Description
Jamie Oliver’s Ecclefechan Tart is a delicious dessert filled with dried fruits, walnuts, and a rich caramel-like filling. The tart is typically made with shortcrust pastry and a filling that bakes to a soft, slightly chewy texture, creating a lovely contrast to the flaky pastry.
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 225g plain flour
- 125g cold butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling
- 150g soft brown sugar
- 125g butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 150g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 75g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- Zest of 1 orange (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar. Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pastry to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin. Gently press the pastry into the tin and trim any excess. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for 10 minutes.
Line the pastry with baking parchment and fill with baking beans or rice. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment and beans and bake for another 5 minutes until the pastry is golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix the soft brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and white wine vinegar until smooth. Stir in the mixed dried fruit, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest (if using).
Pour the filling into the pre-baked pastry shell, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.