Award Winning Maple Nut Toffee Tart

Indulge in the decadent flavors of this award-winning maple nut toffee tart. With a crisp and buttery crust, a rich and creamy toffee filling, and a crunchy maple nut topping, this tart is sure to impress any crowd. The combination of sweet maple syrup, nutty toffee, and crunchy nuts creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration, this tart is a showstopper dessert that will make you the star of the show.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• - 1 egg yolk
• - 2 tablespoons ice water
• For the toffee filling:
• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• - 1/4 cup heavy cream
• - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the maple nut topping:
• - 1 cup mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds), chopped
• - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and ice water. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for the toffee filling. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
6. Pour the toffee filling into the cooled tart crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
7. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and maple syrup for the maple nut topping. Stir in the chopped nuts and salt. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
8. Pour the maple nut topping over the toffee filling in the tart crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
9. Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the toffee filling is set.
10. Once chilled, remove the tart from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Interesting Facts