As the leaves turn golden and the crisp air signals the arrival of autumn, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cozy flavors of the season. Autumn tarts capture the essence of fall with their warm spices, rich fruits, and buttery crusts.
Whether you’re hosting a harvest gathering or simply craving a comforting treat, these tarts offer a delightful way to celebrate the season’s bounty. From sweet apples and pears to hearty squash and pumpkin, the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
In this post, we’ll explore some irresistible autumn tart recipes that will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your table with festive cheer. These recipes balance the sweetness of seasonal fruits with the earthiness of nuts and spices, making every bite a celebration of fall.
Ready to bake your way into autumn bliss? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Autumn tarts are a wonderful way to highlight the seasonal produce that defines this cozy time of year. They combine a flaky, buttery crust with luscious fillings that are naturally sweet and spiced to perfection.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these recipes are approachable yet impressive.
You’ll love how versatile these tarts are — perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a charming addition to your holiday table. Plus, the ingredients are wholesome and comforting, evoking nostalgia and warmth.
Baking these tarts fills your home with the delightful scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh fruit, creating an atmosphere that’s both inviting and festive.
Ingredients
- For the Tart Crust: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water (add more if needed)
- For the Filling: 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium pear, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Equipment
- 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Pastry cutter or food processor
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Baking sheet (to place under tart to catch drips)
- Wire rack for cooling
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or pulse in a food processor) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together. Do not overwork. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples and pear with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix gently to coat evenly. Stir in nuts if using.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully press it into the tart pan, trimming excess dough from edges.
- Assemble the Tart: Arrange the fruit slices in a circular pattern over the crust, slightly overlapping. Pour any remaining juices over the top.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the exposed crust edges with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on the crust if desired for extra crunch and sparkle.
- Bake: Place the tart on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the fruit is tender and bubbling.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
Tips & Variations
To prevent a soggy bottom, bake the tart on a preheated baking sheet or add a layer of ground nuts or breadcrumbs beneath the fruit to absorb excess moisture.
Feel free to swap apples and pears with other fall favorites like quince, figs, or even roasted pumpkin cubes for a savory twist. Adding a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of maple syrup to the filling can deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a mixture of maple syrup and almond milk for the egg wash. You can also experiment with different nut toppings such as pistachios or hazelnuts for added texture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 15 g |
Saturated Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sugar | 22 g |
Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This autumn tart is delightful on its own but can be elevated with a few simple accompaniments. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
For a lighter option, offer a side of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These flavors complement the tart beautifully and add a creamy contrast.
Pair your tart with a hot cup of spiced tea or a rich coffee for an indulgent fall afternoon treat. This recipe also makes a beautiful centerpiece for holiday brunches or casual dinner parties.
Conclusion
Autumn tarts are more than just baked goods—they’re a celebration of the season’s best flavors and a comforting way to bring family and friends together. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a stunning tart that showcases the beauty of autumn produce.
Whether you opt for classic apple and pear or get creative with different fruits and nuts, this recipe is sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. For more inspiration, check out our Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or explore savory options like our Baked Low Carb Vegan Quesadilla Recipe for Easy Meals.
If you’re looking for quick and tasty snack ideas, our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious might just hit the spot.
Happy baking and enjoy the rich, warm flavors of autumn in every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Autumn Harvest Tart
Description: A delicious tart featuring seasonal fall fruits and warm spices. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or holiday desserts.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 sheet of puff pastry (thawed)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium pear, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour in a bowl.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Arrange apple and pear slices on top of the pumpkin mixture.
- Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a rustic border.
- Brush the edges with beaten egg and sprinkle chopped pecans over the fruit.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Drizzle maple syrup over the tart before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 42 g
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