Mini apple tarts: a delicious and flaky treat

These mini apple tarts are a delicious bite, combining the tartness of fresh apples with a hint of cinnamon and lemon. Wrapped in a buttery puff pastry, these tarts are a simple yet elegant dessert that can be enjoyed warm or cold. With their sweet and spicy apple filling and golden crust, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. The recipe makes about 22 mini tarts, making them perfect for sharing!

Why you’ll love this recipe

These mini apple tarts offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures. The filling is made with diced apples, delicately cooked with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The pastry is flaky and buttery, providing the perfect contrast to the soft, caramelized apples. The pastry is quick to make with simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time, making these tarts an easy yet impressive dessert. Whether served warm with a little icing sugar or cold straight from the fridge, these tarts are a delicious treat.

The perfect opportunity

These mini apple tarts are versatile enough for any occasion. Serve them for brunch, as a snack, or as dessert at your next family gathering or holiday party. They’re also perfect for a cozy evening when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Since they can be enjoyed hot or cold, they’re great for picnics, potlucks, or as a grab-and-go snack. You can also give them as a homemade treat—just wrap them up in a pretty box and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious gift!

Decorating Tips

For a perfect finish, dust the tarts with icing sugar just before serving. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce on top or add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence. If you want to add a festive touch, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on top, or use decorative cookie cutters to create fun shapes for the pastry lids. For a shiny finish, brush the tops of the tarts with beaten egg before baking.

Ingredients for the filling (for 22 tartlets)

• 15 g unsalted butter
• 4 apples (Granny Smith or any other variety), unpeeled, cored and diced
• Juice of one lemon
• Zest of 1/4 lemon
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions for filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice and lemon zest.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until apples are tender and mixture is fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and allow filling to cool completely before using.

Ingredients for puff pastry

• 175 g cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 250 g all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons ice water

Instructions for the dough

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine cold butter, flour and salt. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, combine ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Assembling the mini tartlets

1. Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of 3 to 4 mm (about 1/8 inch).
2. Cut out circles about 12 cm in diameter using a cookie cutter or a glass.
3. Spoon about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of cooled apple filling into the center of each dough circle.
4. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, leaving the center open, to form small tartlet shapes.
5. Brush the tops of the tartlets with cold water and sprinkle with caster sugar.

Baking the pies

1. Place the tartlets on a lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove from the oven and let the tartlets cool on a rack.

Serve the pies

Once the mini tartlets have cooled, sprinkle them with icing sugar. Serve them warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Appreciate!

These mini apple tarts, with their warm cinnamon-apple filling and buttery flaky crust, are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a comforting snack or as a delicious dessert and enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade treat!