Are you craving a sweet treat that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these delightful mini apple tartlets! These individual desserts are perfect for a cozy night in, a sophisticated dinner party, or even a charming afternoon tea. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is designed for ease, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade culinary gems!
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Making the Pastry:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent the butter from melting and make the pastry easier to handle.
Preparing and Baking the Tartlets:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Cut out circles: Use a 3-4 inch cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
- Press into tartlet tins: Gently press the dough circles into mini muffin tins or tartlet pans. Trim any excess dough.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss gently to coat.
- Fill the tartlets: Spoon the apple filling into the prepared tartlet shells, mounding slightly.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool: Let the tartlets cool in the tins for a few minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Mini Apple Tartlets:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and ice water are crucial for a flaky pastry.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough pastry.
- Blind baking (optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the tart shells for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Line the shells with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet tartlet, reduce the sugar in the filling.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Tartlets: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the apple filling for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Tartlets: Include ½ cup of dried cranberries in the apple filling for a delightful tart and sweet combination.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a crumble topping made from flour, brown sugar, and butter over the apple filling before baking.
Nutritional Information (per tartlet, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories (depending on pastry size and apple type)
This recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy and delicious dessert. The mini size makes them perfect for portion control, and the homemade touch adds a special element to any occasion. Enjoy these delightful mini apple tartlets – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!