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Caramel and Walnut Tart

17/11/2023

The caramel and walnut tart is a very indulgent dessert, perfect for those who love the rich flavors of caramel blended with the crunchiness of walnuts. Here is the recipe to prepare a caramel and walnut tart:

Ingredients

  • 300 g of shortcrust pastry (you can buy it ready-made or make it at home)
  • 200 g of coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 150 g of sugar
  • 100 g of butter
  • 100 ml of fresh cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

For the Shortcrust Pastry (if homemade):

  • 300 g of 00 flour
  • 150 g of cold butter
  • 120 g of icing sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • A pinch of salt
  • Grated zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Preparation

If you are making the shortcrust pastry at home:

  1. Mix the flour with the cold butter, cut into cubes, until you get a crumbly mixture.
  2. Add the icing sugar, one egg, a pinch of salt, and, if you like, the grated lemon zest.
  3. Quickly work the ingredients until forming a ball, then wrap it in cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

For the tart:

  1. Roll out the shortcrust pastry in a uniform layer and line a tart pan (about 24 cm in diameter) previously greased and floured with it.
  2. Prick the base with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during cooking and bake ‘blind’ (that is, covered with parchment paper and dry beans or special pastry weights) at 180 °C for about 15 minutes.
  3. In the meantime, prepare the caramel by putting the sugar in a thick-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Allow the sugar to melt completely and turn golden, then add the butter in pieces and stir until it has completely melted.
  4. Add the fresh cream (be careful as it will splatter) and vanilla extract and continue stirring until you get a smooth mixture.
  5. Remove the tart from the oven, pour the caramel mixture on the base, and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes or until the caramel is well-golden and the walnuts are toasted.
  6. Let cool completely before serving.

Curiosity

This type of tart is a delicious variation of the more traditional fruit tart. The walnut and caramel pairing is a classic in pastry that offers a combination of flavor and texture that is very much appreciated. In Italy, you might find regional variations where typical ingredients such as ricotta or different types of dried fruit are added.

Caramel and Walnut Tart