No Bake Caramel Apple Tartlets (V+GF): a whole ingredient recipe for mini caramel pecan tarts bursting with sweet apple flavor. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free.
We’re only 1 week away from the first day of autumn. 🙂 How does it feel? Is it getting a bit brisk on your end? Are the temperatures low enough for you to start eyeing your coziest, oldest, worn-in, at-home-only sweater?
Here in Maine, I can tell you the temperatures are dropping already. And while we still have some slightly toasty days, the rainy days are becoming more frequent and the sun doesn’t stick around as long anymore. To that I say, “See ya, summer! And hello there, good lookin’. Um, I mean… hello, Fall! Didn’t mean to be disrespectful or anything. Carry on.” 😉
There’s just something about fall that feels like a fresh start. We’ve all come back from our summer vacays, had our mental-check-out days from work, and spent the laziest times at the beach. But now that the kiddies are back in school and we’re starting to poke around the back of our coat closets for that one jacket that’s warm, but still fashionable, it’s time for a change.
There’s excitement in the air. A new sense of energy and occasion. Fall is like a new beginning, in the middle of the year. And what could be better than that?
It’s time to usher in the wonder of fall, starting with its loveliest flavors: pumpkin, caramel apple, hot cocoa, spiced rum, chocolate and peanut butter (PB cups soooo = fall) and so much more. It’s time to warm up the oven again and start thinking about our best recipes.
And while you and your oven gently transition towards autumn, allow me to help you along with these no bake caramel apple tartlets. All the tastes of fall without any of the heating requirements. All the impressiveness of a baked wonder without the whole “baked” part. Just in case you’re all about the no bake tarts, you’ve got to try my friend Taylor from Food Faith Fitness’ Neapolitan No Bake Chocolate Tart! It’s deliciously vegan (if you use agave) and paleo! 🙂
I hope that these caramel apple tartlets become one of your family favorites, for the holidays and til the end of time. Is that really too much to hope for? 😉 Okay, maybe it is. But still! Ahem, anyway, as I was saying… there’s something about the fall that always reminds me of family and great recipes.
Growing up, times were kinda tough and money was definitely tight. But no matter how hard things got, my mom always made us kids feel special. For my mom, there was always time to get excited about something, always time to have fun, and always time to cook up something wonderful.
It didn’t matter if she had already worked a 15-hour day, or if she still had 20 loads of laundry to do and 500 more meals to cook. She always made the time to bring a smile to our faces. I’ll always remember how great it felt to forget, just for a moment, that we didn’t have it all. Because she made it feel like we kinda did. ❤️
To this day, she’s still loves cooking for us, planning trips and getting dressed up with us. But now it’s our turn to take care of her. It always gives me great pleasure to create something that will bring a smile to her face. Even if it brings up some embarrassing memories. I’m talking to you, Mommy! 😉
I’m so grateful to my mom for showing me that the holidays are all about making the most of what you’ve got to bring joy and happiness to the ones you care for. To me, cooking and baking are one of the best and tastiest ways to achieve that. So I hope you get the chance to try your hand at these no bake caramel apple tartlets. The effort of each step is totally worth it. For you and your loved ones.
Let me tell you all about these amazing no bake caramel apple tartlets. They’re:
- made with simple, whole ingredients
- vegan, gluten free, dairy free
- perfectly sweet, with just a hint of saltiness
- bursting with caramel apple YUM
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- ready for the holidays!
- packed with so much fruit and nut goodness
- individually-sized to avoid people who don’t know how to sharesies
I can’t wait to holiday with you. Yes, I insist on using “holiday” as a verb. 😉 Will you join me in making something wonderful for your family and friends this holiday season? More importantly, will you join me in using “holiday” as a verb? This could really turn into something.
Tell me all about your favorite holiday traditions. What do you look forward to doing with friends and family every year?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter. ❤️
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- 3 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 ½ cup pecan halves, divided
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup gluten free rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 Medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup unsalted, natural peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, cored and peeled (about 4 ½ cups chopped apples)
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- coconut whip
- ground cinnamon
- Set aside a standard, 12-cup muffin pan. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan.
- Make the crust: Add 3 dates and ½ cup pecans to a food processor. Blend until crumbly. Add in water and blend until sticky. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed. Add in the remaining 1 cup of pecans, oats, cinnamon and salt. Blend until you get a sticky and crumbly dough-like mixture, resembling wet sand.
