Pin it
This caramel apple shortbread tart recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant mini desserts that look like they came from a fancy bakery. The combination of buttery shortbread, cinnamon-spiced apples, and gooey caramel creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
I first made these tarts for a holiday cookie exchange and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now I keep the shortbread dough recipe memorized because my family requests these little gems for practically every special occasion.
Ingredients
- Butter: Must be very soft at room temperature for properly textured shortbread dough that blends easily
- Powdered sugar: Creates a more delicate crumb than granulated sugar would
- Cornstarch: Is the secret to achieving that perfect melt in your mouth shortbread texture
- Diced apples: Should be cut small about quarter inch pieces for the best filling consistency
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the caramel flavor beautifully
- Store bought caramels: Save time and provide consistent results for the drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Apple Filling:
- Combine sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a microwave safe bowl then fold in diced apples until well coated. Add butter and microwave for a total of 7 minutes, stirring every two minutes. The apples will become tender and release their juices, creating a thick cinnamon sauce. Allow to cool while preparing the shortbread.
- Make The Shortbread Dough:
- Mix very soft butter with powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add vanilla and stir then gradually incorporate cornstarch, flour, and salt. The dough will initially seem dry and crumbly but keep stirring patiently until it comes together in a cohesive mass. This patient mixing creates the perfect shortbread texture.
- Form The Tart Shells:
- Divide dough into 24 equal portions, rolling each between your palms into a ball. Warming each portion briefly in your hand prevents cracking. Press gently into greased mini muffin cups then create a well in the center of each using a measuring spoon. The wells will puff slightly during baking but can be reinforced while still warm.
- Bake And Assemble:
- Bake until edges turn golden brown, usually 18 to 22 minutes. Immediately reinforce the center well while tarts are hot then cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully remove using a knife and cool completely before filling with spiced apples and drizzling with melted caramel for that perfect finishing touch.
Pin it
The real magic of these tarts happens when you bite through all three layers together. I once watched my typically stoic father-in-law close his eyes in pure delight when trying these for the first time. He later confessed they reminded him of caramel apples from his childhood but in a much more sophisticated form.
Make Ahead Options
These shortbread tarts offer wonderful flexibility for busy hosts. The unfilled shortbread shells can be baked up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The apple filling can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated separately for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply fill the shells with the apple mixture, reheat the filling slightly if desired, and finish with the caramel drizzle about an hour before serving to allow the caramel to set properly.
Flavor Variations
While the classic apple caramel combination is unbeatable, this versatile recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try using pears instead of apples for a slightly more delicate flavor or add a quarter teaspoon of cardamom to the apple mixture for an aromatic twist. During summer months, consider filling the shells with fresh berries tossed with a bit of sugar and topping with white chocolate drizzle instead of caramel. For fall gatherings, a pinch of nutmeg and clove in the apple mixture creates a more complex spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
These elegant little tarts deserve a beautiful presentation. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for visual impact at parties or gatherings. For an extra special touch, serve warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the cool ice cream and warm spiced apples elevates this dessert to restaurant quality. For brunch occasions, pair with coffee or hot apple cider for a memorable finale to the meal.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples work best for this dessert?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent because they hold their shape while cooking and balance the sweetness with a hint of tartness.
- → Can I prepare the shortbread tarts ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tart shells in advance and store them at room temperature for 8-10 hours, or even longer if kept in an airtight container. Fill them just before serving for the best texture.
- → Can I substitute store-bought caramel with homemade caramel?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade caramel, you can use your favorite recipe for a drizzle that complements the apple filling perfectly.
- → What’s the best way to reheat caramel if it hardens?
If the caramel thickens, microwave it for 5-10 seconds and stir. Repeat as needed until it’s smooth enough to drizzle.
- → How do I store leftover tarts?
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or refrigerate them for up to three days. Reheat slightly before serving for a fresher taste.
- → What’s a good alternative to cornstarch for thickening the apple filling?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as substitutes for cornstarch in the apple filling. Use the same quantity as cornstarch for similar results.