If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples wrapped in a buttery crust, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe. These delightful little tarts are the perfect blend of soft, spiced apples topped with a crunchy oat crumble, all nestled in a naturally gluten-free oat crust that adds the perfect texture and nutty flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy dessert or a sweet snack, these tarts bring a burst of homemade happiness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six mini apple tarts placed in a dark gray metal muffin tray on a white marbled surface. Each tart has two layers: a bottom layer of light brown crumbly crust inside white paper liners, and a top layer of thinly sliced apple pieces with a light yellow color sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. The apple slices are arranged loosely and overlap in the center of each tart, showing a soft, slightly shiny texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using simple ingredients that come together in a way that really lets each flavor shine. Every component has a specific role to play—bringing sweetness, warmth, or texture—to build these irresistible Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe.

Old-fashioned oats (2¼ cups): The base for a naturally gluten-free, sturdy tart crust that holds its shape beautifully.
Brown sugar (½ cup, divided): Adds a deep caramel sweetness to both crust and crumble topping.
Cinnamon (1 tsp total): Infuses that classic cozy spice tone throughout the crust, filling, and topping.
Salt (¼ tsp): A small touch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Pure maple syrup (2 Tbsp): Provides a natural sweetness and moist texture to the crust.
Unsalted butter (6 Tbsp total): Cubed for the crust and diced for the crumble, giving richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Apples (2 medium-sized): The star of the filling—balanced sweet and tart apples bring juiciness and earthy flavor.
Nutmeg (⅛ tsp): A subtle warmth that complements the cinnamon and elevates the apple flavor.
Water (1 Tbsp for steaming apples): Helps soften the apples quickly before baking.

How to Make Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Muffin Tin

Begin by heating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lining a 12-well muffin tin with cupcake liners. This helps keep the shape of your tarts and makes them super easy to remove once baked. It’s a little detail that makes a big difference in the final presentation.

Step 2: Craft the Perfect Oat Tart Crust

Using a food processor or blender, pulse your oats until they reach a fine, flour-like texture. Save half a cup for the crumble topping later—it’ll add that wonderful oat crunch on top. Mix the remaining oat flour with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Then add the cubed butter and maple syrup, pulsing until the dough feels moist and holds together. Press two tablespoons of this mixture into each muffin liner, shaping up the sides to form a little crust shell. Par-bake these crusts for 7 minutes and let them cool slightly. If any puff up in the center, gently press them down to create a well for the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Apple Filling

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Cutting them into half-slices of about one and a half inches makes for perfect bite-sized filling pieces. Microwave the slices with a tablespoon of water for a couple of minutes to soften and release natural juices, then drain and dry them on paper towels. Toss the softened apple slices in cinnamon and nutmeg, giving them that instantly recognizable aroma and flavor that makes these Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe so inviting. Layer this fragrant filling evenly into your par-baked crusts.

Step 4: Whip Up the Crumble Topping

Mix the reserved oat flour with brown sugar and diced butter. Use your hands to crumble everything together until you have a loose, streusel-like mixture. Sprinkle this crumble generously over the apple filling, creating a crunchy, golden topping that will contrast perfectly with the soft fruit beneath.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake your tarts for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end—it’s easy to get a little extra color under the broiler for 30 seconds if they aren’t browning fast enough. Let them cool before peeling off the cupcake liners. Now you’ve got adorable, perfectly textured Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe

The image shows six small crumb-topped muffins placed on a silver wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each muffin is in a white paper liner. The muffins have two main layers: a golden brown crumbly topping with a coarse texture, and underneath, a light brown soft cake layer with visible pieces of apple inside. One muffin is cut in half, showing the inside layers clearly with chunky apple bits. In the background, there is a red apple and two cinnamon sticks on the white marbled surface. The scene is bright and soft-focused in the back, with the muffins in sharp detail at the front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm honey can take your tarts to the next level visually and flavor-wise. Fresh chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the oat crumble.

Side Dishes

These tarts shine on their own, but for a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of hot tea or spiced cider complements the cinnamon’s warmth perfectly for a cozy snack or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with cinnamon sticks and apple slices for a charming presentation. Alternatively, serve them in individual clear cups layered with yogurt or custard for a pretty parfait-style treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The oats hold their integrity well, making these tarts just as enjoyable the next day as fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save extras, these tarts freeze beautifully. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Freeze before baking or after cooling for easy enjoyment whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked feel, microwave leftover tarts for about 35 to 40 seconds until warm. If preferred, pop them in a preheated oven at 325° Fahrenheit for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of oats for the crust?

Old-fashioned oats work best because they blend into a fine texture that forms a sturdy crust. Quick oats might become too mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t blend finely enough. Sticking with old-fashioned gives you the perfect balance.

What apples are best for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp with Granny Smith or Pink Lady offers a lovely contrast. The sweetness balances the cinnamon, while tart apples add a little brightness and complexity to the filling.

Is this recipe truly gluten-free?

Absolutely! By using certified gluten-free oats and keeping all other ingredients gluten-free, this Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe is perfect for those avoiding gluten.

Can I make these tarts vegan?

You can! Substitute unsalted butter with a firm vegan butter or coconut oil and use maple syrup as the sweetener—this keeps all the delicious flavors while making it dairy free.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Par-baking the crust before adding the apple filling is key to avoiding sogginess. It helps set the crust so it stays crisp and holds up beautifully against the juicy apples.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about the smell and taste of cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a golden oat crust. Giving this Mini Cinnamon Apple Crumble Tarts with Oats Recipe a try means inviting a little slice of comforting joy right into your kitchen. I hope these tarts become just as much a favorite in your home as they are in mine. Happy baking!