No Bake Caramel Apple Tartlets

These no bake caramel apple tartlets are a perfect blend of natural sweetness and crunchy textures, making a delicious treat without turning on the oven. They combine a nutty crust, a creamy date caramel filling, and a warmly spiced apple topping for a refreshing dessert or snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

I started making these when I wanted a sweet that felt cozy for fall but was easy enough for weeknight treats. Now they are a family favorite, loved for their balance of sweet and tangy apple with that rich caramel.

Ingredients

• Medjool dates: for natural sweetness and sticky texture, look for plump and soft ones
• Pecan halves: add a buttery crunch to the crust, choose fresh nuts without musty smell
• Gluten free rolled oats: provide a hearty base and chewy texture
• Ground cinnamon: enhances the apple topping with warm spice
• Unsalted natural peanut butter or almond butter: lends creaminess and a nutty depth to the caramel
• Granny Smith apples: bring a tart crispness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet components
• Coconut sugar and coconut oil: supply natural sweetness and richness with a tropical hint
• Unsweetened almond milk: keeps the topping moist without adding extra sugar
• Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor profile with its fragrant sweetness
• Salt: balances and enhances all flavors throughout the tartlets

Instructions

Scoop the Crust together:

Add three pitted dates and half the pecans to a food processor. Blend until crumbly. Add one tablespoon of water and continue blending until the mixture becomes sticky. Scrape down the sides periodically to ensure even texture. Add the remaining pecans, oats, cinnamon and salt. Blend until the mixture resembles wet sand with both sticky and crumbly bits.

Press into Muffin Pan:

Spoon about one and a half tablespoons of the crust mixture into each cup of a 12-cup muffin pan. Use your fingers to press and shape the crust into a cup form, making sure the center is deep enough and the crust fills about half of each cup. Repeat until all crusts are formed. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

Create the Date Caramel Filling:

Into the food processor put four pitted dates and your choice of peanut or almond butter. Blend until the dates are broken down and the mixture is sticky. Add one tablespoon of water, salt and vanilla extract. Continue blending until all pieces of dates disappear and a smooth, thick caramel forms. Scrape as needed for consistent blending.

Remove and Shape Crust:

Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Take the muffin pan from the freezer. Gently loosen each crust by nudging it with a spoon and lift it out of the pan. Place each crust on the lined baking sheet. Repair any dents by reshaping the crust with your fingers for a neat cup shape.

Fill with Caramel:

Spoon one and a half to two teaspoons of the date caramel filling into each crust cup. Use your fingertips to smooth the caramel into an even layer inside each cup. Return the filled crusts to the freezer while you prepare the apple topping.

Make the Apple Topping:

Chop the Granny Smith apples into small cubes. Place a large saucepan on medium-low heat. Add the coconut sugar, coconut oil, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla, and salt to the pan. Stir and heat until bubbling, about three to five minutes. Add the apples and stir to coat them well. Increase the heat to medium and cook while stirring occasionally until most of the liquid evaporates and apples are tender but not mushy. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Tartlets:

Take the caramel-filled crusts from the freezer. Evenly distribute the warm apple topping into each tartlet cup, reserving any extras for serving. Top with optional coconut whip and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added flair. These tartlets are ready to enjoy immediately or can be chilled for later.

My favorite part of this recipe is the date caramel filling. It surprises many who taste it because it is deeply sweet and creamy without any processed sugar. I recall making these for a fall family gathering and watching everyone light up after the first bite — the caramel and apple topping combo really feels like a warm hug in tart form.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly. For longer storage, place them in the freezer inside a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before eating for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well in the crust giving similar flavor and texture. Maple syrup can replace water in the caramel filling if you want a thinner or less sticky consistency. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a good alternative to peanut or almond butter.

Serving Suggestions

These tartlets shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of coconut cream adds a lush finish. They are lovely served chilled or at room temperature. Consider sprinkling chopped toasted nuts over the top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

These tartlets are a delightful no-bake dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly. They’re easy to make and adapt for any season or preference.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What makes the crust sticky and easy to shape?

The combination of Medjool dates and a small amount of water binds the ground pecans and oats, creating a sticky mixture that presses well into shape.

→ Can I substitute nut butters in the caramel filling?

Yes, natural peanut butter or almond butter both work well, offering a creamy texture and complementary nutty flavor to the caramel layer.

→ How are the apples prepared for the topping?

Granny Smith apples are peeled, cored, and diced, then cooked gently with coconut sugar, oil, almond milk, vanilla, and salt until tender and coated.

→ Is it necessary to chill the crust and filling before assembly?

Yes, freezing the crust and caramel filling helps them set firmly, making it easier to layer and maintain the tartlets' shape.

→ What are some optional toppings to finish the tartlets?

Coconut whip and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon add a creamy and aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with the apple topping.