Name: Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-492166H28M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups white sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 eggs, beaten; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 Granny Smith apples – peeled, cored, and chopped; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup chopped walnuts; 4 ounces apricot jam (optional; if using jam, use less sugar)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe because it brings together classic autumn flavors in a way that feels both elegant and comforting. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and a delicate apricot glaze that highlights the natural sweetness without overpowering it. For me, these tarts are not just desserts; they’re a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is how beautifully the flavors come together. The Granny Smith apples provide a lovely tart contrast that balances the rich, buttery pastry, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch and earthiness that makes every bite interesting. The apricot glaze is the final touch that gives these tarts a glossy finish and an extra burst of fruity sweetness that ties everything together. Whenever I make these tarts, I find myself sneaking tastes straight from the oven—the combination is irresistible.

Another thing I appreciate is how approachable this recipe is. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find the process quite manageable, especially since the dough is forgiving and the filling comes together in minutes. Plus, the fact that the dough needs chilling gives you some downtime to prepare other elements or simply relax before baking. I’ve served these tarts at family gatherings, holiday parties, and casual afternoon teas, and every time they’re a big hit. They feel special enough for celebrations yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various ingredients neatly arranged for baking. There are six whole apples placed in a loose cluster at the top right, four of them red-yellow and two green, with a single yellow lemon next to them. To the left, there are clear glass bowls holding flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder. A small white bowl contains cubed butter. At the bottom right, a jar of apricot preserve with a red and white checked lid is positioned diagonally. The scene is brightly lit with natural light creating soft shadows, and no woman's hand is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect taste, texture, and color. From the tender yet flaky pastry dough to the flavorful apple-walnut filling and shiny glaze, every element is essential for that classic tart experience.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the dough, allowing it to be both sturdy and tender.
White sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples and richness of the dough.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Key to flaky, buttery pastry—make sure it’s cold for best results.
Eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to its rich texture and golden color.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle aroma that complements the apples beautifully.
Granny Smith apples: Tart and crisp, they hold their texture well after baking.
Brown sugar: Adds a gentle caramel note to the apple filling.
Ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice to balance the fruit’s tanginess.
Chopped walnuts: Bring crunch and a deep nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling.
Apricot jam: Optional but highly recommended for the glaze—it adds shine and a touch of fruity sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks crumbly and resembles coarse sand.

Step 2: Beat the eggs lightly and add them along with the vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir gently until the dough just begins to come together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your pastry tender.

Step 3: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is important to let the butter firm up again and helps the dough become easier to roll out later.

Step 4: While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the apples with brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Then stir in the chopped walnuts for texture and flavor.

Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease sixteen 3-inch tart pans to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly for easier handling.

Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough briefly to make it pliable. Divide into 16 equal portions, then roll each portion into a 6-inch circle. Carefully fit each circle into a tart pan, pressing gently to form a shell.

Step 8: Spoon an equal amount of the apple and walnut filling into each tart shell. Fold the edges of the pastry over the apples slightly to create a rustic edge.

Step 9: Arrange all the filled tart pans on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 10: If you’re using apricot jam, warm it gently until melted, then brush it over the warm tarts to create a beautiful glaze that adds shine and an extra touch of flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 16 individual tarts, perfect for serving a crowd or storing for later enjoyment. The prep time is about 30 minutes, which includes making the dough and filling. The tarts require 30 minutes of baking time, and since the dough must chill for at least one hour—and ideally no longer than a day—you should factor in about 2 hours and 30 minutes total from start to finish. Keep in mind, the chilling enhances flavor and texture, so it is well worth the wait!

How to Serve This Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe

The image shows several small apple tarts on a white plate, each tart having two main layers: a thick, crumbly golden crust on the bottom and around the sides, and a chunky apple filling mixed with a cinnamon-spiced sauce on top. The crust's texture looks crumbly and slightly rough, while the apple filling is glossy and moist with visible slices of soft, cooked apples coated in a brownish cinnamon syrup. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these apple tarts warm, right out of the oven, or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. The contrast between the warm filling and cool cream is heavenly. For a more elegant presentation, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with a few toasted walnut halves or a sprig of fresh mint.

When it comes to drinks, these tarts pair wonderfully with a cup of hot apple cider or a lightly spiced chai tea. If you prefer an adult beverage, a crisp Riesling or a sparkling wine complements the fruity and nutty flavors beautifully without overpowering them. I’ve also enjoyed serving these tarts during brunch with coffee for a sweet finish or alongside a cheese platter in the evening, where their sweetness balances salty bites perfectly.

These tarts are quite versatile and work well for so many occasions. I’ve brought them to family dinners, set them out for holiday dessert buffets, and even made them for casual tea parties with friends. Because they’re single-serving size, they’re easy to plate individually, making portions simple to control and adding a touch of elegance to any table setup.

Variations

If you want to experiment or cater to different dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to customize this Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe. For starters, you can swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer a different type of crunch or have nut allergies; just toasting them before adding really enhances their flavor.

For a gluten-free version, I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for the pastry dough. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. Vegans can easily substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the eggs with a flax egg or another binder of your choice. The apricot glaze can be made with vegan jam options to keep everything plant-based.

Flavorwise, you might try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple filling for a warm twist. Another idea is to use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji along with Granny Smith to add complexity in sweetness and firmness. I’ve also sometimes baked the tarts in a larger single pan as a galette-style tart, which gives a rustic look and is easier to slice for serving.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh apple tarts, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use glass containers or tins with tight-fitting lids to keep the tarts fresh. They should stay delicious for up to 3 days, but I recommend enjoying them sooner to experience the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these tarts ahead of time or save some for later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I suggest warming the tarts in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the pastry crisp back up nicely without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A light brush of extra apricot glaze after reheating can refresh the shine and sweetness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a more balanced filling. Just be mindful that softer apples might cook down faster and result in a less textured filling.

Is it necessary to chill the dough for an hour?

Yes, chilling the dough is important. It allows the butter to solidify, which helps create that flaky, tender texture after baking. If you skip this step, the dough may become tough or difficult to handle.

Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?

You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep the apples and walnuts well covered to prevent the apples from browning too much. Give the filling a good stir before assembling the tarts.

Do I have to use apricot jam for the glaze?

The apricot jam glaze is optional but highly recommended for adding a beautiful shine and a slight fruity sweetness. If you don’t have apricot jam, you can substitute with melted honey or a simple sugar glaze, but the apricot jam really complements the apple and walnut flavors best.

How can I make these tarts vegan?

To make these tarts vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs or your favorite egg replacer. Use a vegan apricot jam for the glaze, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Fresh Apple Tarts with Walnut Filling and Apricot Glaze Recipe soon. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want to treat myself or impress guests with something homemade yet straightforward. Trust me, once you taste that flaky pastry paired with the nutty, spiced apple filling and glossy apricot finish, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!