Name: Apple Pie Tarts
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 18 tarts
Cuisine: American

Knead Some Sweets Verified

February 2, 2026

These Apple Pie Tarts are made simple with store-bought tart shells and a homemade buttery apple pie filling rich with warm spices and a kiss of vanilla!

From the Cook

1/10

Apple Pie Tarts

Knead Some Sweets Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on Knead Some Sweets.Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375℉.

In a medium-sized saucepan, stir together the chopped apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, black pepper, baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Add the butter and cook over medium heat while stirring often for about 5 minutes or until the apples are tender and the mixture thickens.

Arrange 18 frozen unbaked tart shells on a large baking sheet. Fill each of the tart shells with the pie filling while it is still hot, distributing it evenly between all 18 tart shells.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges of the tart shells are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or let cool fully.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Apple Selection Magic 🍎
Choose Gala apples that are firm and slightly tart, as they hold their shape beautifully and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your tart filling.
Cornstarch Thickening Secret 🥄
Mix cornstarch with cold brown sugar before adding to the apple mixture to prevent lumping and ensure a smooth, silky filling that sets perfectly in your tart shells.
Spice Layering Technique 🌶️
Toast your ground cinnamon and black pepper briefly in the pan before adding apples to unlock deeper, more complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dessert.
Tart Shell Pro Tip 🥧
Briefly toast store-bought tart shells in the oven for 2-3 minutes before filling to restore crispness and prevent sogginess from the apple mixture.
Vanilla Extraction Hack 💧
Use high-quality Madagascar vanilla extract and add it off the heat to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds, ensuring a rich, nuanced flavor in your apple pie tarts.