The Luscious Plum Tarte Tatin Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Sweet and caramelized plum tarte tatin brings French countryside magic right to your kitchen table.

Rustic pastry chefs have long celebrated this delightful dessert for its elegant simplicity.

Crisp buttery puff pastry transforms ordinary plums into something extraordinary.

Seasonal fruits dance underneath golden, flaky layers that crackle with each bite.

French culinary traditions shine through in this inverted fruit tart that looks far more complicated than its actual preparation.

Professional bakers might seem intimidating, but you can absolutely master this gorgeous dessert with confidence.

Grab a skillet and let deliciousness guide your culinary adventure.

James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin Storage And Reheat Tips

• Store leftover tarte tatin in an airtight container for up to 3 days, covering loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Warm slices at 350F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning and preserve the caramelized plum topping.
• Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds on medium power, checking frequently to avoid soggy crust or overheating.

All About James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin FAQs

• Is plum tarte tatin difficult to make?

Not at all! While it looks impressive, this dessert is surprisingly simple. The key is patience when caramelizing the plums and handling the dough carefully.

• Can I use other fruits instead of plums?

Absolutely! Apples, pears, and peaches work wonderfully in tarte tatin. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on fruit firmness.

• Do I need special equipment to make this dessert?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal, but any oven-safe skillet will work. The most important thing is having a pan that can go from stovetop to oven smoothly.

Why Everyone Loves James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin

• Craft with Ease: This recipe offers a straightforward approach that even novice bakers can master, with simple steps and minimal complicated techniques.
• Showcase Seasonal Delights: Plums take center stage, allowing you to transform fresh, ripe fruit into a stunning dessert that celebrates summer's bounty.
• Quick Elegant Dessert: Impress guests or family with a fancy-looking French-inspired tart that requires surprisingly little culinary expertise and delivers maximum visual impact.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy warm with a dollop of whipped cream or serve at room temperature, making it perfect for casual gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.

What You Need For James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking staple that creates the base for the tart's delicate crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Butter: Provides rich, flaky texture and depth of flavor to the pastry.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds richness to the crust.
• Water: Assists in bringing the pastry dough together.

• Plums: Sweet and tangy stone fruit that caramelizes beautifully in this classic French dessert.
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden caramel sauce for the plums.
• Sugar: Helps create a sweet, glossy caramel that coats the plums.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the natural sweetness of the plums.

How To Make James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin Easily

Step 1: Crafting Delicate Pastry Dough

Blend flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Slice cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk an egg with chilled water, then fold into the flour mixture. Gently knead the dough until it comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for half an hour to rest and firm up.

Step 2: Caramelizing Juicy Plums

Select a cast-iron skillet for maximum flavor development. Melt butter over medium heat, then sprinkle sugar and add a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Arrange plum halves cut-side down in a beautiful spiral pattern. Allow the fruit to simmer and caramelize, creating a rich golden sauce. Cook for approximately 15 minutes until the plums soften and release their sweet juices.

Step 3: Draping Pastry Over Plums

Roll the chilled dough into a circular shape slightly larger than your skillet. Carefully lay the pastry over the caramelized plums, gently tucking the edges down inside the skillet. This creates a beautiful rustic seal that locks in all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

Slide the skillet into a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy. Remove and let the tart rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the caramel to set slightly.

Step 5: Dramatic Serving Reveal

Place a large serving plate over the skillet and confidently flip the entire tart in one smooth motion. The plums will now be beautifully displayed on top, glistening with caramel. Serve warm alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.

James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin Helpful Hints

• Prep Dough Ahead: Make pastry dough the day before to save time and let flavors develop more deeply.
• Select Ripe Plums: Choose firm, slightly soft plums with vibrant color for the best caramelized flavor and texture.
• Control Caramelization: Watch sugar closely while cooking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy tarte tatin warm for the most delicious, crispy crust and gooey caramel texture.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to enhance the plums' natural sweetness.

New Ideas For James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin

• Gluten-Free Plum Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking mix to maintain similar texture.
• Vegan Plum Pastry: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use flax egg instead of chicken egg to bind the dough. Choose plant-based cream for serving.
• Spiced Tropical Variation: Substitute plums with mangoes or pineapples. Add cardamom and ginger for an exotic flavor profile. Use brown sugar for deeper caramelization.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use less caramel base and focus on natural fruit sweetness. Serve with Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream.

Great Pairings For James Martin Plum Tarte Tatin

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a dollop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm plum tarte tatin. The contrast between the hot caramelized plums and the cool, rich ice cream creates a delightful taste sensation.
• Match with Late Harvest Riesling: Select a sweet, slightly chilled late harvest Riesling wine that complements the caramel and plum flavors. Its fruity notes and balanced acidity will enhance the dessert's natural sweetness.
• Serve with Cinnamon-Spiced Tea: Brew a fragrant cinnamon tea that echoes the warm spices in the tarte. The aromatic tea will highlight the tart's subtle spice undertones and provide a comforting accompaniment.

Plum Tarte Tatin Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 75 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful French classic “plum tarte tatin” offers a rustic twist on traditional desserts, blending caramelized fruit with buttery pastry. Sweet-tart plums create a luxurious centerpiece you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ripe red or black plums, halved and pitted

Pastry Ingredients:

• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut up
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Unsweetened whipped cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pastry dough by combining flour and salt, then incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Blend in egg and water until dough forms, then refrigerate for half an hour to rest and firm.
2. Select a cast-iron skillet and melt butter with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat until caramel-like and bubbling. Carefully arrange plum halves cut-side down in a circular pattern, allowing them to simmer and caramelize for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F while rolling chilled dough into a circular shape slightly larger than the skillet’s diameter. Gently drape pastry over plum arrangement, pressing edges down inside the skillet to seal and create a rustic border.
4. Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, monitoring pastry’s golden-brown transformation and caramel’s rich bubbling edges.
5. Remove from oven and allow tart to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling caramel to slightly set and prevent immediate dripping. Carefully invert onto a serving plate in one confident motion, revealing beautifully caramelized plum topping.
6. Serve warm, accompanied by softly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Notes

• Select firm, slightly underripe plums for best caramelization and structural integrity during baking.
• Ensure butter is cold when making pastry to create flaky, tender crust with distinct layers.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and perfect caramel development.
• Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or star anise to customize flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 35 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 291 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 121 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg