Caramel Apple Tartlets Recipe

Caramel Apple Tartlets Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• For the Filling:
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• For the Caramel:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
• Garnish:
  • Fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt.
   • Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add egg yolk and water, pulsing until the dough just comes together.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Form Tartlet Shells:
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Cut out rounds and press into mini tart pans or a muffin tin.
   • Prick the bottoms with a fork and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden. Let cool.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   • Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Arrange the apple slices in the cooled tart shells in a decorative pattern.
5. Make the Caramel:
   • In a heavy saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
   • Once sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until completely melted.
   • Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring (be careful as the mixture will bubble up).
   • Allow the mixture to boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.
   • Let cool slightly before using.
6. Assemble the Tartlets:
   • Spoon or drizzle caramel over the arranged apples in the tart shells.
   • Bake the tartlets for an additional 20-25 minutes, until the apples are soft and the caramel is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Allow to cool slightly before removing from tart pans.
   • Place a fresh raspberry in the center of each tartlet just before serving.

These caramel apple tartlets are perfect for serving at any festive occasion or as a refined finish to a gourmet meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet, rich flavors and the pleasing aesthetic of these elegant desserts!