There’s something about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and flaky puff pastry that transports you to a cozy, comforting place—especially when it’s enjoyed with a cup of warm green tea. This Apple and Walnut Puff Pastry Tart is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With a golden, crisp pastry base, tender spiced apples, and the added crunch of walnuts, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and texture. Topped with a refreshing citrus glaze made from grapefruit, kiwi, and a touch of dried apple, it’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel special.

This tart is incredibly versatile, and it’s easy to see why it’s timeless. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a casual afternoon tea, the flavors will impress everyone around the table. The puff pastry provides a light, crispy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet apples and the crunchy walnuts. The dusting of powdered sugar on top adds just the right amount of sweetness, making every bite satisfying without being overly indulgent.

What makes this dessert even more appealing is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a stunning and delicious tart that looks like it came from a bakery. The tart’s refreshing citrus glaze is a perfect finishing touch, adding a burst of freshness that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Apple and Walnut Puff Pastry Tart will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a dessert that everyone will rave about!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (Makes 6-8 Servings)

For the Puff Pastry Tart:

• 900g (32 oz) puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 45g (3 tablespoons) sugar (for the apples)
• 10g (1 tablespoon) ground cinnamon
• 3g (1 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
• A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1 grapefruit, juiced
• 2 teaspoons sugar (for the glaze)
• 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
• A few pieces of dried apple, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 teaspoons sugar (for sprinkling on top of the pastry)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting the finished tart

For the Serving:

• Green tea, to serve alongside (optional)

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes

Total Time: 50-60 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 kcal (depends on portion size)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Puff Pastry

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This high temperature ensures that the puff pastry will bake to a golden, flaky perfection.
2. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   • Roll out the 900g of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. If you are using store-bought puff pastry, you may need to let it thaw for a few minutes if it’s been in the freezer. Roll the dough into a rectangle or circle shape, depending on your preferred tart size, and transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Score the Pastry:
   • Lightly score a border around the edge of the puff pastry (about 1-inch from the edge) to help it puff up and create a border for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through the pastry.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Slice the Apples:
   • Peel and core the 3 apples before slicing them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick). This will allow them to cook evenly and become tender while the pastry bakes.
2. Season the Apples:
   • Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss them with 45g of sugar, 10g of cinnamon, and 3g of nutmeg. The cinnamon and nutmeg will provide a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the apples.
3. Add the Walnuts:
   • Roughly chop the walnuts and mix them into the seasoned apples. The walnuts add a delightful crunch to the tart and complement the softness of the baked apples beautifully.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Arrange the Apples on the Pastry:
   • Arrange the seasoned apple slices and walnut mixture on top of the puff pastry, making sure to stay within the scored border. You can layer the apples slightly overlapping each other to create a beautiful, fan-like effect or just scatter them across for a more rustic look.
2. Apply the Egg Wash:
   • Beat the 1 egg in a small bowl and brush the edges of the puff pastry with the egg wash. This will give the pastry a golden, shiny finish once it’s baked.
3. Sprinkle with Sugar:
   • Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of sugar on top of the apples to help them caramelize and create a slight sweetness on the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Bake in the Oven:
   • Place the tart into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy, and the apples are soft and lightly caramelized. You may need to check the tart occasionally to ensure the pastry doesn’t burn.
2. Cool Slightly:
   • Once the tart is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes on a cooling rack. This cooling period helps the tart set and makes it easier to slice.

Step 5: Prepare the Citrus Glaze

1. Make the Glaze:
   • While the tart is cooling, prepare the citrus glaze by juicing the grapefruit into a small saucepan. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, reducing slightly to a syrupy consistency.
2. Blend with Kiwi and Dried Apple:
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped kiwi and a few pieces of dried apple (optional). You can use a blender or hand blender to puree the mixture into a smooth glaze. This glaze will give your tart a fresh, fruity finish.

Step 6: Serve the Tart

1. Top with Powdered Sugar:
   • Once the tart has cooled slightly, dust it with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
2. Serve with Green Tea:
   • Serve slices of the apple and walnut tart with a warm cup of green tea to complete the experience. The light bitterness of the green tea pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the tart.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

This Apple and Walnut Puff Pastry Tart is a recipe that has stood the test of time for many reasons. It brings together classic flavors—apples, cinnamon, and walnuts—into a modern, flaky pastry. The use of puff pastry is not only practical but also elevates the dish, giving it an elegant look and a satisfying texture. The sweetness of the apples, combined with the spice of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes it a comforting dessert that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Additionally, the citrus glaze adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the apples and walnuts, making the tart feel light and balanced despite its indulgence. The tart’s versatility also makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from family gatherings to festive holidays.

The appeal of this tart lies in its simplicity—few ingredients, minimal preparation, yet the end result is an elegant and flavorful dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe offers a straightforward and rewarding way to create something special.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg

FAQ

Can I use a different type of fruit? Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or berries if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different fruits will require different baking times.

Can I make this tart ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tart ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to crisp up the pastry again.

What can I use instead of walnuts? If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a similar texture and flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Tart

• Use chilled puff pastry for the best results, as it will puff up beautifully when baked.
• Slice the apples thinly so they cook evenly and become tender without becoming mushy.
• Don’t overfill the pastry—leave enough room around the edges for the puff pastry to rise and create a crisp border.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to store the tart for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Conclusion

This Apple and Walnut Puff Pastry Tart is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of the seasons. With its sweet, spiced apples, crunchy walnuts, and buttery puff pastry, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just enjoying it with a warm cup of tea, this timeless tart will always leave a lasting impression. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t forget to savor every bite!