Linzer tarts are a delicious treat that originated in Linz, Austria. They consist of a shortbread-like dough that is pressed into a tart pan, filled with jam, and topped with a lattice design crust. While Linzer tarts are classically made without nuts, many modern recipes call for ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to be added to the dough. So whether or not Linzer tarts contain nuts depends on the specific recipe used.
The History of Linzer Tarts
Linzer tarts have a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century in Linz, Austria. The original Linzer tart dough was made from flour, butter, egg yolks, lemon zest, cinnamon, and raspberry jam. Nuts were not part of the traditional ingredients. The lattice-topped tarts grew popular across Austria and Europe through the 17th and 18th centuries. They were named after the city of Linz and became known as Linzer Augen, meaning “eyes of Linz.”
It wasn’t until the 19th century that ground nuts started being incorporated into Linzer tart recipes. Almonds and hazelnuts were added to give the shortbread dough more texture and flavor. By the 1900s, Linzer tarts made their way to America along with many Austrians and German immigrants. The classic Linzer tart recipe remains popular today, though modern adaptations may include nuts.
Traditional Linzer Tart Ingredients
The traditional ingredients for Linzer tart dough contain:
- Flour
- Butter
- Sugar
- Egg yolks
- Lemon zest
- Cinnamon
Ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts are not part of the classic Linzer tart recipe. However, many modern versions do add nuts to the dough. The jam filling is traditionally raspberry, but any favorite preserve can be used.
Why Add Nuts to Linzer Tart Dough?
While not traditional, there are some good reasons to add nuts to Linzer tart dough:
- Enhanced flavor – Nuts like almonds and hazelnuts add a wonderful depth of flavor to Linzer tarts.
- Better texture – Ground nuts help create a more crumbly, dense, and shortbread-like texture.
- Nutrition – Nuts add protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
The most commonly used nuts in Linzer tarts are:
- Almonds – Sweet and buttery, they are the most traditional nut addition.
- Hazelnuts – Add a rich, earthy flavor.
- Walnuts – Contribute a slight bitterness and crunch.
- Pecans – Have a sweet, aromatic flavor.
Nut flours or nut meals made from very finely ground nuts can also be substituted for a portion of the all-purpose flour called for in Linzer tart recipes.
Nut Allergies and Linzer Tarts
Tree nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pecans are among the most common food allergens. Nut allergies can cause reactions ranging from mild itching or hives to life-threatening anaphylaxis. So for people with nut allergies, it’s extremely important to avoid Linzer tarts containing nuts.
Baked goods pose a particular risk because sources of allergens may not always be obvious. Traces of nuts can even be present from shared bakery equipment. So extra care must be taken.
Those with nut allergies should only eat Linzer tarts made from recipes confirmed not to contain nuts. If purchasing pre-made Linzer tarts, carefully check the ingredient labels. Do not eat them if there is any uncertainty about nut content.
When baking for those with nut allergies, prevent cross-contamination by thoroughly cleaning surfaces, using separate baking sheets, and avoiding substitution of nut flours or oils. Clarified butter should also be used in place of butter where traces of nuts may be present.
Nut-Free Linzer Tart Recipe
This classic Linzer tart recipe does not contain nuts, making it safe for those with nut allergies:
Ingredients
- 1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3⁄4 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the egg yolk, vanilla, and lemon zest and beat until incorporated.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom.
- On a lightly floured work surface, roll one disk of dough into a 10-inch round, about 1⁄8 inch thick. Press into the prepared tart pan, cutting off any overhang.
- Spoon the jam into the tart shell, spreading evenly. Roll the second disk of dough into a 9-inch round and cut into 1⁄2 inch wide strips.
- Arrange the strips in a lattice design over the jam. Trim any overhang. Bake for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Just before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar. Enjoy!
This traditional Linzer tart has no nuts, making it safe for people with nut allergies. The lattice crust and raspberry jam deliver on the classic Linzer flavors.
