Introduction

As the crisp fall air settles in, nothing beats the warmth of a fresh, homemade dessert, and Easy Pumpkin Tart is the perfect choice to bring that cozy comfort to your table. This tart features a buttery, flaky crust paired with a velvety pumpkin filling that’s spiced just right—ideal for everything from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings. The beauty of this dessert lies not only in its irresistible flavor but also in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create something truly special without all the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Easy Pumpkin Tart will quickly become your go-to fall dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might be wondering why this pumpkin tart should be your next baking adventure. Let me tell you—there are plenty of reasons to love it:

Perfect for Fall: The rich pumpkin filling and comforting spices make it the ultimate fall dessert.
Simple to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any complex techniques or special equipment.
Flaky and Buttery Crust: The homemade crust adds a perfect balance of crunch and softness.
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt down a list of obscure ingredients; everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or whipped cream on top, you can personalize this tart to your liking.
No Pie Crust Fuss: Unlike traditional pumpkin pies that often involve a delicate pie crust, this tart gives you all the joy of a pie but with a more forgiving, flaky base.
Impress Your Guests: It’s a showstopper dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. The deep, golden hue of the pumpkin filling will brighten up any fall spread.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The tart can be baked ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy holiday schedules.
Great for All Skill Levels: The straightforward instructions make it easy to follow, whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started.
Comforting and Flavorful: Every bite is a mix of creamy pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for cozy evenings at home.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories per slice: Approximately 250 calories
Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

For this Easy Pumpkin Tart, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that bring the flavors of fall to life.

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp ice water (more if needed)
A pinch of salt

the Pumpkin Filling:

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
¾ cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

Pumpkin Puree: This ingredient is the heart of your tart, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and earthy flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling, making it luxuriously creamy.
Spices: The cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg provide the warm, comforting flavor that makes pumpkin desserts so irresistible.
Butter: The key to a perfectly flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough for the crust and gives it a rich, golden color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Easy Pumpkin Tart:

Make the Crust

Prepare the Tart Pan: Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom or a standard pie dish. This ensures easy removal after baking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Egg Yolk and Water: Add the egg yolk and ice water to the mixture. Stir until the dough just comes together. If it seems too dry, add a little more ice water, one teaspoon at a time.
Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Dough: After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the crust is golden. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, spices, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Fill the Crust: Pour the pumpkin filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the tart to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the tart pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve

Here are some creative ways to serve your Easy Pumpkin Tart:

Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling.
Serve with Ice Cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or even maple ice cream pairs wonderfully with the spiced pumpkin filling.
Top with Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a crunchy texture that complements the smooth filling.
Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar: For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the top of the tart with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Pair with Fall Drinks: Enjoy this tart alongside a warm cup of spiced cider, coffee, or even a cozy hot chocolate for a comforting fall treat.

Additional Tips

To make your Easy Pumpkin Tart even better, here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: If you have the time, roasting fresh pumpkin and pureeing it will give your tart a deep, rich flavor.
Chill the Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough hold its shape and creates a flaky, tender crust.
Check the Filling: Make sure the filling is fully set before removing the tart from the oven. If it still jiggles too much, bake it for a few more minutes.
Let It Cool Completely: For the best texture, allow the tart to cool completely before serving, as it helps the filling set and firm up.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Blind baking ensures that the crust doesn’t become soggy from the pumpkin filling.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart crust a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to fill and bake.
Decorate with Fall Leaves: For a festive touch, place edible autumn leaves or even chocolate decorations around the tart before serving.

Recipe Variations

Take your Easy Pumpkin Tart to the next level with these fun variations:

Pumpkin Chai Spice Tart: Add a dash of chai spice to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
Chocolate Pumpkin Tart: Add a layer of melted chocolate on the bottom of the crust before adding the pumpkin filling for a decadent twist.
Nut Crust: Make the crust using ground almonds or walnuts for a gluten-free option or simply for added texture.
Coconut Cream Topping: For a dairy-free option, top the tart with whipped coconut cream instead of regular whipped cream.
Ginger Crust: Use ginger cookies to create a flavorful, spiced crust that complements the pumpkin filling beautifully.

Freezing and Storage

Make sure to store your Easy Pumpkin Tart properly so you can enjoy it later:

Storage: Cover the tart with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled tart for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Thawing: To thaw, place the tart in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following tools to make this tart:

Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom works best for easy removal.
Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter makes cutting in the butter for the crust a breeze.
Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl for the pumpkin filling.
Wire Rack: Use a wire rack to allow the tart to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Tart is the epitome of fall baking—simple, delicious, and oh-so-cozy. With its buttery crust and spiced pumpkin filling, it’s a dessert that’ll bring warmth to your table all season long. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to become a beloved fall tradition.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Preparation Time and Cook Time