As the crisp air of fall settles in and the leaves begin to turn golden, it’s the perfect time to savor the flavors of the season with apple crumble tartlets drizzled with salted caramel sauce. These miniature delights combine the comforting taste of spiced apples with the crunchy goodness of crumbly topping, all enveloped in a flaky pastry shell. And to take them to the next level of indulgence, a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. Whether enjoyed as a cozy dessert on a chilly evening or served at a festive gathering, apple crumble tartlets with salted caramel sauce are sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Apple crumble tartlets with salted caramel sauce are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts – apple pie and apple crumble – elevated with the addition of decadent salted caramel sauce. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, with tender spiced apples nestled in a buttery pastry crust, topped with a crunchy crumble topping, and drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce. The combination of warm spices, tart apples, and sweet caramel creates a harmonious balance that is both comforting and indulgent. These tartlets are perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to festive gatherings, and are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all who taste them.
Apple Crumble Tartlets with Salted Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
- Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and ice water and pulse until the dough comes together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Apple Filling:
- In a medium bowl, toss together the diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Set aside.
Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, rolled oats, and chilled butter.
- Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Assemble the Tartlets:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
- Press the dough circles into the muffin tin cups, shaping them to fit snugly.
- Spoon the apple filling into each pastry-lined cup, dividing it evenly among the tartlets.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple filling, covering it completely.
Bake the Tartlets:
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula.
- Continue cooking until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and well combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly, being careful as the mixture will bubble up.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool slightly.
Serve the Tartlets:
- Let the tartlets cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the cooled tartlets just before serving, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples for the filling, but firm and tart varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work particularly well.
- Make sure to let the pastry dough chill sufficiently in the refrigerator before rolling it out, as this will help prevent shrinkage during baking.
- If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can also make these tartlets in individual tart pans or mini pie dishes.
- The salted caramel sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before serving.
- These apple crumble tartlets with salted caramel sauce are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.