Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts – The Ultimate Autumn Treat

You know that moment when you walk into the kitchen and the air is thick with the scent of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized sugar? That’s the magic of pumpkin spice caramel tarts. The pumpkin filling is smooth and spiced just right, the caramel is rich and buttery, and the tart shell… crisp enough to shatter slightly under your fork.

This is the pumpkin spice dessert that takes over your kitchen in the best possible way. It’s perfect for a cozy weekend bake, a Thanksgiving showstopper, or when you just want to indulge in something unapologetically autumn. I’ve made these for fall tart recipes at dinner parties, for my own holiday pumpkin spice desserts table, and yes — once just because it was a rainy Tuesday and I had leftover caramel.

The Story Behind Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts

Pumpkin spice isn’t just a flavor — it’s autumn in a jar. It’s the scent of pies cooling on grandma’s counter, the taste of your first pumpkin spice latte of the season, the way the air feels crisper as the days get shorter.

I started making caramel pumpkin pie tarts years ago after finding myself with a surplus of pumpkin puree and a jar of leftover caramel sauce from another recipe. First time I served them was at a fall dinner — they vanished before dessert plates hit the sink. Since then, they’ve been my go-to for mini pumpkin tarts with caramel at everything from holiday parties to casual brunches.

Ingredients – Choosing the Best for Your Tarts

Pumpkin Puree

Go with pure pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie filling. The filling already has sugar and spice in it, which will throw off the balance of this spiced pumpkin tart recipe.

Caramel Sauce

Homemade is ideal — rich, thick, and not overly sweet. But store-bought works if you pick one with a deep amber color and buttery undertones.

Pumpkin Spice Blend

You can buy a good pumpkin pie spice mix or make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Freshly ground spices are the secret to a pumpkin spice pastry that actually tastes alive.

Tart Shells

You can go with premade shells for speed, but a homemade pumpkin spice tart crust really pushes these over the edge. A little cinnamon in the dough? Game changer.

Heavy Cream, Eggs, and Extras

Full-fat cream for that silky mouthfeel. Eggs at room temperature so they emulsify properly. Maple syrup makes a great alternative sweetener if you want a deeper, earthier flavor.

Substitutions

• Dairy-free: Coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
  
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour crust.

Keywords covered: pumpkin pie spice tarts, pumpkin spice tart crust.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re making your own crust, roll it out and press into tart pans.

2. Blind Bake the Shells (for homemade crusts)

This step keeps your crust crisp under the filling. Line with parchment, fill with pie weights or beans, and bake for 12–15 minutes until just golden.

Chef tip: Skip blind baking and you risk soggy-bottom tarts. And nobody wants that.

3. Make the Pumpkin Filling

Whisk together:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• ½ cup brown sugar
  
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  
• Pinch of salt

Mix until smooth and silky.

4. Add the Caramel Layer

Spread 1–2 teaspoons of caramel sauce into the base of each shell. You want a thin layer — enough to taste, but not so much it leaks during baking.

5. Fill & Bake

Pour pumpkin mixture over the caramel, leaving a little room at the top so it doesn’t overflow. Bake 18–22 minutes for mini tarts, 28–32 minutes for a large tart.

Most people mess this up: Overbaking leads to cracks. Pull them when the center still has a slight jiggle.

6. Cool & Garnish

Cool to room temp, then chill at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped cream, candied pecans, a chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Chef’s Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overfill. These puff a bit in the oven.
  
• Room temperature ingredients give you the smoothest texture.
  
• Chill before serving so flavors meld.
  
• Sea salt + caramel = perfection.

Variations & Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a vegan caramel.
  
• Gluten-Free: Almond flour crust.
  
• Seasonal Swaps: Chai spice instead of pumpkin pie spice; apple pie spice for a more apple-forward autumn caramel dessert vibe.
  
• Texture Additions: Chocolate layer under the caramel, chopped hazelnuts, or toasted coconut on top.

Keywords covered: pumpkin spice autumn tartlets, pumpkin caramel holiday treats.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

• Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
  
• Beverage pairings: Spiced chai latte, mulled cider, espresso.
  
• Store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  
• Freeze for up to a month — wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn.
  
• Reheat gently in the oven to refresh the crust.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you can’t get enough of that cozy pumpkin spice vibe, here are a few more fall favorites from my kitchen:

• Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Soft, moist, and topped with a tangy-sweet cream cheese swirl.
  
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake – Perfect with your morning cup, complete with a crumbly cinnamon topping.
  
• Pumpkin Crisp Recipe – Think pumpkin pie meets crunchy streusel.
  
• Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – Soft, spiced, and rolled in cinnamon sugar.
  
• Pumpkin Bread Recipe – A classic loaf that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
  
• Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars – A lighter option that’s still big on flavor.

Conclusion

These pumpkin tarts with caramel filling are everything you want in an autumn bake — cozy, elegant, and just a little indulgent. They’re as perfect for a holiday dessert spread as they are for a casual weekend coffee pairing.

Bake them once, and you’ll see why I call them the ultimate pumpkin caramel holiday treat. And if you’re looking for more seasonal bakes and cozy kitchen inspiration, check out my Pinterest recipe boards — it’s where I share my favorite fall tart recipes, holiday desserts, and more pumpkin spice ideas.

FAQs – Pumpkin Spice Caramel Tarts