Fruit Tart

Fruit tart is a delicious and refined dessert, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. This simple yet elegant recipe combines a crispy tart crust with a creamy vanilla pudding filling, all complemented by a variety of fresh fruits. It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also the eyes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the tart shell:
- 225 g all-purpose flour (choose a quality flour, preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 150 g unsalted butter (use unsalted butter for better control of salt)
- 75 g sugar (brown sugar can add a caramel flavor)
- 1 egg white

For the filling:
- 1 and a half packets of vanilla pudding (you can opt for an organic version for a more authentic taste)
- 550 ml milk (whole milk will provide superior creaminess)
- 300 g strawberries (fresh and sweet)
- 100 g pineapple (either fresh or well-drained canned)
- 1/2 packet gelatin (gelatin will help keep the fruits on the tart, but you can replace it with a fruit glaze for a more natural option)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the tart shell
1. In a large bowl, mix the sugar with the softened butter until you obtain a creamy mixture. This is the perfect base for the crust, bringing a rich taste and pleasant texture.
2. Add the flour and mix until the ingredients are well combined and you have a smooth dough. It is important not to knead too much to avoid developing gluten.
3. Finally, add the egg white and continue to knead gently. This will help bind the ingredients and contribute to a flakier crust.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the butter to firm up, resulting in a crispier crust.

Step 2: Baking the crust
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Grease the tart pan with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.
3. Once the dough has rested, roll it out evenly on a lightly floured surface, ensuring an even thickness.
4. Carefully place the rolled dough into the prepared pan, making sure to cover the edges well. Put the tart back in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Check after 20 minutes; the crust should be golden and crispy.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. In a saucepan, bring 550 ml of milk to a boil.
2. When the milk starts to boil, add the packet of vanilla pudding according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Once the pudding has thickened, pour it warm into the baked tart crust. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer the tart to the refrigerator, where it can chill ideally overnight.

Step 4: Decorating with fruits
1. Slice the strawberries, and if using fresh pineapple, cut it into small cubes. If using canned pineapple, make sure it is well-drained.
2. Once the filling has completely cooled, arrange the fruit slices on top of the vanilla pudding as you prefer.
3. Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, and when it is almost cool, gently brush it over the arranged fruits. This will add a tempting shine and help keep the fruits on the tart.

Serving and suggestions

This fruit tart is served cold, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can accompany it with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It is an ideal dessert for parties, holiday meals, or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day.

Tips and useful advice

- Fruit variations: Experiment with other fruits like kiwi, raspberries, or berries to diversify the taste and appearance of the tart.
- Almond flour: You can substitute part of the flour with almond flour for a more flavorful crust and a different texture.
- Vanilla sugar: Add a teaspoon of vanilla sugar to the crust mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Seasonal fruits: Use seasonal fruits to ensure the best flavor and freshness.

Nutritional information

This fruit tart is a relatively healthy dessert option, rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to the fresh fruits. The calories vary depending on the exact ingredients used, but a serving of tart may contain approximately 250-300 calories. It is important to consume it in moderation, but it is a better choice compared to many other processed desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of milk for the pudding?
Yes, you can use almond, soy, or coconut milk, but the taste and texture may vary slightly.

2. How can I make this tart less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the crust or choose less sweet fruits.

3. Is it possible to make the tart a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it is recommended to let the tart sit in the refrigerator overnight to set well.

4. How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

Try this fruit tart recipe and let yourself be inspired by the colors and flavors of fresh fruits! It is a dessert that will bring you joy not only during preparation but also at the table, and it will surely become a favorite in your family.