By Shannon Feulner
TheKitchn.com
If you’re anything like me, after a long day of apple-picking you want to make something delicious with the bounty you brought home—without spending hours in the kitchen. That said, if you love the flavor of apple pie but don’t feel like fussing with a lattice crust then you’re in the right place. These mini apple tarts might be small, but they’re mighty and packed with cozy fall flavors.
Here buttery, flaky tart shells are filled with a warm, spiced, almost-caramel-y apple filling. Enjoy one or two warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, or as is. Any way you serve these up, these little treats are the perfect way to end any meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’ll have your kitchen smelling like fall in no time. You get all the apple pie flavors in a fraction of the time, thanks to their dainty size and quick bake time.
- No need to break out any plates and utensils. These apple tarts are the perfect on-the-go treat.
Key Ingredients in Mini Apple Tarts
- Pie dough: Opt for store-bought pie crust or homemade pie crust. It’s what gives these tarts their beautiful flaky texture.
- Apples: Sweet-tart apples like Pink Lady have a natural sweetness with a hint of tartness that keeps the filling balanced and not overly sweet. Thanks to their firm texture, these apples hold up nicely when baked, resulting in a perfectly tender filling.
- Apple pie spice: The trio of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg complement the apples with their subtle warmth, without overpowering the apples.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor that ties together the apple filling without making it cloyingly sweet.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the filling and gives it that smooth, glossy consistency.
