Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the sun begins to shine and the air fills with the scent of ripe strawberries, it’s the perfect moment to embrace the summer spirit with a delightful treat. Let me introduce you to my Strawberry Tarte Tatin, a stunning upside-down tart that transforms this beloved French classic into a fruity masterpiece. With a buttery, flaky puff pastry crust and juicy, caramelized strawberries, this dessert is not only simple to whip up in under an hour but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for those warm gatherings. It’s a delightful marriage of warm fruit and crisp pastry, best enjoyed fresh from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Are you ready to get baking and elevate your summer dessert game? Why is Strawberry Tarte Tatin a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: This easy-to-make dessert uses simple ingredients and minimal fuss, perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs. Flavorful delight: The juicy strawberries combined with buttery, flaky pastry create a mouthwatering contrast that’s simply irresistible. Versatile options: Feel free to swap strawberries with other fruits like rhubarb or peaches for exciting variations. Impressive presentation: It’s a stunning upside-down tart that’s sure to wow guests at any summer gathering. Quick prep time: Ready in just under an hour, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous dessert cravings. Discover more sweet treats like Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches or explore the delightful Strawberry Mango Cupcakes for your next culinary adventure! Strawberry Tarte Tatin Ingredients • Perfect for your summer baking! For the Tart Strawberries – Juicy fruit that forms the base of the tart; substitute with other berries or peaches for variety. Honey – Adds natural sweetness; maple syrup can be used for an exciting flavor twist. Brown Sugar – Enhances caramelization of strawberries; white sugar can work in a pinch. Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch – Thickens the berry juices; in a pinch, flour can be a good substitute. Fresh Thyme Leaves – Infuses an aromatic flavor; leave out for simplicity or replace with basil if desired. Vanilla Extract – Provides warmth and depth; try additional fresh herbs for a unique touch. Frozen Puff Pastry – The base crust creating a flaky texture; feel free to swap with homemade pastry. Egg (optional) – Used to brush the pastry for a lovely shine; omit for a vegan version if preferred. Coarse Sugar (optional) – Sprinkled on top for added texture and sweetness; brown sugar can replace it if needed. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Tarte Tatin Step 1: Prepare Strawberries In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, combine the strawberries, honey, brown sugar, arrowroot powder, fresh thyme, and a splash of water. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries soften and the juices thicken, creating a luscious syrupy base for the Strawberry Tarte Tatin. Step 2: Roll Out Pastry On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen puff pastry into a rectangle. Drape the pastry over the simmering strawberry mixture, ensuring that the edges tuck in neatly around the fruit. If desired, brush the top with a beaten egg for a lovely golden finish and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added crunch, enhancing the overall visual appeal. Step 3: Bake Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skillet on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Check occasionally; if the top darkens too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling continues to cook. Step 4: Cool and Invert Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the pastry from the skillet. Quickly invert the tart onto a serving plate, keeping a steady hand to preserve the beautiful strawberry topping, brimming with syrupy sweetness that defines this Strawberry Tarte Tatin. Step 5: Serve Slice the delicious upside-down tart and serve warm. For the ultimate summer experience, top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, caramelized strawberries and the cold ice cream elevates this delightful dessert, making it a perfect treat for any gathering. Expert Tips for Strawberry Tarte Tatin Juicy Strawberries: Ensure ripeness: Use only the juiciest strawberries for the best flavor. If they’re overripe, they may turn mushy in the tart. Perfect Caramelization: Best with brown sugar: Brown sugar helps achieve the desired caramelization, giving your Strawberry Tarte Tatin a deep, rich flavor. Pastry Handling: Avoid breaking: Be gentle when draping the puff pastry over the strawberries to prevent tears and maintain a beautiful presentation. Check During Baking: Prevent over-browning: Keep an eye on your tart as it bakes; cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly. Cool Down Wisely: Let it rest: Allow the tart to cool for just 15 minutes before inverting. It will set up nicely and be easier to slice. Serving Suggestions: Enhance the experience: Serve your Strawberry Tarte Tatin warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the flavors even more. Strawberry Tarte Tatin Variations Feel free to explore delightful twists on this classic dessert that bring different flavors and textures to your table! Rhubarb Twist: Substitute strawberries with rhubarb for a tangy contrast that enhances the sweetness of the pastry. Mixed Berries: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant, colorful tart bursting with fruity flavor. Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the strawberry mixture for a warm, inviting depth that surprises and delights. Peachy Keen: Swap strawberries for fresh peaches for a summer-inspired twist that brings a juicy sweetness to your tart. Nutty Crunch: Top your tart with chopped walnuts or almonds before baking for an added layer of texture and a delightful nutty flavor. Honey-Lavender: Infuse honey with lavender before adding it to the strawberries for a fragrant twist that elevates your dessert experience. Vegan Version: Omit the egg wash and replace butter with coconut oil in your pastry for a delicious plant-based option that everyone will love. Enjoy these variations and discover more sweet delights, like my Strawberry Mango Cupcakes or embrace a cozy evening with a Strawberry Matcha Latte! Make Ahead Options These delightful Strawberry Tarte Tatin are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can prepare the strawberry filling up to 24 hours in advance by cooking the strawberries, honey, brown sugar, arrowroot powder, and thyme as instructed, then allowing it to cool and refrigerating in an airtight container. You can also roll out the puff pastry and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator for the same duration. When it’s time to serve, simply heat the strawberry mixture on the stove before draping the pastry over it and baking. This ensures maximum flavor while guaranteeing that your dessert is just as delicious and fresh! