If you’re looking for a dessert that’s quick to assemble yet rich in flavor and texture, this Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight is a perfect choice. This recipe brings together the flakiness of puff pastry, the tartness of berries, the sweetness of honey, and the crunchy richness of nuts. Perfect for a family gathering, tea time, or any special occasion, this dessert will satisfy both adults and kids. What makes it even better is its versatility—you can mix and match different nuts and berries based on your preference, making it a customizable treat for all seasons.

In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps to make this delicious pastry, from preparing the filling to baking the tart to golden perfection. Let’s get started!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pastry Base:

• Puff pastry: 800 g (28 oz)
• Eggs: 1 pc
• Melted butter: 50 g (1.8 oz)

For the Berry Filling:

• Berries: 400 g (14 oz)
• Honey: 50 g (1.8 oz)
• Starch: 40 g (1.4 oz)
• Water: 20 ml (0.7 fl oz)
• Cinnamon: 20 g (0.7 oz)

For the Nut Mixture:

• Peanuts: 200 g (7.1 oz)
• Walnuts: 200 g (7.1 oz)

For Garnish:

• Sour cream: 100 g (3.5 oz)

Steps to Make the Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Mixture

1. Chop the Nuts: Start by coarsely chopping the peanuts and walnuts. You want a variety of textures, so don’t chop them too finely.
2. Mix with Cinnamon: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chopped nuts with the cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Berry Filling

1. Simmer the Berries: In a small saucepan, add the berries, honey, and 20 ml of water. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Thicken with Starch: Dissolve the starch in a little bit of cold water. Once the berry mixture starts to bubble, slowly pour in the starch mixture while stirring continuously. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Puff Pastry

1. Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). On a floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to fit the baking pan you’re using, or cut it into rectangles for individual servings. Place the rolled-out puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Add the Nut and Berry Mixtures: Spread the cinnamon-coated nuts evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 inches) around the edges for folding. Follow by evenly spooning the berry mixture over the nuts.
3. Fold the Edges: Fold the edges of the puff pastry over the filling to create a border. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pastry

1. Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush the edges of the pastry with the egg wash for a golden finish.
2. Bake: Bake the pastry in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. The filling should be bubbly and thick.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Drizzle with Melted Butter: As soon as the tart comes out of the oven, drizzle it with the melted butter for added richness.
2. Add Sour Cream: Serve the tart with a dollop of sour cream on top, which will balance the sweetness of the honey and berries.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This recipe yields about 8 servings, and the following nutrition facts are approximate values per serving:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 12 g

This recipe offers a rich combination of healthy fats from the nuts and fiber from the berries. The honey adds a natural sweetness, while the sour cream garnish provides a pleasant tanginess, making it a dessert that’s both indulgent and nutritious.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Fresh berries will work just as well in this recipe. Depending on the moisture content, you may need to slightly adjust the cooking time for the berry filling.

2. Can I substitute the nuts?

Yes, you can use any combination of nuts you prefer. Hazelnuts, almonds, or even pecans would make great alternatives. Just ensure that the total quantity of nuts remains the same.

3. Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can make this tart a few hours in advance. Just bake it and store it at room temperature. It’s best served on the same day, but leftovers can still be enjoyed the next day.

4. What can I use instead of sour cream for garnishing?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for garnishing. Whipped cream is another delicious option.

5. How do I prevent the puff pastry from becoming soggy?

To avoid a soggy base, make sure to let the berry filling cool before placing it on the puff pastry. This will prevent the pastry from absorbing too much moisture.

Tips for Making the Perfect Puff Pastry Tart

• Work with Cold Puff Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. This helps the pastry puff up better in the oven.
• Pre-cook the Berries: Pre-cooking the berry mixture ensures the filling is thickened and prevents excess moisture from soaking into the pastry during baking.
• Don’t Overload the Pastry: Avoid overfilling the tart, as too much filling can prevent the pastry from baking evenly and becoming crispy.
• Cut Slits in the Pastry: If you’re making a fully enclosed tart (where the pastry completely covers the filling), make sure to cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Storage Tips

• At Room Temperature: This puff pastry tart can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
• In the Fridge: If you have leftovers after 2 days, store the tart in the fridge. It will keep for an additional 2-3 days, but the pastry may lose some of its crispness.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the tart for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to restore some crispness before serving.

Conclusion

The Mixed Nut and Berry Puff Pastry Delight is a versatile and flavorful dessert that combines the crunch of nuts, the tartness of berries, and the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. It’s perfect for a family gathering or as a weekend treat. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this tart is a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether served warm with a dollop of sour cream or paired with a scoop of ice cream, this puff pastry tart will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more!