Fruit tart

Captivating FRUIT TART Recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

A fruit tart is more than just a simple dessert; it is an explosion of colors and flavors, a symbol of summer and joy. This recipe, with a sweet pastry crust and vanilla cream, is perfect for celebrating special moments or simply indulging after a long day. I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, so you can impress everyone.

HISTORY AND INSPIRATION
The fruit tart has its origins in baking tradition, dating back to the medieval era. Using simple and accessible ingredients, people began to experiment with different combinations of fruits, dough, and creams, resulting in delicious desserts that have evolved over time. Today's tart is a happy combination of pastry technique and fresh fruits, offering an explosion of textures and flavors.

INGREDIENTS
For the sweet pastry dough:
- 195 g flour
- A quarter teaspoon salt
- 113 g unsalted butter, softened
- 50 g sugar

For the pastry cream:
- 300 ml milk
- A teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 g sugar
- 20 g flour
- 20 g cornstarch (or ½ teaspoon cornmeal)
- 3 egg yolks
- 10 ml liqueur (Grand Marnier, Brandy, Kirsch) – optional

For the apricot glaze (optional):
- 120 g apricot jam
- A tablespoon Grand Marnier or water (or other liqueurs)

For topping:
- 2-3 cups of fruits such as strawberries, bananas, kiwi, blackberries, raspberries, pineapple, melon, etc.

STEP BY STEP IN PREPARING THE TART

1. Preparing the dough
Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. This simple step is essential to ensure a uniform and delicious base for the tart. If you want to achieve a more flavorful dough, you can add a pinch of cinnamon.

In a food processor or mixer, place the softened butter and mix until creamy. Add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy. It is important to pay attention to this step, as properly aerating the butter will make the dough lighter and more delicate.

Gradually incorporate the beaten egg yolk, mixing well. Now, add the flour mixture to the bowl with butter and sugar. Use a wooden spoon to mix until the ingredients combine and form a ball. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough dough.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and contribute to a perfect texture.

2. Rolling the dough
Prepare a tart pan with a removable bottom (23x30 cm). On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and start rolling out the dough with a rolling pin, from the center outward, to achieve an even thickness of about 3 mm. Don’t worry if the dough cracks; you can use a little flour to fix it.

To ensure that the dough is the right size, place the pan on top and check if it is 2 cm larger than the dough. When you finish rolling, sprinkle flour on top, lift the dough with the rolling pin, and carefully place it in the pan. If it tears, don’t stress; you can easily repair the affected areas.

3. Baking the dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 205 degrees Celsius. Place a piece of parchment paper on the dough and put ceramic balls on top, or if you don’t have them, you can use beans or rice to prevent puffing. If you have none of these, prick the dough with a fork.

Bake the dough for 10-20 minutes, until it turns golden brown. Remove the weights and let it cool completely.

4. Preparing the pastry cream
In a food processor or with a mixer, add the sugar and egg yolks. Mix until you get a creamy mixture. Add the flour and cornstarch, continuing to mix.

In a saucepan, heat the milk with the vanilla essence over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add it to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent coagulation. Put everything back on medium heat and, stirring continuously, cook until the cream thickens. When it reaches boiling point, stir constantly for 30-60 seconds. Then, remove the cream from the heat and add the liqueur, if using.

Transfer the cream to a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it cool completely. If you are not using it immediately, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Preparing the glaze
In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam until it becomes liquid. Add the liqueur or water and mix well. This glaze will give a tempting shine to your tart.

6. Assembling the tart
To remove the tart from the pan, do not pull on the edges, as the dough is fragile. Push the bottom of the pan with your palm and allow it to slide onto a large plate. Spread a thin layer of jam on the edges and inside the dough. If you prefer, you can use melted chocolate instead of jam.

Let it dry for 20 minutes. Then, add the pastry cream and smooth it out. Now comes the fun part: decorate the tart with your favorite fruits. Use strawberries, kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit that catches your eye!

Once you finish decorating, brush the fruits with the apricot glaze to give them a shiny appearance. If you are not serving it immediately, place the tart in the refrigerator. It is important to know that it is best served on the same day it was prepared.

USEFUL TIPS
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits for the best flavors.
- You can replace the liqueur with citrus juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- The tart pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
One serving of fruit tart contains approximately 250 calories, but this may vary depending on the type of fruits and jam used. Fresh fruits provide a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants, while the vanilla cream offers a source of calcium and protein.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste will vary.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart is best stored in the refrigerator, covered, for a maximum of 2 days.

3. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, but make sure to let them thaw well and drain excess water.

I hope this fruit tart recipe inspires you to try it and enjoy every bite! It is a dessert that not only looks splendid but also tastes wonderful, bringing a touch of joy to any meal. Enjoy!