Picture this: warm, buttery tartlets filled with cinnamon-spiced apples and creamy cream cheese, topped with a golden glaze that shines like autumn leaves in the sunlight. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? These cinnamon apple tartlets are the ultimate fall dessert — easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings.
Fall is apple season, and there’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and apples. It’s like a hug for your taste buds, bringing the warmth and beauty of autumn straight to your plate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into making desserts, this recipe is simple enough for everyone. Trust me, once you make these tartlets, you’ll be coming back for seconds — and thirds!
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delightful recipe that will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall spices!
The Story Behind Cinnamon Apple Tartlets
Apple desserts have been a staple in kitchens across the world for centuries. From classic apple pies to rustic galettes, they’re a celebration of the harvest season. These cinnamon apple cream cheese tartlets take inspiration from the traditional apple pie but with a sophisticated twist.
I first fell in love with this recipe after a trip to a local orchard. There’s something about picking fresh apples and transforming them into a rich, decadent dessert that feels so rewarding. These tartlets were my answer to wanting something bite-sized but packed with flavor. They’ve become a regular in my fall baking lineup, especially for gatherings where everyone can grab their own little treat.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it as elegant or as rustic as you like. Plus, the cream cheese filling adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness of the apples and the spice of the cinnamon. It’s a recipe that has evolved over time, and each year, I find myself tweaking it just a little more to match the season’s bounty.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Cream Cheese Tartlets
Let’s talk ingredients! Each element of this recipe plays an important role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich and creamy filling. You can use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses to the filling. You can substitute coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Cinnamon: The star spice! Use freshly ground cinnamon for the best aroma and flavor.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and complexity. If you don’t have nutmeg, allspice can be a good alternative.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and brightens the overall flavor.
- Puff Pastry: Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this recipe quick and easy. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own pastry from scratch.
- Egg Wash: A beaten egg with a splash of milk for that perfect golden crust.
- Optional Glaze: Apricot jam thinned with water for a shiny, professional finish.
Tip: Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Apples should be crisp, and cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the puff pastry.
- Knife: A sharp knife for slicing apples thinly.
- Muffin Tin: Helps create perfectly shaped tartlets. If you don’t have one, you can use ramekins or small tart pans.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the cream cheese filling and apple mixture.
- Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash and optional glaze.
Pro Tip: If your rolling pin tends to stick to pastry, sprinkle it lightly with flour or wrap it in plastic wrap for a smoother roll.
How to Prepare Cinnamon Apple Cream Cheese Tartlets
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these delightful tartlets:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your muffin tin lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into squares large enough to fit into the muffin tin cups.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, mix 8 oz (225 g) of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup (50 g) of brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice 2 medium apples thinly. Toss them in a bowl with 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and 2 tbsp of brown sugar.
- Assemble the tartlets: Place the puff pastry squares into the muffin tin cups, pressing gently to form a base. Spoon a layer of cream cheese filling at the bottom, then top with the spiced apple slices.
- Apply egg wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with a beaten egg mixed with a splash of milk.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tartlets are golden brown and puffed up.
- Add glaze: If desired, brush the tops of the apples with warmed apricot jam for a shiny finish.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. The tartlets will smell amazing — it’ll be hard to wait!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
To make sure your cinnamon apple tartlets are a success, here are some tips:
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the tartlets to overflow during baking.
- Use cold puff pastry: Keep the pastry cold until you’re ready to use it to ensure maximum puffiness.
- Slice apples thinly: Thin slices cook evenly and make for a prettier presentation.
- Refrigerate cream cheese filling: If it’s too soft, chilling it for 10 minutes can make assembly easier.
- Check for doneness: The pastry should be golden and crisp before removing from the oven.
Mistakes happen, so don’t stress! If the pastry edges burn slightly, trim them before serving — no one will notice.
Variations & Adaptations
Want to customize your tartlets? Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free puff pastry or pie crust.
- Vegan Option: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use aquafaba instead of egg wash.
- Caramel Apple Tartlets: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the apples for extra crunch.
- Spiced Pear Tartlets: Swap apples for sliced pears and add a dash of cardamom.
My favorite variation is adding a pinch of ginger to the apple mixture for a bold, spicy kick!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These tartlets are best served warm, but here’s how to enjoy and store them:
- Serving: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. A cup of chai or coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked tartlets for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
The flavors tend to deepen by the second day, making them even better as leftovers!
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Here’s what you’ll get per tartlet (approximately):
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Using puff pastry keeps this recipe lighter than traditional pie crust. Just enjoy in moderation if you’re watching your sugar intake!
Conclusion
These cinnamon apple cream cheese tartlets are a must-try for fall. They’re easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these tartlets will quickly become a favorite.
I love how customizable this recipe is — you can adjust the flavors, toppings, and even the filling to match your preferences. Honestly, every time I make them, they disappear in minutes!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went. Leave a comment below and share your variations or ideas! Happy baking, and enjoy the flavors of fall!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of puff pastry?
Yes, pie crust works well, though the texture will be less flaky. Roll it thin for best results.
What apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal, but you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala.
Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake within 24 hours for best results.
How do I prevent soggy pastry?
Make sure the apples are well-drained and don’t overfill the tartlets. Baking them in a hot oven also helps crisp up the pastry.
Can I add other spices to the apple filling?
Yes! Try adding a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or even cloves for a unique twist.