Puff Pastry Walnut Tart

This easy and decadent puff pastry walnut tart features a flaky exterior and a gooey, nutty center, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Puff Pastry Walnut Tart is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a rich, nutty treat with a buttery, flaky crust. The combination of sweet, gooey walnut filling with the crisp puff pastry is irresistible. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of preparation, this dessert is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a special dessert, this tart is a showstopper!

Ingredients

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup corn syrup

• ¼ cup heavy cream

• 2 large eggs, whisked

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups walnuts, roughly chopped

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with baking cups.

Prepare the walnut filling:

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, one whisked egg, vanilla extract, walnuts, and salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the puff pastry cups:

3. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut them into 6 equal rectangles. Gently press each piece into the muffin tin to create small cups.

Assemble the tarts:

4. Spoon about ¼ cup of the walnut filling into each puff pastry cup. Brush the edges with the remaining whisked egg.

Bake the tarts:

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the puff pastry is golden brown. Keep an eye on the tarts to prevent over-browning.

Cool and serve:

6. Let the tarts cool in the muffin tin for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: You can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

• Sweeteners: If you prefer a less sugary dessert, try using maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a more natural sweetness.

• Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the tarts before serving.

• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the walnut filling for extra warmth and flavor.

• Vegan: Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and a flax egg as substitutes to make these tarts vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply place the tarts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.

FAQs

1. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the walnut filling and puff pastry cups ahead of time, store them separately, and assemble and bake the tarts when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use puff pastry from a can?

Yes, pre-made puff pastry sheets from a can will work just fine. Make sure to roll it out and cut it into the appropriate size to fit your muffin tin.

3. Can I make these tarts in a tart pan instead of a muffin tin?

Yes, you can use a tart pan if you prefer a larger tart, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. You may need to bake it slightly longer than the individual tarts.

4. How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Ensure the walnut filling has cooled slightly before adding it to the pastry. Also, avoid overfilling the pastry cups to prevent leakage while baking.

5. Can I freeze these tarts?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tarts. Just assemble the tarts, cover them, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. Can I use pre-chopped walnuts?

Yes, pre-chopped walnuts can be used, but chopping fresh walnuts will give a better texture and a fresher taste to the tarts.

7. Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free puff pastry, these tarts can be made gluten-free.

8. Can I use a different type of syrup instead of corn syrup?

Yes, you can replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind the flavor of the syrup will slightly alter the taste of the tarts.

9. How can I make the walnut filling thicker?

If you’d like a thicker filling, cook the mixture for a few extra minutes to reduce it slightly before adding it to the pastry.

10. Can I serve these tarts warm or cold?

These tarts can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. They’re delicious in any form!

Conclusion

This Puff Pastry Walnut Tart is a simple yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The buttery, flaky pastry combined with the sweet, gooey walnut filling makes each bite a delicious experience. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, this easy dessert is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a treat with your coffee, it’s guaranteed to impress!

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