Plum and Walnut Tart

Plum and Walnut Tart – An Explosion of Flavors in Every Slice

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of plums with the crunch of walnuts? The Plum and Walnut Tart is not just a treat, but also a recipe full of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories and moments spent around the table with loved ones. This recipe will entice you with its inviting aromas and unique texture, perfect for any occasion. I will present the necessary steps to create this delicious tart, along with some useful tips to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 180 g unsalted butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g ground walnuts
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of 1 lemon (for an extra freshness)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 300-350 g flour (depending on the desired consistency)

For the filling:
- 1 kg frozen plums (or fresh when in season)
- 50 g butter
- 3-4 tablespoons sugar (depending on the sweetness of the plums)
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- A pinch of cinnamon (for a warm aroma)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar with vanilla beans

A Brief History

Plum tart is a traditional dessert in many cultures, symbolizing the harvest season and the joy brought by autumn fruits. Plums, with their sweet-sour flavor, are perfect for baking, while walnuts add an unmistakable texture. This combination has been appreciated over time and has evolved into various versions, each with a personal touch.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the plums
If using frozen plums, thaw them in a strainer to drain excess water. If you have fresh plums, wash them well and cut them in half, removing the pits. This step is essential to avoid a watery filling.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add the softened butter, sugar, ground walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or spatula to combine all the ingredients until you obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. Add the grated lemon zest and vanilla bean sugar, mixing well.

3. Incorporating the flour
Sift the flour and gradually add it to the butter mixture, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you achieve a smooth and non-sticky dough. The dough should have a pleasant, slightly elastic texture. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the filling
In a saucepan, add the sugar and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts. Add the plum halves, lemon juice and zest, vanilla bean sugar, and cinnamon. Let the mixture cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the plums release too much juice, you can drain them a bit to avoid a wet filling.

5. Assembling the tart
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a tart pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Take half of the dough and grate it over the bottom of the pan, covering it evenly. Add the plum filling, spreading it evenly with a spoon, without pressing too hard. Grate the remaining dough over the filling.

6. Baking
Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the surface is nicely browned. You will smell a delicious aroma spreading throughout the house!

7. Cooling and serving
After baking, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and added sweetness. The Plum and Walnut Tart is delicious both warm and cold, and can be served plain or with a dollop of sour cream or ice cream.

Useful Tips

- Ingredients: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough. Ground walnuts can be replaced with almonds or hazelnuts if you want a different version.
- Variations: You can experiment with other seasonal fruits such as apples or peaches to diversify the recipe. You can also add whole nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for an extra flavor boost.
- Pairings: The Plum and Walnut Tart pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of white wine. Additionally, vanilla ice cream is a perfect accompaniment!

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of Plum and Walnut Tart (approximately 100 g) contains about 350 calories, but also provides a good source of fiber thanks to the plums and walnuts. These ingredients are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, benefiting heart health and the digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dried plums?: Dried plums can be used, but you will need to rehydrate them by soaking in warm water for a few hours before use.
- How can I store the tart?: The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crunchy texture.
- Can I freeze the tart?: Yes, the tart can be frozen before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you want to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the instructions.

This Plum and Walnut Tart is not just a dessert, but a true celebration of flavors! Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it's impossible not to fall in love with it. So gather your ingredients and let's enjoy this delight together!