Homemade Strawberry Tarte Tatin

Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries

1. Prepare the Strawberries:

   • Select 500g of ripe strawberries. Ensure they are fresh and firm for the best flavor and texture.
   • Hull (remove the green tops) and halve each strawberry carefully.

2. Mix with Sugar:

   • In a large bowl, combine the halved strawberries with 2 tablespoons of golden caster sugar. Use golden caster sugar for a richer flavor, but regular caster sugar will work too.

3. Let Them Rest:

   • Gently toss the strawberries and sugar together. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This process, known as maceration, will draw out the juices from the strawberries, creating a sweet syrup that enhances the overall flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

1. Unroll the Pastry:

   • Take 320g of ready-rolled puff pastry from the refrigerator. Unroll it carefully on its baking parchment. Keeping it on the parchment will help during the baking process.

2. Add Sugar:

   • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly across the surface of the pastry. This will caramelize beautifully during baking, adding sweetness and a lovely texture.

3. Shape the Pastry:

   • Roll the pastry back up (discarding the parchment) and stand it upright. Gently press it down to form a rough disc.

4. Roll Out the Disc:

   • Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the pastry disc into a circle about 3-5mm thick, large enough to cover the 30cm ovenproof frying pan. Aim for a diameter slightly larger than the pan.

Step 3: Create the Caramel

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Turn your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/gas mark 8) so it’s ready for baking once your tart is assembled.

2. Drain the Strawberries:

   • After the strawberries have macerated, carefully drain them in a colander, reserving the juices that collect in the bowl. This syrup is packed with flavor and will be used for the caramel.

3. Prepare the Pan:

   • In your 30cm ovenproof frying pan, evenly scatter any remaining sugar (about 50g) across the bottom.

4. Make the Caramel:

   • Drizzle the reserved strawberry juices over the sugar in the pan.
   • Place the pan over high heat and allow the sugar to melt. Avoid stirring; instead, gently swirl the pan to help the sugar dissolve evenly. Continue cooking until the sugar turns a deep golden brown, indicating it has caramelized.

5. Arrange the Strawberries:

   • Once caramelized, turn off the heat and carefully place the drained strawberries in the pan, rounded-side down. Arrange them in a single layer, packing them tightly for a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Bake the Tarte Tatin

1. Drape the Pastry:

   • Gently lay the rolled-out pastry over the strawberries in the pan. Ensure it covers the fruit entirely. Tuck the edges of the pastry into the sides of the pan to create a seal.

2. Bake:

   • Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and a deep golden color. The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it.

3. Invert the Tarte Tatin:

   • After baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool for about 2-3 minutes (this will help the caramel settle slightly).
   • Place a large serving plate upside down over the pan. Using oven mitts, quickly and carefully invert the pan to release the tart onto the plate. Be cautious, as the caramel can be very hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Warm: Slice the tarte tatin into wedges while it’s still warm for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For a delightful contrast, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or clotted cream ice cream. The creaminess will balance the sweet, caramelized strawberries beautifully.
• Optional Garnishes: Consider adding fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Final Tips

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them covered at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven to enjoy again.
• Presentation: The visual appeal of this dessert is significant, so take your time arranging the strawberries in the pan for the best results.

Enjoy your Homemade Strawberry Tarte Tatin! It’s a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.