Rustic Apple and Star Anise Caramel Tarte

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

A fragrant twist on tarte tatin featuring caramelized apples infused with star anise, baked with a tender flaky crust for a comforting, aromatic dessert. This French recipe, ready in about 120 minutes, layers golden delicious apples, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 medium (about 2 pounds) golden delicious apples
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 whole star anise pods
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (1 stick), diced cold unsalted butter
• 4-5 tbsp ice cold water
• 1/2 tsp salt

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the shortcrust pastry by combining 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup cold diced unsalted butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 4-5 tablespoons ice cold water, mixing gently until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour.
2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel, core, and quarter 8 medium golden delicious apples.
3. Step 3: In a 9-inch ovenproof skillet, melt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3 whole star anise pods. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar caramelizes to a rich amber, about 8 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove star anise pods and arrange apple quarters snugly in the caramel, rounded side down. Cook for 15 minutes over medium heat without stirring, allowing apples to soften.
5. Step 5: Roll out chilled shortcrust dough to a 10-inch circle and place over the apples, tucking edges inside the skillet.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate carefully to reveal the glossy caramel apples. Serve warm.