap tightly, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Reheat: Oven at 160ยฐC for 10โ15 mins to crisp the pastry again.
Serve with: Crรจme fraรฎche, Greek yoghurt, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yesโbake it earlier in the day, and flip before serving. Reheat gently if needed.
Q: Can I use ready-rolled puff pastry?
Definitely. Just trim to size and keep it chilled until the last minute.
Q: What apples work best?
Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Jazz. Avoid soft ones like Golden Deliciousโthey go mushy.
Q: How do I stop the caramel from seizing?
Add water at the start and donโt stir once it starts boiling. Swirl gently instead.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Filo Apple Strudels
- Mary Berry Chilled Curried Apple And Mint Soup
- Mary Berry Lemon Tart With Lemon Passion Fruit Curd
Mary Berry Apple Tarte Tatin
Course: DessertsCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes40
minutes210
kcalButtery, flaky pastry sits on top of caramelised apples and soft Bramley purรฉeโuntil you flip it. Then it becomes a golden, glossy French classic that looks harder than it is. Serve it warm and be smug.
Ingredients
175g granulated sugar
Butter (for greasing, after caramel)
200g Bramley apples, diced (for purรฉe)
2 tbsp caster sugar
4 large eating apples
Plain flour (for dusting)
375g all-butter puff pastry (block or ready-rolled)
Directions
- Make caramel: Combine sugar + water, boil until straw-gold. Pour into cake tin and cool 30 mins.
- Make purรฉe: Simmer Bramley apples + caster sugar + water until soft. Mash and cool.
- Slice apples 5mm thick. Arrange over cooled caramel.
- Spread cooled purรฉe over apple slices.
- Roll pastry to a round 2โ3cm larger than tin. Drape over fruit. Tuck in edges. Cut a small cross in the centre.
- Bake 35โ40 mins at 220ยฐC/200ยฐC fan.
- Cool for 30 mins, then flip onto serving plate.
Notes
- I always let the caramel cool before layering the applesโstops them sliding around.
- Donโt skip the purรฉeโit gives depth and moisture without soaking the pastry.
- Ready-rolled puff works great, but keep it cold for best rise.