Skip the rolling pin! These delicious Mini Apple Tarts with a cream cheese filling are made easy with store-bought pastry shells.

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Calling all apple lovers and baking enthusiasts! Do you crave the warm, comforting taste of apple pie but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen?

These Mini Apple Tarts are your answer. Filled with a delicious homemade apple cinnamon filling and cream cheese and nestled in a flaky, buttery pastry crust, these individual-sized beauties are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your guests.

The best part? We’re using a clever shortcut — store-bought pastry shells. This keeps the recipe quick and easy, allowing you to focus on creating the delightful apple filling. There’s no need for flour or even a lightly floured surface!

So, preheat your oven, grab your favorite apples, and let’s get baking!

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed

Small apples — Such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith
Brown sugar
Softened cream cheese
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Pre-made puff pastry shells — Thawed according to package instructions.

What are Puff Pastry Shells?

Puff pastry shells are pre-made rounds or squares of dough made from puff pastry, a type of dough that layers butter and dough to create a flaky, light, and airy texture when baked. They are a convenient shortcut for various sweet and savory recipes.

Puff pastry shells offer a convenient way to enjoy delicious homemade desserts without the time commitment of making pastry dough from scratch.

Besides mini tarts and mini pies, puff pastry dough can be used for cinnamon rolls, turnovers and hand pies, dessert danishes, and homemade pop tarts.

How to Make Mini Apple Tarts with Puff Pastry

1 — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2 — Prepare the apple mixture: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with the brown sugar and a few dashes of cinnamon. Set aside.

3 — Make the cream cheese mixture: In another bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Beat in the egg until well combined.

4 — Bake: Break apart a pack of puff pastry shells. Place the shells on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and mostly risen.

5 — Make your tart shells: Remove the shells from the oven. Use a knife to remove the “tops” or the inside to fill.

6 — Fill the tarts: Fill each tart shell 1/3rd of the way with the cream cheese mixture. Then, top with apple slices.

7 — Bake in the oven for another 10 minutes at 375°F, until the edges are brown and filling is bubbly. Let the tarts cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes and Tips

For a richer flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture.
If your apples are very juicy: Toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding them to the filling to prevent the tarts from getting soggy.
Squeeze some lemon juice on your apples: The tartness of lemon juice complements the sweetness of the apples and other ingredients in the filling, like cinnamon and sugar. It creates a more complex and interesting flavor profile.
Optional egg wash: Brush the edges of the pastry crust with milk for a golden brown color (use a pastry brush or a spoon).
For a carmelized top: Sprinkle the tops of the apple slices with a little sugar for extra sweetness and caramelization.
For a more defined shape: Unfold the puff pastry shells and gently press them into mini tart pans (or use a muffin pan sprayed with cooking spray).
How to store pie tarts: Leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Pie filling and tart filling ideas: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can drizzle the cooled tarts with melted caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.

More Apple Recipes

These easy individual apple tarts are a delicious and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. For more recipes that highlight apples, check out some of our favorite below —