Apple pie with plum jam

Apple and Plum Jam Tart: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love an apple tart enriched with aromatic plum jam? This apple and plum jam tart recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for a sweet snack or an elegant dessert. Before we start cooking, let's discover some interesting details about this recipe.

A Brief History of Apple Tart

Apple tart has been a popular dessert throughout the centuries, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Apples, versatile and healthy fruits, are frequently used in both sweet and savory dishes. Adding plum jam to the filling provides a richness and depth of flavor, transforming a classic recipe into a memorable culinary experience.

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 200 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (quenched with a little lemon juice)
- 3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 5 tablespoons plum jam (preferably homemade for a more authentic taste)
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 4 apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith apples)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For brushing:
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Dough

Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar and a pinch of salt until you achieve a creamy mixture. This is an essential step, as the butter must be well incorporated to ensure a flaky texture for the tart.

Add the beaten egg and lemon zest, continuing to mix. Then, quench the baking soda with a little lemon juice and add it to the mixture. This step helps activate the baking soda, giving the dough a fluffier texture.

Gradually incorporate the water and half of the flour, mixing well. Then, transfer the mixture to a floured work surface and knead it with your hands until all the flour is well incorporated. The dough should have a soft but not sticky consistency.

Once you finish kneading, wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for one hour. This will help firm up the butter and facilitate the later rolling out of the dough.

2. Preparing the Filling

Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. Wash and peel the apples, then slice them thinly. These will add a crunchy texture and fresh taste to the tart.

In a bowl, mix the apple slices with the sugar and cinnamon. This combination will add a subtle sweetness and wonderful aroma to the filling.

3. Assembling the Tart

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and cut off a quarter of it, setting it aside. This will be used for decoration. On a floured work surface, roll out the remaining dough into a round sheet, about 1-2 cm larger than the round pan where it will be placed.

Grease the pan with butter and dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. Place the dough in the pan, gently pressing the edges to fit the shape.

4. Adding the Jam and Apples

Spread the dough with plum jam, then sprinkle a tablespoon of semolina. This will absorb excess moisture from the apples, preventing the tart from becoming soggy.

Arrange the apple slices evenly around, covering the base. Sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar and cinnamon on top for a sweet and aromatic flavor.

5. Decorating the Tart

From the reserved dough, cut out hearts or other desired shapes, placing them over the apples. These not only provide an attractive look but also an additional texture to the tart.

Brush the hearts with melted butter and sprinkle with vanilla sugar for added flavor.

6. Baking

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is ready, place the tart inside and bake for 35 minutes, until the dough is beautifully golden. The aromas of the combined apples and plum jam will fill the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

7. Serving

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, cut it into slices and serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Apples: Use tart apples to balance the sweetness of the plum jam. Granny Smith or Fuji apples are excellent choices.
- Jam Variations: Feel free to experiment with other types of jam, such as apricot or raspberry, to diversify the flavors.
- Storing the Tart: The tart keeps well at room temperature for a few days but can also be frozen. Wrap it well in cling film and place it in the freezer.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of tart contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively moderate choice for a dessert, especially when served alongside a portion of fresh fruit. Apples are an excellent source of fiber, and the plum jam adds a touch of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can try using peaches, plums, or even berries.

2. How can I make the tart healthier?
You can replace some of the butter with a healthier oil or use whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content.

3. What drinks pair well with the tart?
A warm apple tea or a sweet white wine would perfectly complement this dessert.

This apple and plum jam tart is not just a dessert but a culinary experience that brings back warm memories spent with loved ones. Treat yourself and those around you with this simple yet impressive recipe, and don't forget to share the joy of cooking!