Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, flaky pastry that cradles warm, cinnamon-spiced apples dripping with luxurious salted caramel sauce. These Salted Caramel Apple Tartlets are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a gourmet indulgence, these tartlets promise to elevate your dessert game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 tartlets
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry
- 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tartlets from sticking.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out any creases. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the pastry into six equal squares, about 4 inches by 4 inches each.
- Transfer the puff pastry squares to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each square. Using a fork, gently poke holes in the center of each square, being careful not to pierce the edges.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Toss until the apples are well coated with the sugar and cinnamon mixture.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the apple mixture to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Evenly distribute the sautéed apple mixture over the center of each puff pastry square, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges.
- Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of salted caramel sauce over the apples on each tartlet, ensuring that each tartlet gets a good amount of caramel.
- Fold the edges of the puff pastry squares over the apples, creating a border that holds the filling in place. Press the corners gently to secure the folds.
- Brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry with a little melted butter for a golden finish, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the tartlets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious salted caramel apple tartlets!
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture during baking.
- Keep puff pastry cold: Work with chilled pastry to ensure maximum flakiness and prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Don't overfill: Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking and to create a beautiful presentation.
- For extra shine, brush the pastry edges with an egg wash before baking to achieve a gorgeous golden color.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the apple mixture and cut the pastry squares in advance, assembling just before baking for convenience.
- Serve immediately or reheat briefly to maintain the pastry's crisp texture and warm the caramel sauce.
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel just before serving to enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
