Homemade Caramel Apple Puff Pastry Tarts for Autumn
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What’s Up, Hungry People!
Fall is creeping in, and you know what that means! Time to cozy up in our comfy sweatshirts, watch the vibrant leaves dance in the wind, and, most importantly, dive into all the autumn-time foods we’ve been dreaming about.
And let’s be real: caramel apples are definitely on that list. So, I thought, why not give this classic a little twist and whip up some caramel apple tarts? Trust me, these are simple yet oh-so-good.
Here’s What You Need:
- Apples: Provide natural sweetness, flavor, and soft texture when baked.
- Puff pastry: Light, flaky base that puffs up and becomes golden when baked.
- Brown sugar: Adds a molasses-rich sweetness and helps the apples caramelize.
- Lemon: Adds brightness, balances sweetness, and prevents apples from browning.
- Caramel dipping sauce: Rich, buttery flavor for extra indulgence.
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base for a smooth icing drizzle.
- Water or milk: Thins out the powdered sugar for desired icing consistency.
- Vanilla ice cream: Creamy, cold contrast to the warm pastry.
Let’s Cook!
Now, before we jump right into it, let’s talk apples. Ever found coring them to be a bit tricky? Well, here’s my personal hack: use a melon baller! Not only does it help in getting that core out in a jiffy, but you also get to save more of the apple. And hey, if you spot any brown bits near the ends or where the stem once was, the melon baller comes handy there too. Once you’ve got your apple prepped, just slice ’em up as thinly as you can.
Spread some caramel apple dip onto each strip of puff pastry, then arrange the sliced apples on the puff pasty so they are slightly overlapping. Bake the tarts for about twenty minutes or until the pastry has puffed up and has turned golden brown.
Drizzle caramel and icing down the tarts. Let the caramel set for about fifteen minutes or until it is no longer piping hot.
Caramel Apple Tarts Tips & Tricks:
- Choosing the right apples: Go for firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweet-tart flavors.
- Puff pastry handling: Always handle puff pastry with care. If it becomes too soft, refrigerate briefly to make it easier to work with.
- Lemon juice: When slicing apples in advance, toss them in lemon juice. This prevents them from browning and retains their fresh appearance.
- Icing consistency: Your icing should be thick yet pourable. Adjust with small increments of powdered sugar or liquid to achieve the perfect drizzle.
- Serving suggestion: These tarts are best served soon after baking. However, if storing, reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
- Vanilla ice cream pairing: For an added twist, try gourmet ice cream flavors like caramel swirl or cinnamon for a festive touch.
Our caramel apple tarts are the perfect blend of flaky pastry, sweet caramel, and tangy apples, capturing the essence of fall in every bite. Pairing it with vanilla ice cream just takes it to the next level, giving you a treat that’s both warm and cold.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or simply want a delectable dessert to enjoy on a cozy evening, these tarts won’t disappoint. Hungry People, I promise, once you give this recipe a go, you’ll be making it a staple every fall season!
Caramel Apple Tarts
Ingredients
- 4 apples red or green, sliced
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¼ cup caramel dipping sauce
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons water or milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut each apple in half and use a melon baller to remove the core and stems. Slice the apples into thin pieces. Begin thawing the puff pastry on the counter.
- In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with brown sugar. Add the lemon juice and gently toss the apples until they're completely covered with the brown sugar mixture. Let them sit until most of the sugar has dissolved, about ten minutes.
- Carefully unfold the puff pastry and cut it into three evenly sized strips. (Tip: Use the fold marks as guidelines for even cuts.) Spread a tablespoon of caramel sauce down the center of each strip, ensuring you leave about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Overlap the apple slices down the center of each puff pastry strip. Place the pastries in the oven and bake for twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown.
- Once baked, let the pastries cool for about five minutes. Then, spread another tablespoon of caramel sauce down the center of each pastry.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water (or milk) until a smooth icing forms. Adjust with more powdered sugar or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Drizzle the icing evenly over the pastries.
- Slice the pastries into even-sized triangles. Serve either warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!