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!
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.
4 cups chopped Gala apples, ⅔ cup packed brown sugar, 4 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ cup salted butter
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.
18 unsweetened frozen 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.
Notes
Store any leftover fully cooled tarts covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.