Vegan tarte tatin is a twist on a classic French dessert. This elegant-looking dish is simpler to make than you think!

Apple tarte tatin on white plate on baking rack

This tarte tatin is quite similar to the French version. It’s fancy apple pie that was an accidental discovery created by the Tatin sisters. It’s made with apples cooked in a flavorful caramel. It’s then topped with shortcrust or flaky puff pastry and finished in the oven.

It’s a treat suitable for the Fall or holiday season but can still be enjoyed any time of the year. It like this chocolate tart, it takes a short time to bake, so feel free to prep ahead of time and finish it in the oven right before serving.

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Key Ingredient Notes

Apples – Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Granny Smith or any other baking apples may be used. You may also try this recipe with pears or plums.
Store-bought puff pastry sheet or make your own using this vegan puff pastry recipe. The 1 lb dough makes 2 sheets.
For a sturdier crust, try making shortcrust pastry or use store-bought pie dough.
Vanilla extract or a vanilla bean pod cut open
Brandy – not traditional but enhances the flavor of the apples and spices.
Cinnamon stick – or ground cinnamon
Whole star anise or ground anise – also optional

Close up of apple tarte tatin on white plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pastry: If you’re using homemade pastry, lightly flour a clean work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to a circle, about 12 inches or 2 inches wider than your skillet. For the store-bought pastry, cut out a 12-inch circle.

Woman rolling out pastry dough with a rolling pin

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or Silpat and cover with plastic wrap. Rest in the fridge until ready for use.

Woman laying pastry dough on baking sheet

Prep the apples: Peel the apples, cut in half and core to remove the seeds. Set aside.

Side by side images showing how to peel and core apple

Heat the skillet on a low flame. Add the vegan butter and sugar.

Butter and sugar melting in a cast iron pan

Cook on low while constantly stirring for 5 minutes or until the caramel is a cinnamon brown color.

Turn off or remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the vanilla and brandy.
Once the bubbling stops, add the cinnamon and star anise.
Arrange the apples cut side up in the skillet. Return the pan to low heat and cook for 10 minutes or until the apples start to soften. Remove from the heat.

Peeled and cored apple halves in a cast iron pan

Bake and serve: Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Once preheated, cover the apples with the pastry sheet.

Covering skillet with sheet of pastry dough

Tuck the ends under with a butter knife and make a few vents in the pastry to allow steam to escape.

Side by side image showing pan covered with pastry dough

Place in the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.

Hands holding cast iron pan with puff pastry

Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully flip onto an 11-inch plate. Serve immediate

Side by side image showing tarte being flipped onto plate

Close up of slice of apple tarte tatin on white plate

Pro Tips for Success

Make sure your pan can fit comfortably in the oven and is heat-safe.
The apples will release more moisture as they bake in the oven which can make the caramel more watery.

To thicken the caramel without overcooking the pie, carefully drain the liquid into a bowl before flipping the pie.

After flipping, pour the liquid back into the pan. Cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Pour the caramel over the tart right before serving.
Another option is to allow the baked pastry to cool completely then chill in the fridge before flipping.

The apples will thicken the sauce as it cools. However, you might need to reheat the pan a bit so that the tart flips out easily.
Tarte Tatin is not suitable for storing as the pastry gets soggier. But if you have any leftovers, place them in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Common FAQs

Is Tarte Tatin vegan?

Traditional tarte tatin is made with butter-filled pastry, so it’s not usually vegan. Butter is often used for cooking the caramel sauce as well.

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Sure! After cooking the apples, cool completely in the pan, then top with the puff pastry sheet.
Cover the pastry with cling film to prevent the dough from drying out. Then place the pan in the refrigerator. The next day, remove the cling film and bake the tart as directed in a preheated oven.

Is Tarte Tatin served hot or cold?

This dessert is usually enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious served warm with some vegan vanilla ice cream. But if you prefer to eat it cold, then go right ahead.