Nutrition Facts: How many calories are in a small apple tart?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from various food tracking apps, a typical individual or mini apple tart contains approximately 300 to 400 calories, depending on the recipe and size. This article delves into the nutritional details of this popular dessert, answering the question: How many calories are in a small apple tart?

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a small apple tart typically ranges from 300 to 400 calories, but can vary significantly based on ingredients, portion size, and preparation method. Factors such as a butter-heavy crust, sugar content, and toppings like streusel or glaze all influence the final value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Range: A small apple tart typically contains between 300 and 400 calories, but the exact number can fluctuate based on ingredients, portion size, and preparation.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade tarts generally have fewer calories because you can control the amount of sugar and fat, whereas commercial versions may use extra ingredients for flavor and shelf-life.
Crust is Key: The type of pastry has a significant impact on calories, with rich butter-heavy puff pastry being higher in fat than a lighter shortcrust or phyllo dough.
Modify Ingredients for Healthier Tarts: To reduce calories, use less sugar or natural alternatives, swap some flour for whole-wheat, and replace high-fat toppings with lighter options like yogurt.
Mind Portion Size and Pairings: Regardless of the tart's specific calorie count, moderation is key. Pair your treat with a calorie-conscious side, like fresh fruit, to maintain dietary balance.

Understanding the Calorie Count of an Apple Tart

The delightful flavor of a warm apple tart can make it a tempting treat, but understanding its nutritional impact is key for anyone monitoring their diet. The number of calories in a small apple tart is not a single, fixed number; instead, it varies based on several factors, from the type of crust to the amount of sugar and fat used in the filling.

Factors Influencing Apple Tart Calories

Type of Pastry: The crust is often the most calorie-dense part of the tart. A puff pastry crust, rich in butter, will have a higher calorie and fat content compared to a standard shortcrust pastry. Healthy versions might use phyllo dough or a crust with reduced butter.
Filling Ingredients: While apples are naturally low in calories, the added sugar, butter, and thickeners like flour can significantly increase the total count. Using less sugar or a natural alternative can help lower the calories.
Toppings and Garnishes: Streusel toppings, glazes, and additional servings like ice cream or whipped cream add considerable calories and sugar. A simple brush of apricot glaze adds a boost of sugar, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream can add 150-300+ calories.
Portion Size: A "small" apple tart is not a universal measurement. An individual 4-inch mini pie from CalorieKing is listed at 300 calories, while an individual tart from Nutritionix is 361 calories, highlighting the need to check specific product data.

Calorie Breakdown for a Small Apple Tart

Using data from nutritional sites like Nutritionix, here is a representative breakdown for an individual apple tart (approx. 361 calories):

Carbohydrates: 49g (including 22g of sugar)
Total Fat: 16g (including 8.2g saturated fat)
Protein: 5.7g
Fiber: 2.2g

Note that this is a typical example. A lighter version, such as the one from BBC Food, comes in at 325 kcal with less saturated fat.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Tarts

The nutritional profile of a small apple tart can differ drastically between versions. Here is a comparison highlighting the key differences:


Feature	Homemade Apple Tart	Store-Bought Apple Tart
Control over Ingredients	Complete control over butter, sugar, and flour. Can easily make healthier substitutions.	Limited control. Must rely on label information, which may contain preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup.
Calorie Count	Typically lower, as you can reduce sugar and fat. The BBC Food recipe is a good example at 325 kcal.	Often higher, due to commercial recipes prioritizing taste and shelf-life with extra sugar and saturated fat.
Ingredients	Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients like apples, spices, and real butter.	May contain less-desirable ingredients like hydrogenated oils, artificial flavorings, and excess preservatives.
Nutritional Density	Can be optimized to include whole-wheat flour for more fiber.	Often made with refined white flour, offering less nutritional value.

Healthier Variations and Diet Management

If you enjoy apple tarts but want to manage your calorie intake, there are several ways to modify recipes or adjust how you enjoy them. Making an apple tart at home is the best way to control the nutritional content and create a healthier version.

How to Create a Healthier Apple Tart at Home

Choose a Lighter Pastry: Use phyllo dough for a lighter, flakier crust with less fat, or substitute a portion of all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
Reduce Sugar Content: Apples are naturally sweet. Cut the added sugar by half or substitute with natural alternatives like maple syrup, monk fruit, or stevia, or simply enhance flavor with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Use Healthy Toppings: Instead of a buttery streusel or ice cream, opt for a light yogurt, a dusting of cinnamon, or a small amount of low-sugar jam.
Focus on Portion Control: If you are consuming a pre-made or restaurant-served tart, stick to a small slice or portion size to control your intake. Pair your dessert with a cup of herbal tea to savor the flavor and feel satisfied.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for a small apple tart is not set in stone and is highly dependent on its specific ingredients and preparation. While store-bought options typically fall in the 300-400 calorie range, controlling your intake and making informed choices is crucial. For those watching their weight, making a homemade version allows for precise control over sugar and fat, offering a delicious and more nutritious way to enjoy this beloved dessert. Always consider portion sizes and pairings when fitting a treat into your dietary plan.

For more light dessert ideas, you can explore recipes from reputable culinary sites like BBC Food's Lighter apple tarts recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical individual or mini apple tart contains approximately 300 to 400 calories. This can vary based on the recipe, portion size, and specific ingredients used, such as the type of crust and filling.

Homemade apple tarts often have fewer calories than store-bought versions because you have full control over the ingredients. This allows you to reduce sugar and use healthier fats, unlike commercial tarts that may contain extra sugars and preservatives.

The type and amount of pastry are typically the biggest factors. A buttery puff pastry crust will contain more calories and fat than a lighter shortcrust or a phyllo dough crust.

Yes, you can. Try making a tart at home using less sugar, swapping some flour for whole-wheat, or using phyllo dough for the crust. Using natural sweeteners and limiting high-calorie toppings can also help.

Instead of serving with ice cream, whipped cream, or a heavy crumble, consider lighter options. A small amount of low-sugar jam, a dusting of cinnamon, or a dollop of low-fat yogurt can add flavor without adding excessive calories.

Enjoy an apple tart in moderation and be mindful of your portion size. You can also adjust for it in your daily calorie budget by balancing it with other lower-calorie foods throughout the day.

You can replace white flour with whole-wheat flour, use natural sweeteners like maple syrup instead of refined sugar, and opt for lighter pastry doughs such as phyllo. Additionally, you can use less butter in both the crust and filling.