Maple Walnut Tart is an elegant and flavorful dessert that harmoniously blends the rich, nutty taste of walnuts with the sweet, caramel-like essence of maple syrup. This tart features a buttery crust filled with a luscious maple-infused filling and topped with toasted walnuts, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a sophisticated sweet treat, the Maple Walnut Tart is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
1.Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Maple Walnut Filling:
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
2.Instructions
1. Prepare the Tart Crust:
a. Combine Dry Ingredients: – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
b. Cut in the Butter: – Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. – Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
c. Add Egg Yolk and Ice Water: – Mix in the egg yolk. – Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water.
d. Form and Chill the Dough: – Gather the dough into a disk shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and firm up.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. Roll Out and Blind Bake the Crust:
a. Roll Out the Dough: – On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit the tart pan, ensuring it extends slightly over the edges.
b. Transfer to Tart Pan: – Carefully place the rolled dough into the prepared tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough.
c. Prevent Shrinkage: – Line the crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing.
d. Blind Bake: – Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. – Remove the weights and lining, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Maple Walnut Filling:
a. Combine Wet Ingredients: – In a medium saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, heavy cream, and brown sugar. – Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer and the sugar is dissolved.
b. Temper the Eggs: – In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. – Gradually pour about 1/2 cup of the hot maple mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
c. Combine and Thicken: – Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining maple syrup mixture. – Stir in the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. – Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
d. Cool Slightly: – Remove from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes before pouring into the pre-baked crust.
5. Assemble and Bake the Tart:
a. Pour Filling into Crust: – Carefully pour the maple walnut filling into the pre-baked tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
b. Bake: – Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center.
c. Cool: – Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set properly.
6. Prepare the Topping:
a. Toast Walnuts: – In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts until fragrant and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Let them cool.
b. Drizzle with Maple Syrup: – Drizzle the toasted walnuts with additional maple syrup for extra sweetness and shine.
7. Serve:
a. Add Toppings: – Once the tart has cooled, sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the top. – Optionally, drizzle with more maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
b. Slice and Enjoy: – Carefully remove the tart from the pan using the removable bottom. – Slice into wedges and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
3.Tips for Success
- Chilling the Dough: Ensure the tart dough is well-chilled before rolling to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle.
- Blind Baking: Properly blind baking the crust is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom. Ensure the weights fully cover the crust during the initial bake.
- Filling Consistency: The filling should be thickened slightly before pouring into the crust to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without being too runny.
- Preventing Cracks: Avoid overbaking the tart. The filling should set around the edges but remain slightly soft in the center to prevent cracks.
- Toasting Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the tart.
4.Variations
- Chocolate Maple Walnut Tart: Incorporate melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate into the filling for a rich chocolate flavor that complements the maple and walnuts.
- Maple Bourbon Walnut Tart: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or maple liqueur to the filling for an adult version with a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- Vegan Maple Walnut Tart: Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives, use a vegan pie crust, replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, and choose dairy-free cream options to make the tart vegan-friendly.
- Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Combine cream cheese with the maple syrup in the filling for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
- Seasonal Fruits: Top the tart with thin slices of pear or apple before baking for added texture and flavor.
4.Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Sugars: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
5.Background & Popularity
The Maple Walnut Tart is a testament to the harmonious pairing of natural sweeteners and nuts, a combination that has been celebrated in various culinary traditions. Maple syrup, a staple of North American cuisine, brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy, buttery flavor of walnuts. This tart is particularly popular during the fall and winter months, aligning with the harvest season when maple syrup is freshly tapped and walnuts are in peak season.
Its sophisticated appearance and balanced flavor profile make the Maple Walnut Tart a favorite for both casual gatherings and formal occasions. The versatility of the recipe allows for numerous adaptations, catering to different dietary preferences and flavor explorations. Whether served as a centerpiece dessert at a holiday feast or as an elegant treat with afternoon tea, the Maple Walnut Tart continues to delight palates with its timeless appeal.
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking to add a new favorite to your repertoire or a novice eager to impress with a beautiful and delicious dessert, the Maple Walnut Tart is a superb choice that offers both simplicity and elegance. Its rich flavors, delightful textures, and stunning presentation are sure to make it a standout addition to any dessert table.