This cozy tart combines the warm flavors of seasonal fruits with a buttery, flaky crust that's perfect for crisp autumn days. It's a simple, delicious way to celebrate the harvest and share a sweet treat with loved ones.
Start by cutting the cold butter and cream cheese into the flour using a knife or pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If you have a food processor, you can pulse the cold butter into the flour until it’s crumbly like cornmeal, then add the cream cheese and pulse a few more times until the pieces are about the size of small peas. When you squeeze some of the mixture, it should hold together in a ball. Shape the dough into a round disk, wrap it in plastic, and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour.
02
Toss Fruit with Spices
While the dough chills, toss the sliced apples and pear with the orange juice. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and cornstarch. Stir this spice-sugar mixture into the fruit until everything is nicely coated, then set it aside.
03
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using an 8-inch tart pan, get that ready. Or if you prefer a free-form tart (galette), just lightly grease a baking sheet.
04
Roll and Arrange Fruit
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into about a 10-inch circle. Transfer it to your tart pan or baking sheet. Arrange the fruit on top in a pretty pattern. If you’re making a galette, leave about a 2-inch border around the fruit and fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, overlapping the folds as you go.
05
Bake and Glaze Tart
Bake the tart until the crust turns golden and the fruit filling is bubbling, which should take around 30 minutes. Once it’s out of the oven, brush the top with some apricot jam to give it a lovely shine and extra flavor. Let it cool a bit before serving.
03 / EXTRA DETAILS
Good to know.
Cook's tip
- Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the crust for a flakier texture.
- Use fresh, ripe fruit to get the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Allow the tart to cool completely before slicing to help it set properly.
Why you’ll love it
This tart combines the rich flavors of fall fruits with a buttery, flaky crust. It’s both comforting and refreshing, perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs beautifully with warm spices, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Serving ideas
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add an extra touch of sweetness and spice.
Storage & leftovers
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid covering the tart tightly with plastic wrap. You can also freeze the tart for up to a month; just thaw it slowly in the fridge before serving.
