Name: Cinnamon Apple Tarts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 sheet puff pastry or tart dough (thawed if frozen); 2–3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces); 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); All-purpose flour (for dusting if using homemade dough)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tarts capture all the flavors of classic apple pie but in a simplified, individual form. They’re easy to assemble, bake quickly, and don’t require any complicated techniques or equipment. The balance of tart apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet pastry makes them a hit for any occasion—from brunches and tea parties to weeknight desserts. Best of all, they can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Puff pastry sheets or tart dough
Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Nutmeg (optional)
Lemon juice
Unsalted butter
Egg (for egg wash)
All-purpose flour (for dusting, if using homemade dough)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease individual tart pans.
If using puff pastry, roll it out slightly and cut into circles or rectangles to fit your tart molds or to make free-form tarts.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Arrange the apple slices neatly over the pastry, overlapping slightly. Leave a small border if using puff pastry.
Dot with small bits of butter over the apples for added richness.
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg to enhance browning.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the apples are tender.
Let the tarts cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6–8 small tarts or 1 large tart (cut into slices).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

Caramel Apple Tarts: Drizzle caramel sauce over the tarts after baking for extra indulgence.
Rustic Galette Style: Make free-form tarts by folding the pastry edges over the apples.
Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a nutty crunch.
Spiced Pear Tarts: Substitute apples with firm, ripe pears for a similar but unique twist.
Maple Glaze: Mix a little maple syrup with powdered sugar for a drizzle over the cooled tarts.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the pastry. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.
You can also freeze unbaked tarts and bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for tarts?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape and provide a nice balance of flavor.

Can I use store-bought pastry?

Yes, puff pastry or refrigerated tart dough both work beautifully and save time.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for a rustic look.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tarts a few hours ahead and bake them just before serving, or reheat them gently before serving.

What if I don’t have tart pans?

You can make free-form tarts (galettes) on a baking sheet with the pastry folded up around the apples.

Can I make one large tart instead of individual ones?

Absolutely. Use a tart pan or baking sheet to form one large tart and adjust the baking time to 30–35 minutes.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure the apples are not too juicy, and avoid overloading the tart with filling. A light dusting of flour or almond meal under the apples can help absorb excess moisture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust or pastry dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I serve these cold?

Yes, they’re delicious at room temperature or chilled, though they are best served slightly warm.

What can I serve with these tarts?

They pair well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple Tarts are a cozy, elegant dessert that brings all the comfort of apple pie in a simple, individual format. With flaky pastry, tender apples, and warm spices, they’re a treat you can whip up anytime the craving hits. Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, these tarts are always a good idea.