Adorable Mini Apple Tarts Everyone Will Want Seconds
These mini apple tarts prove that good things really do come in small packages.
Buttery, flaky crust cradles tender apples tossed with warm spices, baking into little handheld desserts that feel both cozy and elegant.
They’re just sweet enough, perfectly portioned, and ideal for everything from holiday tables to casual afternoon treats.
Think classic apple pie vibes—just cuter and way more snack-able.
Mini Apple Tarts
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry store-bought is fine—no judgment
- 2 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your fave
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional, but fancy
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice keeps apples from browning
- 1 egg for egg wash, makes the crust golden
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra warmth
Instructions
- Prep the apples – Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, even pieces. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven – Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). You want a hot oven so the pastry gets crispy and golden.
- Roll out puff pastry – Lightly flour your surface and roll out the sheet. Cut it into small squares, about 3×3 inches each.
- Assemble the tarts – Spoon a little apple mixture into the center of each square. Fold edges slightly to create a mini border, leaving the filling visible.
- Brush with egg wash – Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of each tart. This is what gives your tarts that bakery-glossy finish.
- Bake – Pop them into the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The apples should be bubbling slightly.
- Cool & enjoy – Let them cool a few minutes on a wire rack. Or…eat one immediately. We won’t tell.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s be real: the best desserts are the ones that feel impressive but are idiot-proof to make.
These mini apple tarts are just that. The filling is sweet, lightly spiced, and perfectly tender, while the crust is flaky and buttery—basically, the golden ticket to everyone asking for seconds.
Bonus: they’re naturally portion-controlled (aka no pie-eating shame), and you can make a batch ahead of time to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the magic lineup of ingredients for these little bites of heaven:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought is fine—no judgment)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your fave)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but fancy)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (keeps apples from browning)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, makes the crust golden)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra warmth)
Pro tip: Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to bake—flaky crust happiness depends on it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the apples – Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, even pieces. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven – Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). You want a hot oven so the pastry gets crispy and golden.
- Roll out puff pastry – Lightly flour your surface and roll out the sheet. Cut it into small squares, about 3×3 inches each.
- Assemble the tarts – Spoon a little apple mixture into the center of each square. Fold edges slightly to create a mini border, leaving the filling visible.
- Brush with egg wash – Beat the egg and brush it over the edges of each tart. This is what gives your tarts that bakery-glossy finish.
- Bake – Pop them into the oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The apples should be bubbling slightly.
- Cool & enjoy – Let them cool a few minutes on a wire rack. Or…eat one immediately. We won’t tell.
How to Serve
These mini apple tarts are perfect warm, straight from the oven, but they’re also great at room temperature for parties or picnics.
Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce, sprinkle powdered sugar, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for maximum indulgence.
They’re also adorable on a dessert platter—seriously, Instagram-worthy without trying too hard.
Nutrition Facts (per tart, approx.)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 21g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
These aren’t exactly “diet food,” but hey, they’re mini. You’re allowed seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the egg wash – Your tarts will bake fine, but they won’t have that gorgeous golden glow. Presentation matters, my friend.
- Overstuffing the filling – Too many apples can leak during baking, making your tarts soggy. Less is more.
- Using warm pastry – If your puff pastry is soft or sticky, it won’t puff properly. Keep it cold until assembly.
- Not preheating the oven – Rookie mistake. Cold ovens = sad, soggy tarts.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Puff pastry alternative: You can use shortcrust pastry if you like a sturdier, more pie-like base.
- Sugar swap: Maple syrup or coconut sugar works instead of brown sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Fruit swap: Pears or peaches work beautifully if apples aren’t in season.
- Vegan tweak: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk wash instead of egg wash.
Final Thoughts
These mini apple tarts prove that classic flavors don’t need to be complicated to impress.
They’re fast, delicious, and seriously cute, making them perfect for holiday desserts, potlucks, or just a treat-yourself kind of day.
Now go make a batch, share a few, and keep the rest for yourself (you earned it).
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge.
Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
Not really—it’s a texture choice. Peeled apples = smoother tarts, unpeeled = rustic vibes.
Q: Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze baked tarts in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up.
Q: What if I don’t have cinnamon?
Ginger, cardamom, or allspice can all work. Mix and match to your taste.
Q: Can I use a different pastry?
Sure! Shortcrust or even phyllo sheets work if you want a different texture.
Q: How do I make them extra fancy?
Drizzle with caramel, sprinkle powdered sugar, or top with a dollop of whipped cream. Bam—party-ready.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free puff pastry and you’re good to go.