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Tarte Tatin Fridge: Keep leftover Strawberry Tarte Tatin in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze slices of the tart wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Reheating: To revitalize your tart, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the pastry stays crispy. Room Temperature: If you plan to serve immediately, the tart can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours safely before serving. What to Serve with Strawberry Tarte Tatin Indulging in a Strawberry Tarte Tatin is a delightful experience, and complementing it with the right dishes can turn your dessert into a full culinary celebration. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold, it beautifully contrasts the warm, caramelized strawberries and flaky pastry for an unforgettable bite. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds airy texture while enhancing the tart’s sweet flavors. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, these treats add a delightful crunch and tropical flavor that pairs well with the fruity tart. Fresh Mint Tea: A refreshing herbal brew that cleanses the palate and elevates the dessert’s natural sweetness with its subtle earthy notes. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over slices brings rich, decadent flavor, creating an indulgent twist on this classic dessert. Mixed Berry Salad: A bright medley of seasonal berries enhances the tart while adding a juicy freshness that balances its sweetness. Chilled Rosé Wine: Light and fruity, a glass of chilled rosé brings a summer vibe, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors of the tart. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and nutty, these cookies add a delightful contrast and can be enjoyed alongside the tart, perfect for dipping. Caramel Sauce: For those who crave extra sweetness, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce accentuates the tart’s flavors without overpowering them. Citrus Sorbet: This refreshing and tangy dessert cleanses the palate and adds a zesty flair to every bite of the warm tart. Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe FAQs How do I select the best strawberries for my tart? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are plump, bright red, and fragrant. Avoid any with dark spots or signs of spoilage. The best strawberries will be firm and slightly sweet, as overripe ones may become mushy when baked. How should I store leftover Strawberry Tarte Tatin? To enjoy your tart at its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven to restore its crispness. Can I freeze my Strawberry Tarte Tatin? What is the best way to do this? Definitely! To freeze your tart, make sure it’s completely cooled, then cut it into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When serving, reheat the slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for the best texture and flavor. What if my Strawberry Tarte Tatin doesn’t release easily when inverting? No worries! If your tart isn’t releasing easily, gently run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the pastry. If it seems stuck, let it cool a bit longer before inverting. Remember, patience is key; sometimes the filling just needs a moment to loosen up! Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Certainly! If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, simply omit the egg wash and substitute the puff pastry with a vegan variety. Additionally, be mindful of allergies; substitutes like arrowroot powder or cornstarch are suitable for gluten-free needs, but always check the labels if you’re accommodating specific allergies. Can I use fresh herbs aside from thyme in my Strawberry Tarte Tatin? Very much! While fresh thyme complements the strawberries beautifully, you can experiment with other fresh herbs too. Basil, for instance, can add a delightful twist. Just remember to use them sparingly so they don’t overpower the sweetness of the strawberries. Strawberry Tarte Tatin – A Sweet Summer Delight to Savor No ratings yet Experience the delightful Strawberry Tarte Tatin, a stunning French dessert featuring caramelized strawberries and a flaky pastry crust. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Tart500 grams Strawberries Juicy fruit that forms the base of the tart; substitute with other berries or peaches for variety.3 tablespoons Honey Adds natural sweetness; maple syrup can be used for an exciting flavor twist.2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Enhances caramelization of strawberries; white sugar can work in a pinch.1 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch Thickens the berry juices; in a pinch, flour can be a good substitute.1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves Infuses an aromatic flavor; leave out for simplicity or replace with basil if desired.1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Provides warmth and depth; try additional fresh herbs for a unique touch.1 sheet Frozen Puff Pastry The base crust creating a flaky texture; feel free to swap with homemade pastry.1 whole Egg (optional) Used to brush the pastry for a lovely shine; omit for a vegan version if preferred.2 tablespoons Coarse Sugar (optional) Sprinkled on top for added texture and sweetness; brown sugar can replace it if needed. Equipment 10-inch oven-safe skilletRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Tarte TatinIn a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, combine the strawberries, honey, brown sugar, arrowroot powder, fresh thyme, and a splash of water. Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries soften and the juices thicken, creating a luscious syrupy base for the Strawberry Tarte Tatin.On a lightly floured surface, roll out the frozen puff pastry into a rectangle. Drape the pastry over the simmering strawberry mixture, ensuring that the edges tuck in neatly around the fruit. If desired, brush the top with a beaten egg for a lovely golden finish and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added crunch, enhancing the overall visual appeal.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the skillet on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed. Check occasionally; if the top darkens too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the filling continues to cook.Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the pastry from the skillet. Quickly invert the tart onto a serving plate, keeping a steady hand to preserve the beautiful strawberry topping, brimming with syrupy sweetness that defines this Strawberry Tarte Tatin.Slice the delicious upside-down tart and serve warm. For the ultimate summer experience, top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, caramelized strawberries and the cold ice cream elevates this delightful dessert, making it a perfect treat for any gathering. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure ripeness of strawberries for the best flavor and avoid breaking the pastry during assembly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an enhanced experience. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!