Viral Upside Down Puff Pastry Dessert Tarts Recipe

This viral upside down puff pastry dessert is so easy to make!

Buttery puff pastry envelops simple, tasty ingredients for the most delicious dessert.

All you need is a couple of minutes to prep and then you can pop these tarts right in the oven.

I love using puff pastry for easy desserts like these Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies.

You may have seen this upside down puff pastry hack on social media and I can tell you, I’m definitely a fan! These upside-down puff pastry treats are a viral recipe for a reason – there are so many different sweet and savory combinations you can make to suit anyone’s tastes.

The ingredients are layered with the puff pastry as the top layer so everything underneath gets deliciously caramelized.

Why you’ll love these upside-down puff pastry tarts

• This dessert is a great option for pastry lovers since they’re quick and easy to make!
• All you need for the base of this recipe is a defrosted sheet of puff pastry dough.
• You can use a variety of flavour combinations to make this puff pastry dessert your own (see towards the end of the post for more suggestions)

Made with simple ingredients, you can have delicious puff pastry desserts on the table in a flash.

Ingredients needed to make this pie-style treat

Puff Pastry Dough: make sure you defrost your frozen puff pastry dough before starting this recipe!

Fresh fruit: slices of pears and apricots (or another stone fruit) work well in this recipe.

Cheese: I’m using brie cheese paired with the pears in this recipe.

Brown sugar & Cinnamon: a thin layer of brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice flavour boost to both types of tarts.

Honey: a nice sweet honey drizzle on both tarts is the perfect finishing touch!

Egg: you need one beaten egg (mixed with a drizzle of water) to brush over the tarts; it helps to give the tarts a nice golden brown colour!

Toppings: chopped walnuts, fresh thyme and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream are the best toppings for these tarts.

These desserts are so easy to make because all of the ingredients can be found at the grocery store too.

Step by step process for making this viral upside down puff pastry dessert

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Lay out the sheet of puff pastry and cut into 4-6 rectangles.

Step 3: Drizzle 2 tsp of honey per rectangle onto the parchment paper. Layer 5-6 apricot slices over the honey, then sprinkle over 1 tsp brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.  Repeat with thin slices of pear and make 2-3 tarts of each kind.

Step 4: Layer on one of the rectangles of puff pastry over top each pile you’ve made and use the prongs of a fork to press down around the rectangle. Repeat with the remaining pastry.

Step 5: Brush the egg wash over top of each tart, sprinkle with sugar (if desired) and then bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is nicely browned.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, flip over the tarts onto a plate and serve with whipped cream, chopped walnuts and fresh thyme. Enjoy!

The use of minimal ingredients makes this a food trend you need to try!

Expert tips for making this viral upside down puff pastry dessert

• If you don’t measure the ingredients perfectly, don’t fret! The ‘formula’ for these tarts is generally the same so a simple drizzle of honey works with any number of sliced fruits.
• Make sure the puff pastry is fully defrosted before using. If it still has a bit of a chill, let it sit out for about 5-10 minutes before using.

FAQ

What if my puff pastry comes in a square instead of a sheet?
Some frozen puff pastry brands are sold in a tight packaged square. So, follow the defrosting instructions and then roll out the pastry in an 8×10 or 10-x12 inch rectangle before making this recipe, about 1/4 inch thick.

Can I use phyllo dough?
I don’t recommend using phyllo dough as it’s a much thinner dough that creates crispier layers of pastry. On the other hand, puff pastry is a more buttery dough that creates beautiful, flaky layers.

Can I make these tarts using more savory toppings for an appetizer instead?
YES! The pear and brie tart is definitely a more savory flavour. To make it a more savory appetizer, top it with some crispy prosciutto or bacon.

Since the ‘formula’ for these tarts is generally: (1) a drizzle of honey/maple syrup or olive oil, (2) a layer of fruit or meat, and (3) a layer of cheese if desired, you can make many flavor combinations.

More viral upside down puff pastry dessert variations:

• Maple syrup and pineapple
• Honey and apple
• Honey and figs

Savory flavour combinations that are delicious as an appetizer:

• Regular or hot honey, sharp cheddar or old cheddar and apple
• Olive oil, garlic, basil, mozzarella or parmesan cheese
• Honey, manchego cheese and figs
• Pesto, tomato and mozzarella
• Olive oil, onion, Gruyere cheese and a balsamic glaze drizzle

Storage

These tarts are best enjoyed as soon as they come out of the oven!

If there was ever a TikTok trend to try, these upside down puff pastry desserts are the one!

It’s a super affordable and easy dessert recipe that I hope you’ll love.

More quick dessert recipes to try from the blog:

Strawberry Rhubarb Toasted Oat Sundaes

Plum Tarts

Quick and Easy Two Bite Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess