14 Mar 2025
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.
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.
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.