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Ed
onJanuary 26, 2026

Romanian Upside-Down Apricot Tart (Tartă cu Caise)

Romanian upside-down apricot tart on a ceramic plate, topped with caramelized apricots and surrounded by fresh fruit and powdered sugar on a rustic wooden table.
3 min read

 

This traditional Romanian Upside-Down Apricot Tart (Tartă cu Caise) is a nostalgic, summer-inspired dessert featuring caramelized apricots and fluffy vanilla cake. Perfectly golden and bursting with fruity flavor, it's easy to make and ideal for gatherings, picnics, or a sweet taste of childhood memories. 🍑✨
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 8 slices
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Apricot Layer:

  • 400 g fresh apricots, halved or sliced
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 packet vanilla sugar

For the Cake Batter:

  • 2 eggs, separated
  • 100 g sugar
  • 100 g melted butter (or plant-based)
  • 125 ml milk (or lactose-free milk)
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 10 g baking powder (approx. 2 tsp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Slice the apricots and set aside.
  • In an ovenproof tray or pot, mix 3 tbsp sugar with the vanilla sugar and spread evenly on the bottom.
  • Arrange the apricots cut side down on the sugar.
  • Place the tray over medium heat to melt the sugar and caramelize the fruit (about 5–7 minutes), then remove from heat.
  • Separate the egg yolks and whites.
  • Beat the yolks with 100g sugar and a pinch of salt until creamy.
  • Add melted (not hot) butter, milk, and vanilla extract to the yolks and mix well.
  • In a separate bowl, combine flour with baking powder, then add to the wet mixture to create a smooth batter.
  • Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the batter.
  • Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
  • Pour the batter over the caramelized apricots.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the tart cool for 10 minutes, then place a plate over the tray and flip it to release the tart.
  • Let it cool completely before serving. Optional: dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

Step-by-step process of making Romanian upside-down apricot tart: slicing apricots, caramelizing them in a tray, mixing the cake batter, and the final baked tart flipped onto a serving plate.
This Romanian Upside-Down Apricot Tart (Tartă cu Caise) is a beloved dessert that brings those memories to life in the most delicious way. Moist, fluffy cake meets sweet-tart caramelized apricots in a showstopping upside-down presentation. It’s simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely irresistible. 😍
Let’s dive into this comforting and nostalgic recipe that’s sure to become a summertime favorite in your home too.
Freshly baked Romanian upside-down apricot tart with caramelized apricot halves on top, served on a ceramic plate with fresh apricots and powdered sugar on a rustic wooden table.

👩‍🍳 Tips for Success

✅ Low and slow: Baking at 160°C helps the cake cook evenly without burning the caramel. Patience pays off!
✅ Whip it good: Stiff egg whites folded in gently = the fluffiest cake texture.
✅ Use ripe but firm apricots: They hold their shape better during baking.

❓FAQ – Romanian Upside-Down Apricot Tart

Can I use canned apricots?

Yes, in a pinch! Be sure to drain them thoroughly and reduce the caramelizing time, as canned fruits are softer and sweeter.

How do I prevent the tart from sticking?

The sugar layer, once melted and caramelized, creates a natural non-stick barrier. Just make sure your tray is ovenproof and the sugar is evenly spread.

Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Try peaches, plums, or nectarines — just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

🧁 Final Thoughts

This Romanian Upside-Down Apricot Tart is more than just a dessert — it’s a bite of nostalgia, sunshine, and simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, treating your family, or just craving something fruity and comforting, this recipe is a beautiful way to celebrate the season’s best produce.
Save it, share it, and bake it with love 💛
More Romanian recipes
Keyword apricot dessert, Romanian apricot tart, Romanian cake recipe, summer apricot recipe, tartă cu caise, upside down cake
  • Welcome to Book of Foods, my space for sharing stories, recipes, and everything I’ve learned about making food both joyful and nourishing.

    I’m Ed, the creator of Book of Foods. Since 2015 I’ve been collecting stories and recipes from around the world to prove that good food can be simple, vibrant, and good for you.

Ed
onJanuary 26, 2026
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