Upside down caramel banana tarts

Upside down caramel banana tarts combine the rich sweetness of caramel and bananas with flaky puff pastry for a delightful dessert. Easy to prepare and visually impressive, they're perfect for any occasion.

02 Jan 2026
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 bananas

Upside down caramel banana tarts are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel and bananas with the flakiness of puff pastry. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready to bake the tarts once they're assembled.

2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
Take the puff pastry sheet out of the freezer to thaw while you prepare the caramel banana mixture. It should be pliable but still cold.

3. Make the Caramel:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved, creating a caramel sauce. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Lemon Juice:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This will help balance the sweetness of the caramel with a touch of acidity.

5. Prepare Bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.

6. Create the Tart Filling:
Evenly distribute the caramel sauce into individual tart pans or a single large tart pan, ensuring the bottom is well-coated. Layer the banana slices over the caramel sauce in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.

7. Cut the Puff Pastry:
Roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. Cut the pastry into circles slightly larger than the tart pans. If using a single large tart pan, cut it to fit the entire pan with some overhang.

8. Assemble the Tart:
Place the puff pastry circles over the banana slices, tucking the edges into the tart pans or around the fillings to enclose them neatly.

9. Bake the Tart:
Place the tart pans on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed.

10. Cool and Serve:
Remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen. Place a serving plate over the tart pan and carefully invert it to flip the tart out, revealing the caramelized bananas on top.

11. Enjoy:
Serve the upside down caramel banana tarts warm, possibly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Upside Down Caramel Banana Tarts are a guaranteed hit for any dessert lover. The combination of sweet, caramelized bananas and buttery puff pastry is simply irresistible. Serve these tarts warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Upside down caramel banana tarts FAQ:

What is the best way to know when the tarts are done baking?

The tarts are done baking when the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up, typically around 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.

Can I use a different type of pastry instead of puff pastry?

While puff pastry provides a flaky texture, you can use shortcrust pastry for a denser base. However, this will change the texture of the final tart.

How should I store leftover tarts?

Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven to keep the pastry crispy.

What can I use as a substitute for brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with an equal amount of granulated sugar combined with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses per cup of sugar) for a similar flavor.

What size tart pans are best for this recipe?

Individual tart pans (about 4-5 inches in diameter) or one larger tart pan (around 8-9 inches) will work well for this recipe. Ensure they are suitable for baking.

Cooking Tips:

- Thawing Puff Pastry: Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed before using. Leave it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes.

- Banana Selection: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and flavor. Overly ripe bananas may become too mushy during baking.

- Caramel Consistency: Keep an eye on the caramel while it cooks. Stir it constantly to prevent burning, and remove it from heat as soon as it turns a golden brown color.

- Cutting Puff Pastry: If you're making individual tarts, cut the puff pastry sheet into circles or squares slightly larger than the size of your tart mold or ramekin.

- Serving: Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the caramel set. However, serve them while still slightly warm for the best experience.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 610kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 70g
Fiber 2.47g
Sugar 33g
Fat 36g

Upside down caramel banana tarts