Description
This Apple and Pecan Danish Pastry Tart combines a crisp, flaky pastry with the sweetness of apples and the crunch of pecans. It’s perfect for a special occasion or as a comforting dessert. Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
– 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for rolling)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
– 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
– Pinch of salt
For the Glaze:
– 2 tablespoons apricot jam (or honey)
– 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to smooth out creases. If using a store-bought sheet, gently press it into a tart or baking pan.
– Use a sharp knife to score a border around the edge (about 1 inch in) without cutting all the way through. This will allow the crust to rise and form a pretty border.
– Brush the pastry with a light egg wash (a beaten egg) for a golden finish.
2. Prepare the Filling:
– In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. If you’d like a thicker filling, add the cornstarch to the mixture and stir until well combined.
– Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
3. Assemble the Tart:
– Spoon the apple-pecan mixture into the center of the puff pastry, spreading it out evenly.
– Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, leaving the center exposed. This rustic style will give the tart a beautiful, free-form look.
4. Bake the Tart:
– Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed, and the apples are tender.
– Halfway through baking, check the tart. If the edges of the pastry are browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
5. Glaze and Serve:
– While the tart is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the apricot jam with 1 teaspoon of water over low heat until smooth. Brush the glaze over the hot tart once it comes out of the oven to add a shiny, sweet finish.
– Let the tart cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice it up and enjoy!
Notes
– For a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking.
– This tart can be served warm or at room temperature. Try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes