Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Mini Apple Tarts
PieMedium

Mini Apple Tarts

Recipe by Kristin Maxwell

From the Blog Author

This Mini Apple Tarts recipe is an absolute staple in my kitchen whenever I need a quick, comforting dessert. There is just something so heartwarming about the smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling my house, and these little tarts deliver that cozy feeling perfectly, without the fuss of a full pie. What truly sets these apart, beyond their perfect single-serving size, is the beautiful balance between the slightly tart apples and that crisp, buttery crust. I always make sure to use just a hint of fresh lemon juice mixed with the sugar and cinnamon; it really helps brighten up the apple flavor and keeps them from getting too sweet. They are incredibly fast to pull together, which is exactly what we needed when we started Fast Dessert Recipes! If you’re short on time, here’s my best advice: don't stress about making the edges perfectly crimped. I find that if I just lightly press the dough edges with the back of a fork, it gives them a lovely, rustic look that tastes just as good, maybe even better. They come out golden, warm, and just begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Seriously, give these Mini Apple Tarts a try the next time a sweet craving hits you fast. I’m genuinely excited for you to experience how easy and delicious they are. Once you make them, please shoot me an email—I always love hearing about your baking adventures!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
22 minutes
Servings
0
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 17.3 ounce package puff pastry sheets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 Granny Smith apples
  • 3 Honeycrisp apples
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • Caramel
  • Whipped cream

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 375°F.

2

Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

3

Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut each sheet into 9 equal squares.

4

Press each square into a mini muffin tin cup, molding it to the cup shape.

5

Poke a few holes (dock) into the bottom of each pastry square with a fork.

6

Bake for 7 minutes.

7

Sauté apples, butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are fork-tender, about 5-8 minutes.

8

Whisk the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl to make a slurry.

9

Once the apples are tender, stir in half of the cornstarch slurry.

10

Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.

11

If more thickening is needed, gradually add the remaining slurry until the desired consistency is reached.

12

Remove the apple mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

13

Remove the partially baked puff pastry from the oven; it will have puffed up.

14

Gently press the pastry down into the tins with a teaspoon to deflate it and create a well for the filling.

15

Fill each puff pastry cup with 1 heaping teaspoon of the apple filling.

16

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
Check Price on Amazon
2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
Check Price on Amazon
3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
Check Price on Amazon

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you for your support!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my mini apple tarts from getting soggy?

Since these mini apple tarts use store-bought puff pastry, ensuring the filling ingredients are evenly mixed is key. The combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples releases moisture, so make sure to toss them thoroughly with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt before assembling them in the pre-sprayed mini muffin tin.

Can I make these mini apple tarts ahead of time and how should I store them?

Yes, these tarts are great for making ahead! For the best texture, store cooled, unglazed tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 4 days and refresh them briefly in a 300°F oven before serving.

What is the best way to substitute the apples in this recipe?

While the recipe calls for Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tartness and sweetness, you can substitute with similar textured apples like Fuji or Gala. Ensure you use about 5 medium apples total to yield the correct amount of filling needed when combined with the brown sugar and spices.