Purchasing Nut-Free Linzer Tarts
For those wanting the convenience of purchasing pre-made Linzer tarts without nuts, options include:
- Pepperidge Farm – Their Linzer Tarts contain wheat, milk, eggs, and soy only.
- Trader Joe’s – Their Imported Linzer Cookies contain wheat, milk, and eggs only.
- Mint Sweets – Their Linzer Heart Cookies are nut-free and kosher.
- FineCooking – Their online store sells Linzer Cookie Kits without nuts.
Always carefully read the full ingredient labels and do not consume the products if there are any traces of your allergen noted. Many major grocery store chains like Safeway, Kroger, and Wegmans also offer nut-free Linzer tart options under their own private label brands.
Substitutions for Nuts in Linzer Tart Recipes
For those wanting the texture benefits of nuts in Linzer tarts without the allergens, there are some substitutes to consider:
Seed Flours
Flours milled from seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, and flax can mimic some of the texture nuts contribute. Replace up to 1/4 of the flour in a Linzer tart recipe with an equal amount of seed flour.
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour has an absorptive quality similar to nut flours. Use up to 1/3 cup in place of an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Rolled Oats
Finely ground rolled oats can provide subtle nutty flavor. Use up to 1/2 cup in place of an equal amount of flour.
Nutritional Yeast
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast lends a nutty, cheese-like flavor to Linzer dough. Use 1-2 tablespoons.
Storing and Freezing Linzer Tarts
Linzer tarts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is recommended. Freeze unfilled, baked tart shells up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and fill as desired before serving.
Unbaked and jam-filled Linzer tarts can also be frozen, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. Allow to cool completely after baking before freezing.
Tips for Making Linzer Tarts
Follow these tips for perfect Linzer tarts every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better incorporation.
- Don’t overmix the dough, which can cause toughness. Mix just until it comes together.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 days, for easier rolling.
- Roll dough between two sheets of parchment for easier transfer.
- Trim dough edges after pressing into the pan for clean lines.
- Brush excess flour off dough strips before assembling to prevent burning.
- Use a very sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean dough strip cuts.
- Weave strips tightly so the filling doesn’t leak.
- Watch closely towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Linzer Tart Variations
While raspberry jam is traditional, Linzer tarts can be filled with many different jams or preserves. Some delicious flavor combinations include:
| Jam Filling | Complementary Dough Flavors |
|---|---|
| Strawberry | Lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla |
| Apricot | Almond extract, vanilla |
| Blackberry | Lemon zest, cinnamon |
| Cherry | Almond extract, cinnamon |
| Peach | Lemon zest, ginger, vanilla |
| Plum | Cinnamon, cardamom |
| Orange marmalade | Lemon zest, vanilla |
Get creative with different jams, extracts, spices, citrus zests, and more!
Linzer Tart Recipe Adaptations
The basic Linzer tart recipe can also be adapted in many ways, such as:
- Mini Linzer Tarts – Press dough into mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions.
- Linzer Sandwich Cookies – Sandwich jam between shortbread cookies.
- Linzer Tart Squares – Press into a square pan and cut into bars before baking.
- No-Bake Linzer Tarts – Soften shortbread cookies and sandwich jam between them.
- Vegan Linzer Tarts – Substitute vegan butter and an egg replacer like flax eggs.
- Gluten-Free Linzer Tarts – Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
You can also top Linzer tarts with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, chocolate drizzle, lemon glaze, or crushed nuts. Let your creativity shine!
Conclusion
While traditional Linzer tart recipes do not contain nuts, many modern versions incorporate almonds, hazelnuts, or other ground nuts into the dough. This adds flavor and texture but poses a risk to those with nut allergies.
People with nut allergies should only consume Linzer tarts confirmed to be nut-free through careful ingredient label reading or using trusted nut-free recipes. Substitutions like seed flours can provide some of the same textural benefits of nuts without the allergens.
With a timeless combination of tender pastry, fruity jam, and delicate lattice, Linzer tarts are sure to satisfy whether you stick with the classic nut-free recipe or add your own creative twist!