Caramelized Plum Tart

Caramelized Plum Tart: A Fall Delight

Caramelized plum tart is a perfect recipe for fall, when plums are at their peak flavor. This dessert is not only delicious but also an excellent way to transform seasonal fruits into a sweet masterpiece. With a flaky crust and delightful filling, this tart will bring joy to holiday tables or quiet evenings at home.

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 320 g flour
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 90 g sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the filling:
- 1 kg plums (well-ripened)
- 100 g sugar
- 30 g butter
- 30 g cornstarch
- 2-3 tablespoons semolina

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the plum filling

1. Cleaning the plums: Start by washing the plums under cold running water. Then, cut them in half and remove the pits. It is important to choose ripe plums, as they will bring natural sweetness to your tart.

2. Caramelizing the sugar: In a deep pan, add 100 g of sugar and place it over medium heat. Stir constantly, being careful not to burn it, as caramelized sugar can become bitter. When the sugar starts to melt and turns golden, add the butter. Continue stirring until completely melted.

3. Adding the plums: Once the butter has melted, add the plums. Gently mix to coat the plums with the caramelized sugar. Upon contact with the sugar, some will harden, but don't worry, as it will dissolve during cooking.

4. Boiling the filling: Allow the mixture to boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The plums will begin to release their juice, and the caramel will blend together.

5. Adding the cornstarch: After the filling has boiled, take a fork or whisk and add the cornstarch, mixing well to prevent lumps from forming. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix with your fingers until you obtain a crumbly mixture, similar to breadcrumbs.

2. Adding the water: Gradually pour in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball. Do not knead too much, as you want a flaky dough.

3. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This will allow the butter to firm up, resulting in a perfect crust.

Step 3: Assembling and baking the tart

1. Dividing the dough: After the resting time, take the dough out of the refrigerator. Divide it into two parts, one larger (about 70%) for the base and the other for the lattice.

2. Preparing the base: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough for the base into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Transfer it to a tart pan with a diameter of 28 cm. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the pan well.

3. Pre-baking the dough: Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden.

4. Adding the semolina: After removing the base from the oven, evenly sprinkle the semolina on the bottom of the tart. This will absorb the juice from the plums and prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

5. Adding the filling: Pour the caramelized plum filling over the semolina, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Preparing the lattice: Roll out the remaining dough to form thin strips. Place the strips over the filling, creating a lattice pattern. This detail not only adds a pleasing appearance but also helps with even baking.

7. Final baking: Bake the tart at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, until the lattice turns golden and crisp.

Step 4: Serving

Once the tart has cooled slightly, you can remove it from the pan and serve it warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the plum filling to enhance the flavors.

Tips and variations

- Fruit variations: You can also use other fruits, such as apples or pears, instead of plums for a varied tart.
- Spices: Adding vanilla or nutmeg to the plum filling can bring a note of flavor complexity.
- Other types of sugar: Experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and darker caramel color.

Nutritional benefits

Plums are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. This dessert, while delicious, can be enjoyed in moderation, having a moderate caloric content due to the sugar and butter.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen plums? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use to avoid a too-wet filling.
- How can I store the tart? It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and is even tastier the next day, as the flavors have time to meld.

Caramelized plum tart is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of nostalgia to every slice. So, embrace the fall season with this simple and delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite!