Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart Recipe | The Next Recipes

This Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart is a cozy fall dessert bursting with pumpkin, maple, and buttery goodness. A simple yet elegant recipe that brings chaos to sweetness — in the best way possible!

Introduction

When fall rolls in, and the scent of cinnamon and maple fills the air, there’s one dessert that truly captures the season’s spirit — the Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart. This dessert is comfort, creativity, and chaos all baked into one golden, flaky crust.

Imagine the silky smoothness of pumpkin pie meeting the caramel sweetness of maple syrup, layered on a buttery tart crust and topped with a swirl of creamy chaos — part rustic, part refined, and totally irresistible.

At The Next Recipes, we love transforming classic fall desserts into something exciting and new, and this tart is no exception. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy family dinners, or when you simply want your kitchen to smell like autumn magic.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to bring this maple-pumpkin masterpiece to life:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons ice-cold water
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie mix)
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the “Chaos” Swirl Topping:

• ¼ cup cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Optional Garnishes:

• Crushed pecans or walnuts
• Whipped cream
• Maple drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.

Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan.
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5–7 minutes until lightly golden.

Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Maple Pumpkin Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, maple syrup, cream, eggs, vanilla, and all the spices.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and velvety.

Pour the pumpkin mixture into the cooled tart shell and smooth the top evenly.

Step 4: Create the “Chaos” Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, maple syrup, and brown sugar until smooth.
Spoon dollops of the mixture over the pumpkin filling and use a skewer or knife to swirl it in random, artistic patterns — the “chaos” that makes this tart special.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the perfect slice.

Serving Suggestions

This Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
For an extra indulgent touch, top each slice with:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of crushed pecans or walnuts
• A warm maple drizzle for shine and flavor

Pair it with a hot spiced latte, chai tea, or even a glass of Cranberry-Pumpkin Rebel Sangria for a cozy fall dessert moment.

Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart

This Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart is a sweet autumn masterpiece — smooth pumpkin filling infused with pure maple syrup, warm spices, and a buttery flaky crust. It’s a cozy twist on the classic pumpkin pie, with a hint of chaos (aka deliciousness!) that makes it unforgettable. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any time you crave that comforting pumpkin spice flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 43 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 Servings

Course: Dessert, Fall Treats, Holiday Baking

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Crust
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 –3 tbsp ice water
• For the Filling
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Topping
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans
• Maple drizzle

Equipment

• 9-inch tart pan or pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Spatula
• Baking sheet

Method

 

1. Prepare the Crust
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until dough forms.
3. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll & Prebake
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan.
6. Prick with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights.
7. Bake 10 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes.
8. Make the Filling
9. In a bowl, whisk pumpkin, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, cream, vanilla, and spices until smooth.
10. Fill & Bake
11. Pour filling into the tart shell. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
12. Let cool completely before slicing.
13. Serve
14. Top with whipped cream, pecans, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

For extra depth, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling.

Use store-bought pie crust to save time.

Chill tart before serving for clean slices.

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Perfect Fall Flavor Fusion: Maple and pumpkin combine beautifully for a dessert that screams autumn.
• Homemade Goodness: The flaky crust and creamy filling taste like something straight from a bakery.
• Visually Stunning: The chaotic swirl makes every tart unique and stunning to serve.
• Easy Yet Elegant: Simple ingredients, big impact — great for parties or cozy nights in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made a day before and chilled until serving time.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overbake: The filling should still have a gentle wobble in the center when removed from the oven — it will firm up as it cools.
• Use Pure Maple Syrup: Avoid pancake syrup; real maple gives authentic flavor and richness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the filling blend smoothly and evenly.
• Customize the Chaos: Try swirling in chocolate ganache, caramel, or cinnamon cream cheese for extra flair.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze individual slices (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: Serve cold or gently warm in the oven at low heat.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Homemade Maple Pumpkin Chaos Tart isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. Every bite combines smooth pumpkin, rich maple, and buttery crust with that signature swirl of chaos that makes it unforgettable.

It’s the perfect centerpiece for your fall table, combining traditional flavors with creative flair. Serve it at Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner, or just because you deserve a slice of sweetness.

For more inspired, seasonal creations like this, visit The Next Recipes — where every recipe turns simple ingredients into unforgettable memories.