Banana and apple caramel tart

Banana and apple caramel tart – a sweet delight, easy to prepare, perfect for adding a touch of magic to any meal, whether it's a morning snack alongside a cup of tea or a leisurely enjoyed coffee. This simple and quick recipe will surely become one of your favorites, and the combination of caramelized fruits will turn each slice into an explosion of flavors.

Before we begin, let’s delve a little into the history of this tart. Fruit tart is a dessert found in numerous cultures, appreciated for its versatility. The combination of bananas and apples is not chosen randomly: bananas, with their natural sweetness, blend perfectly with the tart flavors of apples, creating a unique taste balance. Now, let’s get to work!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the tart:
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 ml of oil
- 200 ml of milk

Ingredients for caramel:
- 2 very ripe bananas
- 1 or 2 apples
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 ml of water
- 10 ml of rum essence (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (optional, for decoration)

Step by step:

1. Prepare the tart dough. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and 2 caps of water (using the eggshell as a measuring unit) until you get a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until completely dissolved. The next step is to add the yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each. At this point, the citrus aroma of the lemon zest will start to be felt.

2. Incorporate the wet ingredients. Add the oil one tablespoon at a time and mix, followed by the milk. It is important to integrate all the ingredients to achieve a homogeneous dough.

3. Mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the cocoa and baking powder. Add the dry mixture to the wet composition, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix for a fine texture. Make sure there are no lumps left.

4. Bake the tart. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the dough into a greased and floured round pan (25 cm or 28 cm). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the tart cool for 10 minutes on a rack.

5. Prepare the caramel. While the tart is baking, let’s take care of the caramel. Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. On the other hand, slice the bananas into rounds. In a saucepan, add 3 tablespoons of sugar for caramelizing the bananas. This should turn golden and have a sweet aroma. Then, add the bananas and 50 ml of water, simmering until the caramel melts and the bananas become soft. Once done, let it cool.

6. Prepare the caramel with apples. In another saucepan, caramelize the other 3 tablespoons of sugar. Add the chopped apples and the remaining water, cooking everything on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until the apples become tender and absorb the sweet flavors. Let this caramel cool as well.

7. Finish the tart. Once the tart has cooled, turn it onto a platter. Mix the apple caramel with the banana caramel and generously pour it over the cooled tart. If you want a more elegant look, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.

Useful tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for a sweeter and more aromatic caramel.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, rum essence can be an excellent choice, adding a subtle note of complexity.
- You can also try other fruits, such as peaches or plums, depending on the season.

Nutritional benefits:
This banana and apple caramel tart is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamins, while apples provide essential fiber for digestion. Additionally, by using oil instead of butter, we have reduced the amount of saturated fats.

Perfect combinations:
Serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast. A cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but results may vary.
- Can the tart be stored? Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best fresh.

Now that you have everything you need, all that's left is to get cooking! Enjoy every step of this process and savor the final result. The banana and apple caramel tart is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a sweet memory that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!