Apple & Blackberry Tartlets – Hobbit-Inspired Dessert

Apple & Blackberry Tartlets

“I could eat anything in the wide world now… but not an apple!” — Fili

Rustic tartlets brimming with orchard apples and hedgerow blackberries, glossed with a spoon of jam. They’re simple, juicy, and very Shire-coded.

Hobbit Lore

Hobbits cultivate apples and happily forage blackberries along country lanes. Small tarts suit a tea table or a second breakfast—choose your own adventure.

Historic Note

Apple-and-berry pies are a classic of English cookery. Apples lend natural pectin that helps set berry juices, so the filling bubbles thick rather than runny.

In the Kitchen

• Jam layer: A thin swipe of jam protects the crust and adds flavor.
• Mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet apples builds complexity.
• Steam vents: For full-size tarts, cut small vents or lattice the top.

Modern Recipe

Makes: 1 large tart or 6–8 tartlets • Prep: 20 min • Bake: 35–40 min

Ingredients

• Pie or tart crust
• 1 lb mixed apples, peeled & sliced
• 8 oz blackberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp blackberry jam
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method

1. Heat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line tart tins or a 9–10″ tart pan.
2. Toss apples and blackberries. Mix sugar and cornstarch; toss with fruit.
3. Spread jam thinly on the crust. Fill with fruit.
4. Bake 35–40 minutes until bubbling and crust is golden. Cool 10 minutes.

Serve

With softly whipped cream, clotted cream, or a drizzle of custard.

Dietary Notes 🥕

• Gluten-free: Use a GF crust.
• Vegan: Use vegan crust; serve with coconut whip.

---

More from this feast: A Shire Pie • Roasted Roots • Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon & Apple • Hobbit Banquet Hub