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of this crust mixture into each muffin cup. Using your hands, press and shape the dough into a cup with a deep center that fills half of the muffin cup. Repeat until all cups are done. Place the muffin pan into the freezer for 15 minutes or more while you prepare the caramel filling.
- Make the date caramel filling: Add 4 dates and nut butter to the food processor. Blend until dates turn into small pieces and the mixture is sticky. Add water, salt and vanilla. Blend until you get a crumbly, sticky mixture. There should not be any visible pieces of dates. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Remove muffin pan from freezer. Using a spoon, nudge and lift the crust until it lifts out. Place the crust on the prepared baking sheet. If needed, reshape the crust to fix any dents that occurred while removing it from the pan. Repeat until all crusts are on the prepared baking sheet.
- Scoop about 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons of caramel filling into each cup. Using your hands, gently press and smooth into an even layer. Place the baking sheet back into the freezer while you prepare the apple topping.
- Make the apple topping: Chop apples into small cubes. Set a large saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Add coconut sugar, coconut oil, milk, vanilla and salt. Stir until hot and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Add apples and stir until fully coated. Increase heat to medium. Stir occasionally until very little liquid remains. Remove from heat.
- Take the baking sheet out of the freezer. Evenly distribute apple topping onto each cup. Save any extra apple topping for garnishing. Top with coconut whip, cinnamon, apple topping or your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately. Or, see storing instructions below.
- More cozy recipes: One Bowl Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Bread, Gluten Free Vegan Trail Mix Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.
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Just one bowl to fall perfection. Try my One Bowl Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Bread (V, GF, Dairy Free). You’ll simply love it.
Homemade candy = the best showstopper for all of your holiday gatherings. Like, for realsies. Try my Vegan Almond Joy (V, Gluten Free, Dairy Free).
Because PB Cups always love getting an upgrade. Brownie style. 😉 Try my Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Brownies (V, GF, Dairy Free). So. Crazy. Good.
What are your favorite family traditions during the holidays?
I can’t wait to hear your responses.
Your love for your family certainly comes through, Demeter! And what makes occasions or anything special is getting together with family and friends…especially if there is good food around 😉 Your mom sounds like one heck of a lady, that’s for sure!
You know I love Fall and everything that goes along with it, especially the comfy clothes. I just bought a warm sweater and I’m sure it could be a dress. It’s super warm and perfect with leggings. Too warm just yet to wear it, but can’t wait until I can 🙂
My favourite holiday time is definitely Christmas. There’s lots of get togethers and lots of food. Hubby and I were just talking about it the other day, actually and making plans. I love baking at Christmas too. I often do up little goodie baskets for my mom, mom-in-law and grandmother. It’s so fun putting it together.
These tartlets are just adorable! Love the flavour combo and so perfect for Fall (or anytime for that matter). Pinning, of course 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. Stay warm! xoxo
I’m so happy, Dawn. 🙂 After everything we’ve been through, it’s so good to have each other. <3 So fantastic that you love Christmas and spending all of that special time with family. 🙂 Can't wait to see what goodies you whip up! Thanks for the comments and pinning. Have a great weekend!
You make it impossible… Impossible to leave without a chuckle or two or ten after reading your post! For example, “Will you join me in using ‘holiday’ as a verb?”!!! Dying over here! Okay – I can’t believe these are no bake! You slay me, lady!! Pinned! Have a lovely weekend, sweets! xoxo
Wonderful! I’m so happy that I managed to bring give you a chuckle, Annie. 🙂 Making someone laugh is one of the best feelings in the world. <3 Especially when it's a friend. 🙂 Can't wait to holiday with ya, friend. Have a great weekend! xoxo
Yes, Yes, I most definitely see “these caramel apple tartlets becom(ing) one of (my) family favorites, for the holidays and til the end of time.” for sure, Demeter! Especially seeing that crust and date caramel filling only use dates as a sweetener!
