Do you want to prepare an easy, scenic, and super tasty Halloween dessert? This pumpkin-shaped tart is the perfect recipe! A crumbly base, a creamy heart of hazelnut spread and a carved cover reminiscent of the classic Halloween pumpkin: simple to make but impressively effective! Ideal to bring to a party, serve after dinner, or make with kids, it will be the sweet star of your autumn table.
With a few ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can transform a classic tart into a frightfully good dessert, perfect for those who love easy and quick Halloween recipes but don’t want to miss out on a touch of magic. 🎃✨
If you love tarts, check out these recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 8People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Halloween
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 packet vanillin
- as needed hazelnut spread
Tools
- Baking Pan
Steps
To start, create the dough by mixing the flour with the sugar, a pinch of salt, and the baking powder. Add the softened butter and quickly work the mixture with your fingertips until a sandy consistency is obtained. At this point, incorporate the eggs, the vanillin, and a bit of milk to bind everything together until a homogeneous dough is formed. Remember not to work it too long to prevent the crust from becoming hard. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, so it will be easier to roll out.
After resting, divide the dough into two parts: one for the base and one for the cover. Roll out the base on a sheet of parchment paper, forming a disk about 1/5 inch thick, and transfer it into a round baking pan, ensuring it adheres well to the edges. Spread a generous layer of hazelnut spread on the base, giving the tart a delicious and enveloping heart.
With the other half of the dough, prepare the cover by rolling it out into another disk of equal size. Now comes the fun part: with a sharp knife, carve two triangular eyes, a nose, and an irregular mouth, just like you would for a Halloween pumpkin. Carefully position the cover on the tart’s base, pressing lightly on the edges to seal it.After placing the carved cover on the tart, create small cords with the leftover dough. Arrange them along the vertical lines of the tart to simulate the natural folds of a pumpkin, giving the tart an even more realistic three-dimensional effect. Also, use thinner cords to refine the edges of the carved eyes, nose, and mouth, creating a small border that will help hold the hazelnut spread during baking, preventing it from leaking out. This attention to detail not only makes the tart more beautiful but also helps preserve the filling’s integrity, ensuring a perfect and scenic result.
Brush your pumpkin-shaped tart with milk and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving, so the cream sets and each slice can hold its perfect shape.
Storage, Tips
For a flawless result, ensure the butter is at room temperature and the dough well-chilled before working it.
The tart can be stored for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature, allowing you to prepare it in advance and enjoy it leisurely.

