Description
These Easy Mini Caramel Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry are delightful bite-sized desserts that combine flaky, buttery puff pastry with sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or any occasion, these tarts are simple to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry
- 520 grams puff pastry (preferably all-butter, thawed, about 2 sheets)
Apple Filling
- 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
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving
- Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Puff Pastry: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Gently roll the thawed puff pastry sheets just enough to seal the seams. Using a pizza cutter or sharp paring knife, cut each sheet in half lengthwise, then cut each strip into 3 equal rectangles to yield 12 pieces total, each approximately 4.5 by 3 inches. Score a 1/4-inch border around each rectangle with a knife without cutting through, and dock centers with a fork to prevent puffing inside the border. Place rectangles on the sheet pans spaced about 2 inches apart and refrigerate while making filling.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples into approximately 1/8-inch slices. Place slices in a large bowl. Add dark brown sugar, melted butter, cornstarch, apple pie spice, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss gently until apples are evenly coated and cornstarch is dissolved.
- Apply Egg Wash to Pastry: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth to make an egg wash. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg wash onto the puff pastry rectangles, focusing on the scored borders.
- Assemble the Tarts: Arrange apple slices along the center of each puff pastry rectangle in a shingled pattern, packing them tightly. Spoon any leftover brown sugar and spice mixture over the apples to add extra flavor.
- Bake the Tartlets: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the puff pastry is deep golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the tartlets to cool for a few minutes after baking. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before serving. These tarts are excellent on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use all-butter puff pastry for the best flavor and texture.
- Apple pie spice can be substituted with a mix of ground nutmeg, cloves, and allspice if not available.
- Ensure puff pastry is well chilled before baking to achieve maximum puffiness.
- The tartlets can be made a few hours in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the egg wash or use a plant-based milk wash.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