It’s still in the 80s and 90s here in HotLanta – which means these are perfect for me – though, even if baking was involved, I’d make these cos I so love it hot! Yes, I know you are looking forward to fall, but when summer ends am gonna break out my black clothing as I’m gonna be in mourning over the death of these 80s and 90s temps! 🙂
You know Demeter, I stumbled on your blog this year and haven’t read must of your older stuff, but, from what I have read, your mom is one heck of an awesome lady! And you – why you are one heck of an awesome daughter to appreciate all that your mom did and try to do for her in return. So <3 you, and so glad I bumped into ya in this blogsphere!
Happy Thursday friend! xoxo
Yay! I knew you’d love the date-sweetening. 🙂 Gosh darn it if Hotlanta doesn’t live up to it’s name! Hehe. Oh no… alright, I hope the hot weather lasts for you! My mom is simply amazing, Shashi. I hope that you get to meet her one day. 🙂 I’m so happy we bumped into each other too. Your friendship means so much to me. <3
Oh, I’m sure these could easily become a favorite of mine! I love anything apple probably just as much as pumpkin. I bought 4 cans of pumpkin this morning because they were on sale. Can we say obsessed? I think it was the cooler morning weather. It was only 75 this morning in Phoenix which is cold for here. Fall is almost here and I am so ready for anything less than 100 degrees!
4 cans of pumpkin totally sound reasonable. <--this coming from someone who just bought like 9 cans of them. Hehe. See, don't you feel better about your purchase now? 😉 Crazy that 75 is cool there!
Your mom sounds so awesome and I love that you focus on family and not material things with the holidays. We do a bigger deal for Thanksgiving because that side of the family is bigger but I really enjoy Christmas with my hubby’s family as it is all about hanging around the table and enjoying time together. Thanks for reinforcing that for us with your blog and your recipes!
Jennifer, you’d totally love her! She’s sassy, just like you! 🙂 Now I’m getting excited about Thanksgiving and Christmas with you. 🙂 Thank you for sharing about your family gatherings. What could be better than quality time with family and friends? <3 Thank you, my friend. xo
Holiday as a verb and peanut butter as a fall flavor–I just learned so many new and exciting things! Because apples go so well with peanut butter and apples are a quintessential fall food so naturally the whole PB = fall makes perfect sense. Thanks for pointing that out. And double…no triple(!!) thanks for putting the PB in the date caramel. OH YEAH???? Because caramel apples and peanut butter apples are both my jam so now we can all 5 jam together (you, me, apple, caramel, pb–yep just making sure I counted correctly)! Since we still have 1 week left till official autumn begins, you won’t mind if I sneak some ice cream on top of my Caramel Apple Tartlet, right????? Mmm yes, I am feeling more and more ready to autumn and holiday now! xo
Hehe. I thought you’d like that. 😉 What is it about PB that reminds me of fall? Maybe it’s like acorns for humans… or something. Lol. Apples and PB totally make loads of sense! Sneak that ice cream and sneak it proudly! Let’s do it together! Thanks, Nat. 🙂 xo
Caramel and Apple made healthy 🙂 Being a forever Apple eater this is right up my alley. These look perfect for a Thanksgiving day gathering or actually anytime.
It’s awesome to hear that, Stephanie! 🙂 They’d be great for any holiday! 🙂
Mommas are the best <3 My mom is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her! She makes us all better in every way!
I've only in more recent years come to appreciate the apple caramel combo, but boy….it is GOOD so yummy and delicious!
100% agreed. I love that your mom is your best friend. <3 Thank you for taking the time to tell me about her. 🙂 Apple caramel: YES!
You are the best! I totally love thinking of fall as a new beginning. I think because back when we were in school it was a new year with new clothes and fresh notebooks and all that. I usually resist fall as long as I can, but I also love it so much. The weather is cooling down just a bit here, but It is still that nice transitional period between summer and fall. AND I can deal with fall if it means I get these caramel apple tartlets, how delicious!! Pinning!
YOU are the best! 😉 Yep, that’s totally part of the reason why it feels like a new beginning. As adults, we’re all getting back from vacay and the excitement of the holidays just feels like something new. 🙂 I can’t believe you resist fall! You always make the coziest, most perfect fall recipes… so I just assumed you LOVED it. 😉 Thanks Meghan! xo
Your mom is so awesome 🙂 as are these tarts! So perfect for fall’s arrival. I can’t wait to go apple picking with my family (a new tradition!) so I can make lots and lots of these!
