Fruit tart

Fruit Tart – a Colorful and Refreshing Delight

I invite you to embark on a journey together to prepare a fruit tart, a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the crust with the creaminess of the pudding and the freshness of the fruits. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings, and is not only delicious but also easy to make. Plus, if you love quick desserts, you will adore how simple it is to prepare!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of Servings: 8-10

The history of the fruit tart is rich in flavor. Over time, various cultures have created fruit desserts, but tarts with fluffy crusts and cream have gained popularity due to the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. This recipe is a modern, simplified version that retains all the essence of these classic desserts.

Ingredients for the crust:
- 3 large eggs
- 150 g of sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 125 ml of oil (about 1/2 cup)
- 125 g of yogurt (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Flour, as needed (about 200-250 g)

Ingredients for the cream:
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- 500 ml of milk
- Sugar to taste (optional, depending on preferences)

Ingredients for decoration:
- Fresh fruits of your choice (bananas, grapes, strawberries, oranges, etc.)
- 2 packets of gelatin

Step by step:

1. Preparing the crust
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure you have a tart pan (with a removable bottom, if possible) that you will grease with butter and flour.
- In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with 150 g of sugar until the mixture is frothy and light in color. This is a crucial step, as the incorporated air will help achieve a fluffy crust.
- Add the oil and yogurt, continuing to mix until well combined. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also a hint of acidity that will enhance the crust's texture.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and sift them to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour to the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or a mixer on low speed. Stop when the dough has a consistency similar to that of sponge cake - slightly thicker but still fluid.

2. Baking the crust
- Pour the obtained dough into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center of the crust; if it comes out clean, it’s perfect.
- After baking, let the crust cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully release it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. You can lightly trim the top of the crust if it’s too browned, to create an even surface for the cream.

3. Preparing the pudding cream
- In a saucepan, bring 500 ml of milk to a boil. Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat and add the packets of vanilla pudding, constantly stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. If you want a sweeter taste, add sugar to your liking.
- Continue stirring until the pudding thickens. It should have a creamy consistency but not too dense. Once ready, let it cool slightly and then pour it evenly over the cooled crust.

4. Adding fruits and gelatin
- Choose your favorite fruits and cut them into small pieces. Strawberries can be sliced, bananas into rounds, and grapes left whole, depending on your preference. Arrange the fruits beautifully on top of the pudding cream.
- Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Usually, it dissolves in hot water, and then it should be allowed to cool slightly. Once cooled, pour the gelatin over the fruits, ensuring they are evenly covered.

5. Final cooling
- Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, so the gelatin sets and all the flavors combine.

6. Serving
- Once the tart has cooled and the gelatin has set, it is ready to serve! You can decorate it with a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant touch.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the pudding.
- You can experiment with different combinations of fruits, depending on the season. For example, during the summer, peaches and raspberries are excellent!
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar or coconut on top before serving.

Nutritional benefits:
This tart is a good source of vitamins and minerals, thanks to the fresh fruits. Additionally, the yogurt in the crust provides a healthy intake of probiotics, beneficial for the digestive system. The crust, having a moderate amount of sugar, is a lighter option compared to other heavier desserts.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the yogurt with another ingredient?
- Yes, you can use milk or cream, but yogurt provides a unique texture and fresher taste.

2. How can I make the tart less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the crust and omit the sugar in the pudding; the fruits will add enough sweetness.

3. Can I use frozen fruits?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the tart to avoid excess water.

This fruit tart recipe is not just a dessert, but also a way to enjoy the colors and flavors of the season. Experiment with the ingredients and make it your own! Enjoy!