Mini Salted Caramel Apple Tartlets

These Mini Salted Caramel Apple Tartlets feature crisp buttery pastry shells filled with tender cinnamon apples and rich salted caramel sauce, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They make an elegant dessert for holidays, afternoon tea, or cozy autumn gatherings.

🍽 Yield

Makes: 8 mini tartlets

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Cooling Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells

• 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1–2 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling

• 2 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

Salted Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Garnish

• Powdered sugar

• Flaky sea salt (optional)

• Chopped toasted pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Tart Dough

1. Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor.

2. Add the cold butter and pulse until crumbly.

3. Add the egg yolk and vanilla.

4. Drizzle in the ice water until the dough just comes together.

5. Shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2 – Bake the Tart Shells

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Roll the dough to about ⅛-inch (3 mm) thick.

3. Press into 8 mini tart pans.

4. Prick the bottoms with a fork.

5. Line with parchment paper and pie weights.

6. Bake for 15 minutes.

7. Remove the weights and bake for another 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

8. Cool completely.

Step 3 – Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the diced apples.

3. Stir in:

   • Brown sugar

   • Cinnamon

   • Nutmeg

   • Lemon juice

4. Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

5. If needed, stir in the cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon of water and cook for another minute.

Step 4 – Make the Salted Caramel

1. Heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts into a deep amber caramel.

2. Carefully whisk in the butter.

3. Slowly pour in the warm heavy cream while whisking continuously.

4. Stir in the sea salt and vanilla.

5. Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.

Step 5 – Assemble

1. Spoon a little salted caramel into each cooled tart shell.

2. Top generously with the warm cinnamon apples.

3. Drizzle more salted caramel over the apples.

4. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.

5. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or toasted pecans if desired.

Chef's Tips

• Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape during cooking.

• Chill the tart shells completely before filling to keep them crisp.

• Warm the caramel slightly before drizzling if it thickens.

• Avoid overcooking the apples so they remain slightly firm.

• Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.

Delicious Variations

Apple Pecan Tartlets

• Add chopped toasted pecans to the filling.

• Finish with maple caramel.

Apple Cheesecake Tartlets

• Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese in each tart shell before adding the apples.

• Top with caramel drizzle.

Apple Cranberry Tartlets

• Fold dried cranberries into the apple mixture.

• Garnish with orange zest.

Apple Cinnamon Crumble Tartlets

• Top each tart with a buttery oat crumble before baking.

• Finish with vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream

• Fresh whipped cream

• Salted caramel latte

• Hot apple cider

• Chai tea

• Espresso

Storage

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5–8 minutes before serving.

• Freeze the baked tart shells separately for up to 2 months and fill just before serving.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Tartlet)

• Calories: 325

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Carbohydrates: 42 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 24 g

• Sodium: 130 mg

These Mini Salted Caramel Apple Tartlets combine flaky buttery pastry, warmly spiced cinnamon apples, and silky homemade salted caramel for a bakery-style dessert that's comforting, elegant, and perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.