Indulge in the delightful combination of a crisp buttery crust, luscious pastry cream, and a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits with this Fruit Tart! This elegant dessert is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Who Will Love This Tart?
This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the harmony of textures and flavors in a beautiful dessert. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a gathering with loved ones, or simply to showcase seasonal fruits in a delightful way, the Fruit Tart is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Fruit Tart:
- For the Tart Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
- For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Fruit Topping:
- Assorted fresh fruits (such as berries, kiwi, peaches, or grapes), washed and sliced as needed
- Apricot jam or fruit preserves for glazing (optional)
Directions for Homemade Fruit Tart:
Making the Tart Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the lightly beaten egg and mix until the dough comes together. If needed, add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms a ball.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk until it reaches a gentle simmer. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and transfer the pastry cream to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator until completely cooled.
Rolling Out the Crust and Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan.
- Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and continue baking for another 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely.
Assembling the Fruit Tart:
- Once the crust has cooled, spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the bottom of the tart crust.
- Arrange the sliced fresh fruits decoratively over the pastry cream.
Glazing the Fruits (Optional):
- If desired, warm the apricot jam or fruit preserves in a saucepan over low heat until slightly melted.
- Gently brush the melted jam or preserves over the arranged fruits for a glossy finish.
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Tart pan with removable bottom
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Pie weights or dried beans
- Pastry brush (if glazing fruits)
Serving the Fruit Tart:
Serve slices of this stunning Fruit Tart chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s perfect for dessert or as an elegant addition to any celebration.
Storing the Fruit Tart:
Store any leftover Fruit Tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it’s covered or wrapped to maintain the freshness of the fruits.
In Conclusion:
Savor the exquisite flavors and beauty of this homemade Fruit Tart. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and remember to subscribe to our blog for more culinary inspirations. Let the combination of buttery crust, creamy pastry cream, and fresh fruits tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy!