Looking for a unique dessert that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors? These Spicy Pineapple Tarts feature caramelized pineapple on flaky, golden puff pastry, finished with a surprising kick of crushed red-pepper flakes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving an unconventional dessert, or just want to impress guests, these tarts will hit the spot!

Tarts are a quick and easy way to impress guests! Tarts don’t take a lot of work and are often a show stopper. If you love easy tart recipes we suggest trying our Caramelized Pears & Blue Cheese Tarts, Fresh Tomato Tart, Rainbow Swiss Chard Tart or our Peach Tart recipes!

Can I make these in advance?

Yes! You can caramelize the pineapple ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble and pop them in the oven.

How spicy are these?

The heat level depends on how much crushed red pepper flakes you add. If you’re unsure, start with a small pinch and adjust to your taste.

Can I use canned pineapple?

Fresh pineapple works best because it has a firmer texture, but if using canned, make sure to drain and pat it dry before caramelizing.

Related: How To Tell When a Pineapple Is Ripe.

What can I serve these with?

These tarts pair wonderfully with:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• A drizzle of honey or caramel sauce
• A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the pastry.

🌟 Add a Coconut Twist: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top after baking for a tropical vibe.

🔥 Amp Up the Spice: Mix a little cayenne pepper into the brown sugar blend for even more heat.

🍍 Savory-Sweet Option: Add crumbled goat cheese or feta on top before serving for a salty contrast.

🍯 Glazed Finish: Brush with a honey-lime glaze after baking for an extra layer of flavor.

This sweet, buttery, and spicy treat is guaranteed to be a hit! Let us know if you try it—We’d love to hear how you customize yours.

Ingredients Needed for Spicy Pineapple Tarts

• 1 pineapple—skin removed, cored, and cut into eight ½-inch thick rings
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

How to Make Spicy Pineapple Tarts

Prepare the Pineapple

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pat the pineapple rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a bowl, mix brown sugar, black pepper, and sea salt. Dip each pineapple ring into the sugar mixture to coat both sides lightly.

Caramelize the Pineapple

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
• Working in batches, place the sugared pineapple rings in the pan.
• Sear for about 3 minutes total, flipping once, until both sides are golden and caramelized.
• Transfer to a plate and let cool.

Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out each puff pastry sheet to ¼-inch thick.
• Cut each sheet into 6 or 4 squares, yielding a total of 12 or 8 squares.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange the squares on top.
• Brush each piece of dough with egg wash and dock all over with a fork (this prevents excessive puffing).

Assemble & Bake

• Place a cooled caramelized pineapple ring on each pastry square.
• Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
• Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy finish.

Serve & Enjoy!

Serve warm or at room temperature. These tarts are delicious on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

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