Salted Caramel Apple Tarts
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight your guests this Thanksgiving with these exquisite Salted Caramel Apple Tarts. Flaky pastry filled with tender spiced apples, drizzled with luscious salted caramel, creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. These individual desserts are not only visually stunning but also bursting with seasonal fall goodness. Make your holiday gathering memorable with this irresistible treat that combines simplicity and elegance.
These Salted Caramel Apple Tarts are a delightful way to celebrate the fall season. With their flaky crust and rich flavors, they are sure to impress your family and friends.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Dessert
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and indulging in delightful foods that celebrate the season. These Salted Caramel Apple Tarts are a perfect culmination of flavors and textures that will win over your guests. The flaky pastry serves as a lovely base for the tender, spiced apples, creating a heartwarming flavor profile that embodies autumn.
Incorporating salted caramel into these tarts elevates the taste experience, offering a unique twist on a traditional dessert. The drizzle of sweet and salty caramel balances the natural tartness of the apples, making each bite an explosion of flavor. These tarts not only taste divine, but they are also a feast for the eyes, making them a centerpiece for your holiday table.
Baking Tips for Beginners
If you're new to baking, this recipe is an excellent starting point. The pastry dough is straightforward and allows for some flexibility. Make sure your butter is chilled to achieve that perfect flaky texture. Don’t worry if your dough isn’t perfect; a rustic tart can be just as beautiful and delicious!
When preparing the apple filling, feel free to mix different varieties of apples to deepen the flavor and texture. Options like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness can offer a delightful contrast. Remember to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of your apple selection, ensuring a harmonious balance.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Apple Tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their flaky texture. They are best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, the flavors mellow and can be just as enjoyable.
Consider serving these tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Sprinkling chopped nuts or drizzling with additional salted caramel just before serving can also enhance the presentation and flavor, making your dessert even more irresistible.
Ingredients
For the pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the salted caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Prepare the ingredients fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Make the pastry
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together.
Prepare the filling
In a bowl, toss apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Make the salted caramel
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and add butter. Once melted, gradually whisk in heavy cream and salt. Let cool slightly.
Assemble the tarts
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry and cut into circles. Fit into tart pans and fill with apple mixture. Drizzle with salted caramel.
Serve
Let the tarts cool before drizzling with more salted caramel. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious tarts warm or at room temperature!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pastry dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pastry dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This allows for easy assembly when you're ready to make the tarts, saving you valuable time on Thanksgiving day.
What type of apples are best for this recipe? A combination of tart and sweet apples works beautifully in these tarts. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji offer distinct flavors and textures that enhance the overall taste of the dessert. Experimenting with different kinds can lead to a unique creation.
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? You can infuse the salted caramel with various flavors such as vanilla, bourbon, or even a hint of sea salt for an extra kick. Using different spices like allspice or cloves in the apple filling can also provide a delightful twist, making your tarts stand out.
For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling. This not only adds crunch but also complements the caramel beautifully. You may even try adding a layer of almond paste at the bottom of each tart shell for an added depth of flavor.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, store-bought pastry can save time.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Salted Caramel Apple Tarts
Delight your guests this Thanksgiving with these exquisite Salted Caramel Apple Tarts. Flaky pastry filled with tender spiced apples, drizzled with luscious salted caramel, creates the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. These individual desserts are not only visually stunning but also bursting with seasonal fall goodness. Make your holiday gathering memorable with this irresistible treat that combines simplicity and elegance.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 tarts
What You'll Need
For the pastry
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the salted caramel
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, toss apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Set aside.
In a saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and add butter. Once melted, gradually whisk in heavy cream and salt. Let cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry and cut into circles. Fit into tart pans and fill with apple mixture. Drizzle with salted caramel. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
Let the tarts cool before drizzling with more salted caramel. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g