Name: Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 cups strawberries, halved if large; 2-4 tablespoons honey; 2-4 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon water; 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash); Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional); Vanilla ice cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 229 reviews

If you adore the irresistible combination of caramelized fruit and buttery pastry, you are in for a real treat with this Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe. This elegant dessert takes the classic French upside-down tart concept and adds a fresh, summery twist with juicy strawberries cooked to perfection in honey and brown sugar. The subtle notes of thyme and vanilla elevate the flavors, while the flaky puff pastry tops it all off with a golden, crispy finish. It’s a show-stopper dessert that feels luxurious but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite to impress friends, family, or just yourself on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with whole and halved bright red strawberries simmering in a bubbling, slightly translucent red syrup. Small green thyme leaves are scattered on top of the strawberries, adding a touch of green color. Steam rises gently from the pan, showing the heat. The pan is set against a dark, warm background with a soft focus at the bottom edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the best results with this Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe starts with a handful of essential, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, depth, and texture that will make this dessert unforgettable.

Strawberries (5 cups): Fresh and ripe, halved if large to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization.
Honey (2-4 tablespoons): Adds a subtle floral sweetness that complements the strawberries perfectly.
Brown sugar (2-4 tablespoons): Provides rich molasses notes and helps create that luscious caramel sauce.
Arrowroot powder or cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the strawberry juices for a glossy finish without weighing down the tart.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 tablespoon): Introduces an herbaceous hint that elevates the fruity flavor with a delicate earthiness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and complexity, rounding out the taste profile beautifully.
Frozen puff pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Ensures a flaky, buttery crust that crisps up just right.
Egg (1, beaten, optional): For brushing the pastry to give it a rich golden sheen.
Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful crackly texture and sparkle.
Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The classic, creamy accompaniment that melts deliciously over warm tart.

How to Make Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F so it’s ready when you need it. In a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, combine the strawberries, honey, brown sugar, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), fresh thyme leaves, and a little water. Heating this mixture over medium-high heat until it boils and bubbles brings out the natural sweetness of the berries and allows the sugar to melt into a sticky, caramel-like sauce. Keep an eye on it and cook for about 10 minutes or until the strawberries release their luscious juices, turning the pan into a fragrant, syrupy delight. Finish this step by stirring in the vanilla extract for that subtle aromatic lift that makes all the difference.

Step 2: Shape and Add the Puff Pastry

While your strawberries are bubbling away, lightly flour your surface and gently roll out the thawed puff pastry to about 1/4 inch thickness, forming a neat rectangle a bit larger than your skillet. Carefully drape the pastry over the strawberry filling, pressing it down gently so it nestles between the berries and tucks under the edges inside the skillet. This ensures the filling stays deliciously locked in while baking. For that professional bakery glow, brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar on top—this step is optional but highly recommended for a beautifully golden, crisp crust.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the skillet on a baking sheet to catch any sticky drips and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes to give the puff pastry ample time to puff up and crisp beautifully. About 5 to 10 minutes before the end, cover the tart loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring the interior stays tender and luscious. The result is a deeply caramelized, inviting tart that fills your kitchen with the most tantalizing aroma.

Step 4: Cool and Invert

Once you remove the tart from the oven, allow it to cool in the skillet for about 15 minutes. This rest period helps the juices thicken and the tart settle for easier handling. Run a knife along the skillet edges to loosen the pastry gently. The moment of truth is inverting the skillet onto your serving plate carefully—watch as the glistening strawberry topping reveals itself, glossy and perfect. If any berries wander, simply tuck them back in; it’s all part of the charming rustic presentation. Serve warm, ideally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a dreamy finish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe

A golden brown pie with a textured, crispy top covered in light toasted sesame seeds, nestled inside a black cast iron skillet. The crust is thick and puffed with some darker caramelized spots, sitting above a red glossy sauce that peeks out from underneath the edges. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface with some fresh red strawberries and small white flowers blurred softly in the background. The overall look is warm and inviting with rich, crunchy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe with fresh and simple garnishes that add dimension to every bite. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh thyme leaves on top adds a fresh herbal pop that echoes the baked thyme inside. For some extra flair, toss a few whole mint leaves or even edible flowers on the plate to brighten the presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty final touch and a hint of extra sweetness.

Side Dishes

This tarte shines beautifully as a dessert on its own, but pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your entire meal. Lightly toasted nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, add a welcomed crunch. For something more indulgent, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone. If you want a refreshing contrast, try a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist on the classic presentation, try serving the Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe in individual ramekins or mini skillets which create adorable single servings that impress your guests. You can also plate slices on dessert plates drizzled with a balsamic reduction or a berry coulis for extra visual drama and layered flavor intensity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with plating — the rustic charm and vibrant color of the tart really lend themselves to beautiful, inviting presentations!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe leftovers, no worries! Cover the tart with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, keeping the pastry reasonably crisp and the berries flavorful.

Freezing

Freezing a whole tart is not recommended because puff pastry can lose its delicate texture. However, you can freeze the strawberry filling separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator and combine with freshly baked pastry for the best experience.

Reheating

To bring leftover tart back to life, reheat slices gently in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This crisps the puff pastry again without drying out the luscious strawberry topping. Avoid using a microwave to preserve the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh thyme or dried thyme for this recipe?

Fresh thyme is preferred for the subtle, fresh herbal notes it delivers, which complement the strawberries beautifully. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but use less—about one-third the amount—since its flavor is more concentrated and can overpower the tart.

Is it necessary to use arrowroot powder or cornstarch?

The arrowroot powder or cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to prevent your strawberry juices from running too watery after baking. While optional, including it helps achieve that perfect glossy, spoonable consistency that holds the tart together nicely.

Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

You can prepare the strawberry filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure the puff pastry stays flaky and crisp. Assembling earlier can cause the pastry to become soggy from the juicy filling.

Why bake the tart in an oven-safe skillet?

Using an oven-safe skillet means you can cook the strawberry caramel filling on the stovetop then simply add the pastry and transfer it directly to the oven without switching pans. This method preserves all the delicious juices and ensures even cooking and perfect caramelization.

What other fruits can I use instead of strawberries?

If you want to experiment, fruits like peaches, apricots, or even rhubarb make wonderful alternatives or complements to the strawberry in a Tarte Tatin. Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on the juiciness and firmness of the fruit to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Making the Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe is like inviting a little slice of French patisserie magic into your kitchen with very little fuss. The combination of sweet, tangy strawberries, fragrant thyme, and flaky puff pastry is truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, this tart will fill your home with inviting aromas and warm smiles. So go ahead, whisk up this classic with a strawberry twist—you’re going to love every bite straight from the pan or paired with melting vanilla ice cream on top!

Strawberry Tarte Tatin Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need