An old English Epiphany (January 6) tradition, this star-shaped Epiphany Tart features multicolored jams that are meant to evoke a beautiful stained glass window! As well as being very pretty, the tart is delicious and simple to make.
There seem to be two types of people when it comes to Christmas decorations: those who love them and loathe to take them down on Twelfth Night (January 5) and those who can’t wait to see the end of them and enjoy seeing their house back to normal. If you are one of the former or one of the latter who enjoys baking, this is a neat little project that can extend the festive season, and, let’s face it, we need all the extra enjoyment we can get!
Epiphany Tart is made in a star shape and is used to celebrate Epiphany (January 6) and the arrival of the Three Kings to the Nativity (Matthew, 2 1–12.) It is a very old recipe dating back to the beginning of the 18th century and is really just a jam tart using multiple fruit jam flavors. This treat was considered a delicacy in the Victorian age.
Originally (and interestingly), this tart gave a few hidden insights into the household’s social standing and was apparently noted among the neighbors. It showed how devout the family was and how well they were managing. The tart has 13 spaces—meant to symbolize Jesus and the twelve disciples—and a different jam was supposed to fit each one. You were doing pretty well in the 1800s if you could rustle up that amount of jam (even today, I only managed 5!).
The Epiphany Tart is an easy recipe, fun to do with kids, and takes you back to those lovely days of summer—especially if you harvested and canned your own fruit.
Use your favorite pastry recipe or brand, or follow the directions for homemade dough below. While the tradition is 13 different jams, fit in as many as you wish (or have on hand)! My favorites are blackberry, raspberry, fig, cherry, and apricot; check out our Jelly Making Guide if you would like to make your own bespoke jellies. You can also use marmalade, preserves, or even lemon curd.
Ready? See How to Make Epiphany Tart!
Serve a slice of tart with a good cup of tea (or pour a sherry—after all, we are trying to impress!). Enjoy!
Pastry Dough
Jam Tart
Catherine Boeckmann
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This would be even more wonderful made with a Star of Bethlehem shape. It would have to be more oblong than circular, and would require nine different jams. Someone must sell jam sampler packs…
Late to the party , but in response to some of the comments, the video DOES show the six-pointed star along with a five-pointed star. I think someone calling it "misleading" is pretty harsh... just make your star five or six-points, it's not that hard for heaven sakes! And it is mentioned in the article, making the SIX points allows for 13 spaces in total to fill with your jam - spaces representing the 12 apostles plus Jesus. How interesting! Just my two cents.
Pamela, you took the words right out of my mouth. Which will be full of tart this evening. Have a healthy and happy 2024!
I made this recipe today. Used preserves of apricot, red raspberries, and black currents. The pastry was tough, I didn’t like it, next time I’ll use my tried and true pie crust. I agree with another commenter, it’s confusing, the video shows a 6 point start finished product is a 5 point star. It would help if the video showed how to make the star. Otherwise it’s delicious and pretty easy to make.
Looks so nice! I may try it with puff pastry or biscuit dough to have for breakfast!
This looks like an interesting pastry to make but the photo of the incomplete tart is a little misleading. The finished product is a 6 pointed star but the unfinished one is only a 5 pointed star.
Thank you Zach. I was not familiar with the Hindu symbol of the Shatkona. I'm on my way to do some research. It's always a good day when you can learn something new. Having both the Jewish and Christian faiths in my family history, I'm well aware of the connection of the two religions.
Yes, Christianity came out of Judaism, the star of david is also called the Shatkona in Hinduism, religious symbols are all shared throughout almost all religions regardless of meaning and also no matter how unique people think they are.
Not for nuthin', but this cake is in the shape of the Jewish star of David or Mogen David. How interesting is that? Is there a connection?