Caramel Apple Tartlets are delightful mini desserts that combine the sweet-tart flavor of apples with rich, buttery caramel, all nestled in a crisp pastry shell. These bite-sized treats are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion that calls for a charming and delicious dessert. With their elegant appearance and irresistible flavors, Caramel Apple Tartlets are sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings alike.
1.Ingredients
For the Tartlet Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly and Toppings:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- Optional: Sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream
2.Instructions
1. Prepare the Tartlet Crust:
a. Combine Dry Ingredients: – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
b. Cut in the Butter: – Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. – Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
c. Add Egg Yolk and Ice Water: – Mix in the egg yolk. – Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
d. Form and Chill the Dough: – Gather the dough into a disk shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
a. Combine Ingredients: – In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and all-purpose flour or cornstarch. – Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tartlet Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 12-cup tartlet pan with removable bottoms, or use a muffin tin for individual tartlets.
4. Roll Out the Dough and Line Tartlet Pans:
a. Roll Out the Dough: – On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
b. Cut Out Circles: – Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles slightly larger than the tartlet pans.
c. Transfer to Pans: – Gently press the dough circles into the prepared tartlet pans, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
d. Prepare for Baking: – Line the dough with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing.
5. Blind Bake the Crust:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the weights and lining, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6. Assemble the Tartlets:
a. Add Apple Filling: – Spoon the prepared apple filling into each pre-baked tartlet crust, distributing evenly.
b. Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: – Brush the edges of the crust with beaten egg. – Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the brushed areas for a sweet, crisp finish.
7. Bake the Tartlets:
- Return the tartlet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the tartlets to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
a. Melt Sugar: – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber color.
b. Add Butter: – Carefully add the 6 tablespoons unsalted butter to the melted sugar, stirring until melted and combined.
c. Add Cream and Flavorings: – Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously. – Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
d. Cool Slightly: – Let the caramel sauce cool to a pourable consistency before drizzling over the tartlets.
9. Drizzle Caramel Sauce and Add Toppings:
- Once the tartlets are completely cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over each tartlet.
- Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
10. Serve:
- Present the tartlets on a serving platter and enjoy!
3.Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the tartlet dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle. Cold butter creates a flaky crust.
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the crust fully before adding the apple filling to prevent it from becoming soggy. Using a metal or silicone tartlet pan can help conduct heat more evenly.
- Uniform Apple Slices: Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture in each tartlet.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves based on your spice preference for the apple filling.
- Caramel Safety: Caramel sauce is extremely hot when freshly made. Handle with care to avoid burns, and allow it to cool slightly before drizzling.
- Storage: Store tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Caramel sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator and reheated before use.
4.Variations
- Cheese Filling: Add a layer of creamy brie or mascarpone cheese beneath the apple filling for a rich, tangy contrast.
- Gluten-Free Tartlets: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute, replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, and choose vegan caramel sauce or make a dairy-free version.
- Spiced Caramel: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cardamom into the caramel sauce for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After drizzling caramel, add a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nut Addition: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the caramel for added crunch and flavor.
5.Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Sugars: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
6.Background & Popularity
Caramel Apple Tartlets embody the quintessential flavors of autumn, blending the crispness of baked apples with the rich sweetness of caramel in a delicate pastry shell. Apples have long been a staple in fall desserts, symbolizing the harvest season and evoking memories of cozy gatherings and festive celebrations. Caramel adds a luxurious depth, making these tartlets a favorite for holiday parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and seasonal dessert spreads.
The tartlet format offers an elegant presentation that transforms a simple apple dessert into a sophisticated treat suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Their versatility allows for endless customization, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, Caramel Apple Tartlets provide a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to a wide audience.
Their popularity continues to grow as home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike seek creative ways to celebrate seasonal ingredients. The balance of sweet, tart, and buttery elements in Caramel Apple Tartlets makes them an enduring favorite, cherished for their ability to deliver comfort and elegance in every bite.
read more : French Toast RecipeWhether you’re an experienced baker looking to add a seasonal favorite to your repertoire or a novice eager to create a charming and delicious dessert, Caramel Apple Tartlets offer a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Their delightful flavors, inviting aroma, and stunning presentation are sure to make them a standout addition to any dessert table.