If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart apple flavors with the sweet chewiness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, this Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a buttery, nutty crust hugging a luscious filling infused with cozy cinnamon and hints of warm butter—a treat that makes every bite feel like a warm hug during chilly days. It’s a beautiful blend of textures and tastes that’s as stunning to look at as it is to savor, making it perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a little slice of bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a two-part scene: on the left is a close-up of a metal pan filled with mixed ingredients—light green cubed apple pieces, dark red dried cranberries, and whole walnut pieces—held together with a thick pale sauce, with a wooden spoon resting inside the pan. On the right is a clear glass pie dish sitting on a white marbled surface, filled evenly to the top with the same mixture of pale apple cubes, dark dried cranberries, and tan walnuts coated in the creamy sauce. A piece of clear plastic wrap is loosely covering the pie dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart Recipe plays an essential role in crafting the perfect bite. From the golden toasted walnuts adding crunch to the bright cranberries bringing bursts of color and flavor, it’s a simple but thoughtful lineup that combines to create a tart that’s complex yet comforting.

1½ cups walnuts: Toasted to release their rich aroma and provide a satisfying crunch.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling ingredients together.
⅓ cup sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the tartness of apples and cranberries.
1 cup dried cranberries: Delivers chewy bursts of sweetness and beautiful red color.
1 large Granny Smith apple (peeled and chopped into ½” dice): Brings crisp tartness and texture to the filling.
½ cup walnuts: Reserved for the crust, finely chopped for a nutty pastry base.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for the flaky, tender crust.
1 teaspoon sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness in the dough.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into 1″ cubes): Creates a rich, flaky texture in the pastry.
1 large egg yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
3 tablespoons ice water: Keeps the dough cool and firms up the pastry.
1 tablespoon sugar: For sprinkling on top, caramelizing as the tart bakes.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warmth and seasonal flavor into the topping.
1 tablespoon butter (cut into small cubes): Dotted across the tart to enrich and add golden finish.

How to Make Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Begin by warming your oven to 300°. Spread the walnuts, both for the filling and the crust, across a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 to 12 minutes. This elevates their natural flavor and aroma, making the tart irresistibly nutty. Be sure to save half a cup of these toasted nuts for incorporating into your tart crust later.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Chop the remaining walnuts roughly to achieve a perfect balance of chunk and chew in your filling. In a saucepan, gently bring the heavy cream and sugar to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Add in the walnuts, dried cranberries, and the crisp, diced Granny Smith apple. Stir everything together to combine, then transfer the mixture into a lined 9-inch pie pan. Smooth it out evenly, cover loosely, and refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight if you can—to let all the flavors meld and the mixture set beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Walnut Pastry

To make the crust, pulse the reserved toasted walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the flour, sugar, and salt, pulsing again to combine. Then introduce the cold butter cubes and pulse until the texture resembles coarse meal with some chunkier pieces of butter for that much-loved flakiness. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk together with ice water and add this to your flour mixture, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together. Transfer the dough onto a plastic-wrapped surface, bringing it gently into a ball and flattening it into a disc. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 20 minutes before rolling out.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375° and position the rack in the center. Roll out the pastry to a circle about 12 to 14 inches wide, then lift it carefully using the plastic wrap and place it into your tart pan. Press the dough into the edges and trim the excess for a clean finish. Remove the filling from the refrigerator and invert it onto the crust, smoothing it with a spatula. Mix your cinnamon and sugar for the top, sprinkle generously over the filling, and dot the tart with small cubes of butter. Place the tart on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust achieves a golden brown hue.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the tart to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes after baking. This cooling period helps the filling to set further, making it easier to slice while still warm. For an extra indulgent touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for that perfect contrast of warm tart and cool creaminess.

How to Serve Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a freshly baked pie in a fluted tart pan with a golden-brown crust. The top layer is a textured mix of small, uneven pieces of light brown, beige, and darker brown, indicating a baked crumbly topping with visible bits of red fruit or nuts scattered throughout. The crust edges are slightly raised and crimped, creating a neat border that holds the filling tightly. The pie sits on a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the warm colors of the pie, highlighting its rustic and homemade look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The tart shines with simplicity but shines even brighter with a few thoughtful additions. Fresh sprigs of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add visual appeal without overshadowing the natural beauty of the tart. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of whipped cream makes a lovely finishing touch that complements the nutty and fruity flavors.

Side Dishes

This tart pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing side dishes such as a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a bowl of mixed berries. When serving as a dessert after a hearty meal, a warm tea or coffee is an inviting accompaniment that balances its richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the tart into rustic slices and serving each piece on a wooden board with scattered walnuts and a few cranberries for color. For special occasions, consider placing individual slices in pretty dessert plates, garnished with a small scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts for texture and presentation wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tart can happily sit at room temperature for up to two days, wrapped tightly to keep the crust crisp. This makes it a wonderful make-ahead dessert for parties or family dinners, maintaining its freshness and delightful texture.

Freezing

If you want to extend its life, the tart freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently for best results.

Reheating

To bring your tart back to life, preheat your oven to 350° and warm a slice for about five minutes. This quick reheating restores the flakiness of the crust and revives the warm, cozy flavors of the filling without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries are much tarter and contain more moisture, which may affect the filling’s texture. If you use fresh, consider adding a bit more sugar and cooking the filling slightly longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Absolutely! Chilling the dough helps the butter firm up again, which is key for a tender, flaky crust that doesn’t shrink or become tough during baking.

Can I substitute different nuts for walnuts?

While walnuts are traditional and bring a lovely flavor, pecans or almonds can be excellent substitutes if you prefer. Just be sure to toast them to bring out their natural oils and flavor.

How do I know when the tart is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling around the edges. The topping sugar and cinnamon should caramelize slightly, and the walnuts should have a toasted aroma once baked.

Can this tart be made vegan?

To create a vegan version, swap the butter in the crust and topping with plant-based alternatives, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the egg yolk with a flax egg or vegan binder. The result will be slightly different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Walnut Cranberry Tart Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser full of seasonal flavors and textures that never fail to impress. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply craving something special, this tart offers warmth, comfort, and a little sparkle of joy in every bite. Don’t wait to try it—you’ll be glad you did!