Traditionally made with apples, this pineapple tarte Tatin is glossy, caramelized, and surprisingly simple to make. Sweet pineapple is lightly cooked in a golden dry caramel with butter, vanilla, and fresh lime zest before being tucked beneath a buttery layer of puff pastry and baked until deeply golden. The result is a dessert that feels elegant enough for guests, yet comes together in under an hour.
1 Sheet All-Butter Puff Pastry, thawed but still cold
1 Fresh Pineapple, peeled and cored
100 G Granulated Sugar
50 G Unsalted Butter
5 G Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Sea Salt
Zest of 1 lime
Slice the pineapple into 1″ thick slices and then into half moons.
In a light-coloured skillet set over medium heat, add the sugar and allow it to melt slowly without stirring too much at first. Once the sugar turns a light golden amber, reduce the heat slightly and add the butter. Stir carefully until smooth and glossy.
Add the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Add the pineapple to the caramel and gently toss to coat. Allow it to cook for 3–5 minutes, just until slightly softened and glossy.
Remove from the heat and stir in the lime zest.
Using a dish or plate as a guide, place it over the puff pastry and cut around it to form a circle slightly larger than your pan.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the puff pastry circle over the pineapple and gently tuck the edges around the fruit.
Dock a few small holes in the pastry with a fork.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp.
Allow the tart to rest for 10 minutes before carefully inverting onto a serving plate.
Finish with additional lime zest and, if desired, a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serve warm or at room temperature on its own, or with vanilla ice cream or softly whipped cream.
Nadia Colella creates bespoke cakes, pastry art, and hand-painted commissions. Each piece is a small work of art, thoughtfully crafted to bring beauty and meaning into your life — whether for a special event, a bespoke piece, or a brand collaboration. Please share a little about your vision or project below. All custom investments start at $2,000.
