There's something so delightful about a dessert that's both tasty and cute, and these mini apple phyllo cups nail it! With tender apples, a sweet crumble topping, and a delicate phyllo shell, they pack all the flavors of a classic apple pie into a bite-sized treat. Whether you're having a fall get-together or just want a sweet fix, these mini apple tarts are sure to wow your guests and hit the sweet spot.
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If you've been around for a while, you know that fall is my favorite season. There's just something so special about the crisp air, colorful leaves, and warm comfort foods.
And when it comes to fall desserts, apples are definitely at the top of my list. Apple tarte tatin, homemade apple butter, classic apple pie... you name it!
So, I took one of my all-time favorites-apple crisp-and turned it into these cute mini tarts. They're simple to make, perfect for a crowd, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, you won't be able to eat just one!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These mini apple tarts are the perfect individual portion. No fuss with slicing or serving sizes-everyone gets their own little treat.
- From cinnamon-spiced apples to the buttery crumble topping, these mini tarts pack all the best fall flavors.
- Ready in under 30 minutes!
Key Ingredients for Apply Phyllo Cups
Let's take a closer look at some of the key ingredients needed to make this mini apple tart recipe.
Apples: The star of the show, apples bring natural sweetness and tartness to these tarts. I recommend using a firmer variety, like Honeycrisp or Gala.
Mini Phyllo Shells: These pre-made shells are perfect for making individual pies. They're light and flaky, providing the perfect base for your mini apple tarts. You can also check out my mini phyllo pecan tarts, for another recipe that features phyllo shells!
Unsalted Butter: Make sure to use cold unsalted butter when making the crumble topping. This helps it come together into those delicious clumps that make every bite so satisfying.
Heather's helpful hints
- Keep your phyllo shells in the freezer until you are ready to fill them. They will hold their shape better in the oven if they don't come to room temperature before baking.
- For a more intense cinnamon flavor, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Step-By-Step Instructions
The entire recipe is below and can be printed to save for later. But, before you get there, let's walk through it step-by-step, so you understand what you're doing beforehand.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and placing a rack in the center.
Step 1
Peel and finely dice your large apple.
Step 2
In a saucepan, combine apples, water, white sugar, applesauce, and cinnamon.
Step 3
Simmer and stir on medium-low until the apples are partly cooked. Remove from heat.
Step 4
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to blend in the cold butter until crumbly.
Step 5
Fill each mini phyllo shell with one teaspoon of apple filling and sprinkle one teaspoon of topping over it.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the crumble for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a la mode: Serve these mini apple tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Swap out the apples: While apples are the classic choice, you can also use other fruits like peaches or pears in this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
These apple phyllo cups can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best kind of apple to use when making apple tarts?
The best kind of apple for this recipe is a firmer variety that has a balance of flavors - a bit more sweet than tart. Some good options include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith.
Can I use other types of pastry for the base?
Yes, you can use storebought (or homemade) puff pastry or shortcrust pastry if phyllo shells are not available. Just make sure to prebake the pastry before adding the filling.
Related Pie Recipes
Don't stop baking with this apple phyllo cup recipe. Check out some more of my pie recipes on the blog!
Recipe
Apple Phyllo Cups
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 1 large apple peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 15 Mini Phyllo Shells
- 15 caramel bits optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and place rack in center of the oven.
- Mix apples, water, sugar, applesauce, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon together in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer until apples are partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a separate bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 forks to mash cold butter into the oats mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Place about 1 teaspoon of apple filling in each mini phyllo shell. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the topping over the filling. Place a caramel bit on top, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let them cool before serving.
Notes and Tips
- Cut Butter into Flour: This recipe calls for cold butter to be "cut" into your flour mixture. I like to do this with my hands so I can get a feel for the dough. However, you can also use a pastry cutter or a food processor.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in October 2017. It was updated in October 2024 with new pictures and a few updates to the recipe.
Matt says
Made this for a dinner party and it was the perfect appetizer.
thedisciplinedfoodie says
This recipe looks easy and delicious! I will have to check it out!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Awww.. thank you, it's a good one! It's been awhile since I've been posting recipes but this was a favorite of mine! Hope you enjoy :)
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
They are the perfect portion controlled snack! And you know how we love apple crisp :)
chefkreso says
Lovely tartelettes,can't wait to make them myself!
Heather @ Sweet Precision says
Thank you! They're the perfect fall inspired treat! Hope you enjoy if you make them :)