Yeah, she is! I have to tell her you said that–it’ll totally make her day! I can’t wait to hear all about you and your fam’s apple picking fun. 🙂 Thanks Megan! 🙂
Oh my goodness, these tarts are beautiful. What more can I say? Have a great weekend. I better go apple picking!
Thanks so much Laura! Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Well this post is totally bringing ALL the feel good Vibes!! And I think you know how much I need those good, cozy, lovely vibrations in my life right now. I really should have taken 5 minutes out of my extremely crappy day yesterday to visit you here, because you ALWAYS bring a smile to my face, D to the Meter!! You summed up fall rather perfectly, minus that pumpkin mention of course (hahahaha)! Fall is like a new beginning, but I haven’t had to reach for a coat or jacket quite yet. But I have been adding apples to ALL the things! These mini caramel pecan tarts are EVERYTHING! I made something similar for the blog coming up, but now I feel totally inadequate compared to these lil cuties!! Love the caramel, pecans and of course all that sweet apple flavor!! I could eat these on the regular for sure! Plus no bake is always winning! Pinned! Cheers, my lil muffin! Thanks for being you and thanks for always sharing the YUM! Xoxo
Yeah!! If I could send you ALL the good vibes in the world, I would, my dear. <3 I hope today is SO much less crappy than yesterday. Aw, I'm so happy to hear that. Muah! Oh, you and pumpkin! Lololol. I can't wait to see ALL of your apple things!! Thank you for being utterly amazing. Muah! xoxo
Oh and pinned! Duh. <3
Thanks love muffin! xo
No-bake mini apple tarts?? Yes please! These sound and look so delicious, Demeter! That apple topping = perfection! 🙂
Yeah!! Something about making them no-bake gave me a little too much joy. Lol. Thanks so much, Marsha! 🙂
I can’t believe the first official day of fall is almost here…it still definitely feels like summer around here! The mornings are slightly cooler and the nights are crisp, but the days are hot and humid. I am loving apple season and these tartlets look so adorable, Demeter! I think I could just eat the entire batch and then some! And no-bake is always a winner in my book, too. Pinned, of course! And your mom sounds like such a wonderful woman, Demeter. What a strong lady!
Time moves so quickly, right? Well, I hope you get to enjoy your last few bits of summer, Gayle! Hopefully you’ll get a chance to go apple picking? 🙂 Thank you so much for your sweet words, my friend. 🙂 <3
Caramel, pecans, dates and apple in a perfect no-bake recipe? Wow, the perfect fall recipe! I am totally in love with these cute tartlets (and your mom!!!), and I’m making these for sure in the next weeks 🙂
Yep, yep, yep! I was totally hoping you’d like these, Evi! 🙂 My mom would totally love your sassiness–so the feelings would be SO mutual. <3 Can't wait to hear what you think of these, E. xoxo
So I saw these gorgeous tartlets on IG the other day and I couldn’t wait until I had a chance to check out this post! I love that these are no-bake and perfectly individual sized (you know how I feel about sharing, hence the eating closet). I’m also completely on board with turning nouns into verbs and am fully prepared, nay (yes, I stole this from you), crazy-excited to holiday with you 😉 As always, these photos make me want to eat my monitor. Excuse me while I count to ten to get myself under control….
Pinning!
Aw, thanks so much Steph! You always make me smile. 🙂 Yep, I know how you feel about sharing… and I actively make single-sized servings of food with your eating closet in mind. Lololol. 😉 LOL. Let’s Holiday together! It’s gonna be awesome! Thanks for pinning! Muah! xo
Wow! These are gorgeous! I love the combination of caramel, pecans, and dates!
Thanks so much Miranda! 🙂 That combo is tough to beat! 😉
Ah, your mama sounds just amazing. As sweet as these adorable apple tartlets! SO happy to ring in fall this week – and I will be pinning this recipe to celebrate!!
Thank you so much Kate. 🙂 I’ll have to tell her you said that. Tartlets to celebrate: sounds like a fantastic idea! <3
Could almond or coconut flour possibly be substituted for the oats?? (Following strict paleo). Thanks!
Hi Jaida, you should be able to substitute the oats with shredded coconut (or flakes). I haven’t test this, so a bit of adjustment might be required. I wouldn’t recommending swapping with almond or coconut flour, since they can be much more absorbent. I hope this helps! 🙂