Mini Apple Tartlets combine crisp, no-shrink pâte sucrée shells with a warm, spiced apple filling. Using tart Granny Smith apples, cooked with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, these elegant bite-sized desserts offer a French-inspired twist on the classic apple pie.
Peel, core, and dice apples into ¼-inch cubes (you should have ~3 cups diced). Toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
In a medium nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to coat evenly.
Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still hold their shape.
If the mixture looks loose, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1 minute until glossy and thickened.
Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate covered until ready to fill tart shells. May be made in advance for up to 3 days.
Fill the tart shells with 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the apple pie filling.
Yield: About 2 cups filling, enough for 12 mini tartlets (1½ to 2 tablespoons each).
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Tips/Notes
The lemon juice keeps the cut apples from turning brown.
The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the mixture, producing a glossy finish.
The pâte sucrée shells are easy to make in advance. I like to store them in a gallon Ziploc bag so that they are ready when I am.