About this recipe
These mini apple tarts are one of those desserts that look fancy but take almost no effort — my kind of recipe. It is easy to make and very customizable; you can make it 100% to your liking. Think the perfect dessert when you want something simple and not overly sweet. These are tender cinnamon-vanilla apples layered inside a buttery muffin cup, all topped with a crisp round of puff pastry that turns golden and flaky in the oven. They’re cozy, quick, and perfect when you want something sweet without committing to a whole pie.
This recipe makes 6 mini tarts, but you can double it to make 12 with zero extra work. They’re ideal for weeknight baking, fall gatherings, holiday dessert boards, or when you just need a warm apple treat with your afternoon coffee. Let’s make them.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Apple Tarts
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Only a handful of ingredients
- No pie dough to chill or roll — puff pastry does all the work
- Caramelized apples + crisp pastry = perfect bite
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Kid-friendly, holiday-friendly, brunch-friendly — they fit everywhere
Ingredient notes
- Apples: Use 2–3 medium apples, very thinly sliced with a mandoline for best results. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith all hold their shape well.
- Sugar: Just 1/4 cup granulated sugar is enough to sweeten the apples and help them brown. Brown sugar also works if you prefer deeper flavor.
- Puff Pastry: One sheet of thawed puff pastry is all you need for 6 mini tarts.
Tips for Success
- Use a mandoline. Ultra-thin slices = even cooking, beautiful layering, and better caramelization.
- Don’t skip the butter at the bottom. It melts with the sugar and creates a light caramel that makes the tarts irresistible.
- Work quickly with puff pastry. Warm pastry gets sticky. If it starts softening, pop it back in the fridge.
- Double the recipe easily. Just use all 12 muffin cups and an extra sheet of puff pastry.
Variations + Add-Ins
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cardamom for a more spiced version
- Use brown sugar instead of white cane sugar; it gives it a caramel-like depth of flavor
- Mix in a spoonful of chopped pecans
- Swap apples for pears
- Brush the pastry with cream or milk for extra shine
How to Serve
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, coconut whipped cream, or aquafaba whipped cream.
- Sometimes I also like it with a dollop of cashew sour cream
- With a drizzle of caramel sauce
- As a quick Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dessert
Mini Apple Tarts (Muffin Tin)
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin pan
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 6 muffin cups with butter.
- Toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Place a teaspoon of butter in each muffin cup. Layer in the seasoned apples.
- Cut puff pastry into rounds and place over each cup, tucking edges gently. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Cool 5 minutes, then invert to unmold. Serve warm.
Notes
- For 12 tarts, double all ingredients and use all muffin cups. You can make the tarts as big or mall as you want, it all depends on your muffin pan, adjust the cooking time if you use a large one.
- Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife for even slices.
- Reheat at 350°F to crisp the pastry.
- Try with pears, brown sugar, or chopped nuts for variations.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I am Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes — some Mexican, mostly plant-based — that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I am also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications. Follow along on my social accounts for daily inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes! I would love to hear about you! Send me a DM on Instagram, and we can talk all things food 🍽️✨