Apple Heart Tarts with Grand Marnier – Easy Recipe

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Heart Tarts with Grand Marnier – Easy Recipe

Hello friends! If you’re looking for a little something special to bake – something that feels both comforting and a bit fancy – then you absolutely have to try these Apple Heart Tarts with Grand Marnier. I first made these for a Valentine’s Day gathering, and they were a huge hit! The warm, spiced apples with a hint of orange liqueur nestled in a flaky heart-shaped crust… honestly, what’s not to love? They’re surprisingly easy to make, too. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just pretty tarts; they’re bursting with flavour! The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and the subtle orange notes from the Grand Marnier is just divine. Plus, the heart shape makes them perfect for showing someone you care, or just treating yourself (which is always a good idea!). They’re a delightful little pastry that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful tarts:

• 200 grams pie crust dough (about 1.5 sheets, depending on your brand)
• 2 small apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully)
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

Grand Marnier

This orange liqueur adds a lovely depth of flavour. Don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand – I’ve included substitution ideas in the FAQs!

Pie Crust Dough – Homemade vs. Store-bought

I often use store-bought pie crust dough to save time, especially on busy weeknights. But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade is always delicious! Just make sure it’s nice and chilled before you start rolling.

Apple Varieties

I love using a mix of apples for different textures and flavours. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring sweetness and a satisfying crunch. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First things first, let your pie crust dough thaw to room temperature. This makes it much easier to roll out and work with.
2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Now, peel, core, and finely chop those apples. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – a little rustic charm is perfectly fine!
4. In a bowl, combine the chopped apples with the brown sugar, orange juice, Grand Marnier, flour, and cinnamon. Give it a good mix to ensure everything is well coated.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust dough to about 1/8″ (3mm) thickness. Then, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many hearts as you can.
6. Place a spoonful of the apple filling onto half of the heart-shaped dough pieces.
7. Carefully cover the filling with the remaining dough hearts, and gently press the edges together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a pretty look.
8. Use a knife to create a few small slits on the top of each tart. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and salt to create an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of the tarts for a beautiful golden finish.
10. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking. Then, for that extra golden colour, broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning!
11. Finally, let the tarts cool on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before serving. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the tarts! A little filling goes a long way.
• If your dough is sticking, sprinkle a little extra flour onto your work surface.
• For a shinier finish, brush the tarts with a little apricot jam after baking.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation

Use a vegan pie crust and substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and a touch of maple syrup.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use a gluten-free pie crust dough. There are some fantastic options available in most supermarkets now!

Spice Level Adjustment – Cinnamon

My family loves a good dose of cinnamon, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom would also be lovely.

Festival Adaptations – Valentine’s Day, Diwali Sweet Treat

These are perfect for Valentine’s Day, of course! But they’d also be a beautiful addition to a Diwali sweet spread – a little Western twist on a traditional celebration.

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Heart Tarts are best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of chai or a glass of milk makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Leftover tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for these tarts?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji are all excellent choices. A mix of tart and sweet apples is ideal!

Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust is delicious, but store-bought works great in a pinch.

Can I substitute Grand Marnier with another orange liqueur?
Yes, Cointreau or Triple Sec would be good substitutes. You could even use a teaspoon of orange zest if you prefer to avoid alcohol.

How can I prevent the tarts from becoming soggy?
Make sure your apple filling isn’t too wet. You can drain off any excess juice before filling the tarts. Also, baking them on parchment paper helps.

Can these be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the tarts just before serving for the best results.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these delightful Apple Heart Tarts. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day!