Introduction
There’s something irresistibly magical about a dessert that combines rich caramel, golden bananas, and buttery puff pastry. If you’ve ever craved a dessert that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make, then the Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin is exactly what you need. This dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the warm, comforting flavors of caramelized bananas and the crisp texture of puff pastry. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that looks far more complicated than it really is.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to indulge your sweet tooth, this Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin is bound to impress. The best part? It requires minimal effort, and the ingredients are simple, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how this decadent dessert comes together.
What Is Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin?
A Tarte Tatin is a traditional French dessert that’s typically made with caramelized fruit and a buttery pastry. What sets the Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin apart is the addition of rich salted caramel and the natural sweetness of bananas. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. You start by making a salty-sweet caramel, then layer sliced bananas on top before covering them with a sheet of puff pastry. After baking, the result is a glossy, golden, upside-down tart with perfectly caramelized bananas.
It’s an easy-to-make dessert that looks stunning when presented on the table, making it perfect for special occasions or an elegant after-dinner treat. Now that you know what this dessert is, let’s take a closer look at the origin of Tarte Tatin.
Origin of Tarte Tatin
The story of Tarte Tatin dates back to the late 19th century in France. Legend has it that the dessert was created by accident at the Tatin sisters’ hotel in Lamotte-Beuvron, a small town in central France. Stéphanie Tatin, one of the sisters, was preparing a traditional apple pie but accidentally left the apples cooking too long in the pan. In a hurry, she placed a puff pastry sheet over the caramelized apples and baked the pie as usual. When she flipped it over, the result was a beautifully caramelized upside-down tart.
The dessert became an instant hit, and over time, Tarte Tatin became a staple in French cuisine. Traditionally made with apples, many variations of the dessert have since emerged, including this version using bananas and salted caramel, a modern twist that adds depth and richness to the dish.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients. These simple yet delicious components will come together to create a dessert that is both sweet and savory.
For the Tarte:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (about 250–300 g), thawed if frozen
- 4–5 ripe but firm bananas (not overripe)
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for a richer caramel)
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or whipped cream
- Extra sea salt or caramel drizzle for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan). This high temperature ensures the puff pastry will cook to a golden, crispy perfection.
2. Make the Salted Caramel
Next, place the granulated sugar in a heavy, ovenproof skillet (about 24 cm / 9–10 inches) over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt gradually—do not stir. Simply swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar turns a golden amber color.
Carefully add the unsalted butter to the melted sugar. It will bubble up, so be cautious. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Then, stir in the heavy cream (if using), sea salt, and vanilla extract. If the caramel seizes up or hardens, simply continue to heat and stir until it becomes smooth again.
3. Add the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them in half lengthwise. Arrange the banana halves cut-side down in the caramel, overlapping them slightly. If the bananas are too long, trim the ends to fit neatly into the pan. The cut side of the banana should be facing down, as this will become the top of the tart once flipped.
4. Top with Puff Pastry
Unfold the puff pastry and place it over the bananas in the skillet. Tuck the edges of the pastry down around the bananas, like a blanket. This will help trap the caramel in place. Use a fork to prick the top of the pastry a few times to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Bake the Tarte
Now, place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pastry doesn’t burn.
6. Invert the Tarte
Once the tart is done baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period prevents the caramel from sticking when you flip the tart. Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully invert it in one swift motion. Lift the pan off to reveal the glossy, caramel-coated bananas.
7. Finish & Serve
To finish, sprinkle the tart lightly with flaky sea salt for a touch of contrast. Serve the Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a swirl of whipped cream. The dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for that ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Tips & Variations: Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin
While the recipe as written is deliciously perfect, here are a few variations and tips you can try to personalize the tart to your taste.
No Ovenproof Skillet?
If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, don’t worry! Simply make the caramel in a saucepan. Once the caramel is ready, pour it into a 9-inch cake pan, arrange the bananas, and top with the puff pastry. Bake the same way and invert as instructed.
Fruity Twist
For a tropical twist, try adding a handful of sliced mango, pineapple, or even plantains along with the bananas. These fruits will add an extra layer of flavor and a fun pop of color.
Nutty Addition
If you’re a fan of nuts, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or macadamias over the caramel before adding the bananas. The nuts will toast and add a lovely crunch to the tart.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can bake the tart up to 1 day ahead. Let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salted Caramel Tart
1. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry as long as you thaw it according to package instructions before using it in the recipe.
2. Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
Yes, apples, pears, or even peaches would work wonderfully in this recipe as alternatives to bananas.
3. What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
It’s best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm tart and cold cream is heavenly!
4. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Make sure to melt the sugar over medium heat and swirl the pan occasionally. Be patient, as burning the sugar will give the caramel a bitter taste.
5. Can I make Banana Tarte Tatin ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the tart up to a day ahead and reheat it in the oven before serving.
Conclusion: Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin
The Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a gorgeous caramelized finish that will leave everyone at your table wanting more. With its rich flavors, buttery puff pastry, and golden bananas, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress no matter the occasion. Whether you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this indulgent treat is bound to become a favorite.
So, next time you’re looking for a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, turn to this showstopping Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin. It’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy baking!
Print
Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin: A Showstopping Dessert Made Easy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Tarte Tatin is a traditional French dessert that’s typically made with caramelized fruit and a buttery pastry. What sets the Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin apart is the addition of rich salted caramel and the natural sweetness of bananas. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity. You start by making a salty-sweet caramel, then layer sliced bananas on top before covering them with a sheet of puff pastry. After baking, the result is a glossy, golden, upside-down tart with perfectly caramelized bananas.
Ingredients
For the Tarte:
1 sheet puff pastry (about 250–300 g), thawed if frozen
4–5 ripe but firm bananas (not overripe)
100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
50 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter
2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for richer caramel)
½ tsp sea salt flakes (plus extra for garnish)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
To Serve:
Vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or whipped cream
Extra sea salt or caramel drizzle
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan).
2. Make the Salted Caramel
Place the sugar in a heavy, ovenproof skillet (about 24 cm / 9–10 in) over medium heat.
Let the sugar melt without stirring — just swirl the pan occasionally until it turns golden amber.
Carefully add the butter (it will bubble!) and whisk until smooth.
Stir in the cream (if using), salt, and vanilla.
Tip: If it seizes up, just keep heating and stirring until smooth again.
3. Add the Bananas
Peel the bananas and slice them in half lengthwise.
Arrange the banana halves cut-side down into the caramel, overlapping slightly.
You can trim the ends to make them fit neatly.
The prettiest side should be down — it’ll become the top when flipped.
4. Top with Puff Pastry
Lay the puff pastry over the bananas, tucking the edges down around the fruit like a blanket.
Prick the top a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
6. Invert the Tarte
Let the tart rest for 5 minutes (no longer, or the caramel will stick).
Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully invert in one swift motion.
Lift off the pan to reveal glossy, caramel-coated bananas.
7. Finish & Serve
Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Serve this Salted Caramel & Banana Tarte Tatin warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce adds an irresistible finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Caramelized & Baked
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Banana Tarte Tatin, Salted Caramel Tart, Easy Tarte Tatin Recipe, Upside Down Banana Tart, Caramel Banana Dessert
