Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts Recipe

Introduction

These Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts combine the warm flavors of pumpkin and autumn spices with rich caramel for a delicious treat. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a festive dessert, they offer a delightful balance of creamy filling and sweet, buttery crust.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• Premade tart shells or homemade pastry
• Caramel sauce (about 1 tablespoon per tart shell)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Prepare the tart shells: If using premade shells, place them on a baking sheet. For homemade pastry, roll out the dough and carefully line your tart pans.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin spice, and brown sugar to make the pumpkin filling.
4. Step 4: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into each tart shell, spreading it evenly.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour the pumpkin filling over the caramel layer, leaving a slight gap at the top.
6. Step 6: Place the tarts in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes (or 35-40 minutes for a large tart) until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
7. Step 7: Allow the tarts to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
8. Step 8: Optional: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice on top. Add whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use store-bought pumpkin pie spice or make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for a personalized touch.
• For a crunchier crust, bake premade tart shells for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
• Try swapping caramel sauce for dulce de leche or chocolate sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Top with toasted pecans or chopped nuts to add texture and enhance the fall flavor.

Storage

Store the tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy chilled. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture of the crust and filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the tarts a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and add any extra caramel or whipped cream just before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have premade tart shells?

You can use homemade pastry dough, such as shortcrust or pie dough, rolled out and fitted into tart pans. Just be sure to chill the dough before baking for the best texture.

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

These Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts combine creamy pumpkin filling infused with warm pumpkin spice, layered over a sweet caramel base in a buttery tart shell. Baked to perfection, they offer a delightful balance of rich flavors and textures, perfect for autumn gatherings or festive desserts.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 tarts 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar

Shell

• Premade tart shells or homemade pastry (enough to line 6-8 tart pans)

Additional

• Caramel sauce (about 1 tablespoon per tart shell, plus extra for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the tarts evenly.
2. Prepare Tart Shells: If using premade tart shells, place them on a baking sheet. For homemade pastry, roll out the dough and carefully line your tart pans, making sure there are no cracks or holes.
3. Make Pumpkin Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, heavy cream, pumpkin spice, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Caramel Layer: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into the bottom of each tart shell, spreading it evenly to create a sweet base layer.
5. Fill Tart Shells: Carefully pour the prepared pumpkin filling over the caramel layer in each tart shell, leaving a small gap at the top to allow the filling to puff up during baking.
6. Bake: Place the tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes (or 35-40 minutes if making a large tart) until the filling is set, slightly puffed, and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool: Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack before attempting to remove them, ensuring they keep their shape.
8. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin spice, and add a dollop of whipped cream to each tart before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the pumpkin puree is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• You can use store-bought tart shells for convenience or make your own pastry for a homemade touch.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
• These tarts can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving.
• Use high-quality caramel sauce for a richer flavor; homemade caramel works wonderfully.

Keywords: pumpkin spice tart, caramel tart, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, autumn tart, pumpkin puree recipe, baked pumpkin dessert