Name: Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 520 grams puff pastry (preferably all-butter, thawed, about 2 sheets); 680 grams small baking apples (about 1 1/2 pounds); 76 grams dark brown sugar (1/3 cup); 60 grams unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup); 10 grams cornstarch (1 tablespoon); 1 teaspoon apple pie spice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of Kosher salt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon water; Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, for drizzling)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

These Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe are an absolute game-changer when you want a dessert that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly. With crisp, flaky puff pastry topped with perfectly spiced, tender apple slices and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce, every bite bursts with cozy autumn vibes. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a sweet treat, these tartlets strike the perfect balance between simplicity and irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single rectangular apple tart sits in the center of a white speckled plate, featuring a golden brown puff pastry base with slightly raised edges. On top, thin slices of apple are neatly layered in a slightly overlapping pattern, their light cream color dusted with cinnamon. A rich caramel glaze is drizzled over the apples, adding a shiny and smooth texture. The plate rests on a rustic wooden surface with a white marbled texture, and around the plate are a few green leaves and red apples, adding a natural touch to the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that work in harmony to create a stunning dessert. Each component brings something special to the table, from buttery puff pastry for flaky texture to warm spices that highlight the apples’ natural sweetness.

Puff pastry: Using all-butter puff pastry ensures a rich, flaky crust that’s golden and crisp every time.
Small baking apples: Choose varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tart and sweet, sliced thin for even cooking.
Dark brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes that amplify the caramel flavor in your filling.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter coats the apples for a luscious finish and enhances browning.
Cornstarch: This thickens the filling slightly, so it doesn’t get soggy once baked.
Apple pie spice: A comforting blend of spices that brings warmth and complexity to the tart.
Cinnamon: Provides that classic, cozy flavor everyone loves in apple desserts.
Pinch of Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the flavors.
Egg: Used for the egg wash to give the puff pastry a beautiful golden shine.
Salted caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for the perfect finishing touch—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.

How to Make Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Rectangles

Start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step gets everything ready and ensures your tarts don’t stick. Gently roll out the thawed puff pastry just enough to seal any seams, then cut the pastry into 12 rectangles sized about 4.5 by 3 inches. Scoring a 1/4-inch border around each rectangle without cutting through keeps the edges puffed and crisp, while docking the center with a fork prevents over-rising so you’ll get the perfect tart base every time. Pop these in the fridge to chill while you move on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Peeling and coring the apples is key to ensure tender bites without any tough skin in your tarts. Slice them paper-thin for even cooking—about 1/8-inch thick. Toss the apple slices with brown sugar, melted butter, cornstarch, apple pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This mixture not only infuses the apples with warmth and sweetness but also creates a gorgeous syrupy coating once baked. It’s the heart of why these tarts taste so enchanting.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Tartlets

Lightly whisk the egg with a bit of water to make a smooth egg wash, which will glaze the pastry for golden, shiny perfection. Brush the rectangles’ borders with this wash to help hold the puff pastry shape and enhance color while baking. Next, arrange the apple slices down the center of each rectangle in a shingled pattern, packing them snugly so every tart feels generous and bursting with filling. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining spiced sugar syrup on top for extra flavor and caramelization. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden and the apples become beautifully tender.

How to Serve Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe

The image shows six red apples with a shiny smooth skin positioned on the lower right side of the white marbled surface. Above them, a small jar with a golden lid filled with dark brown liquid or sauce sits next to a white bowl containing a light beige foamy liquid with butter melting inside. To the left, a white plate holds light brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Above that, a wooden plate with two powders – one white and one light brown – with a rose gold metal measuring spoon resting on top. The top right corner features a white plate with black speckles, holding five rectangular crackers, pale beige in color with small holes in a grid pattern. At the bottom left, a white plate with black speckles carries a single raw egg yolk with clear egg white around it. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

After these tartlets come out of the oven and cool slightly, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce instantly elevates them with irresistible gooey sweetness. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or some chopped toasted pecans to contrast with the softness of the apples and caramel.

Side Dishes

Serving these Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream creates that decadent dessert experience we all crave. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm tart, making each bite pure bliss. For a breakfast twist, try them with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai.

Creative Ways to Present

Because these are mini tarts, they’re perfect for party platters or gifting. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming display. You can also use pretty mini tart pans instead of rectangles to create individual pies with decorative edges. And if you want to get playful, try layering a little crumb topping on the apples before baking for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store these tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while retaining their delicious texture and flavor.

Freezing

To save time later, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked tartlets. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, pop them straight into a preheated oven—just add a few extra minutes to bake through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes to crisp the puff pastry back up and warm the filling. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the pastry soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While baking apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can experiment with Granny Smith for a more tangy flavor or any crisp apple you love. Just adjust the sugar amount if your apples are very tart or very sweet.

Is it necessary to use puff pastry, or can I use another crust?

Puff pastry is key to getting those flaky, buttery layers that make these tarts so special. While you could try a shortcrust pastry, it won’t puff up the same way and might alter the texture significantly.

Can I make these tartlets vegan?

You can! Use a vegan puff pastry and substitute melted coconut oil or vegan butter for the butter. Replace the egg wash with a little plant-based milk or a flax egg to keep that beautiful golden color.

How thin should the apple slices be?

Slicing the apples about 1/8-inch thick ensures they cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy. Thin slices layer beautifully and hold their shape during baking.

Can I prepare the tartlets a day in advance?

Definitely! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake just before serving for the freshest taste and crispest pastry.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, these Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry Recipe are about to become your go-to dessert for any occasion. They’re simple to make but taste like something from a cozy bakery. Once you try them, you’ll understand why I love sharing this recipe with friends and family—it’s a true crowd-pleaser filled with warmth, sweetness, and that magical flaky crust we all adore. So roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to these little bites of fall happiness!