Plum Tart with Crumble

Plum and Crumble Tart: A Seasonal Delight

The plum and crumble tart is one of those recipes that perfectly combines the flavors of autumn with a crunchy texture, making it a great addition to festive tables or moments of culinary indulgence. The plums, with their sweetness and juiciness, are the stars of this dessert, and the combination with a delicious crumble offers an explosion of flavors and textures. This recipe is simple and quick, ideal for any cooking enthusiast, whether you are a novice or have more experience in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 180 g flour
- 80 g butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g plums (fresh, well-ripened)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the plums)

For the crumble:
- 100 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for extra flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the butter cut into cubes and mix with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to fine sand. Add the egg and knead again until the dough becomes smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the plums: During this time, wash the plums well under running water. Cut each plum in half and remove the pits. If the plums are not very sweet, you can sprinkle them with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to enhance their flavor.

3. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a sheet about 3-5 mm thick. Transfer the dough to a greased tart pan. Make sure the dough fits perfectly on the bottom and sides. You can use a fork to poke a few holes in the dough to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

4. Arranging the plums: Arrange the plum halves evenly over the dough surface. This will ensure an even distribution of flavors during baking.

5. Preparing the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Use your fingers to mix the ingredients until you achieve a crumbly mixture. This will provide a crunchy texture to your tart.

6. Assembling the tart: Evenly sprinkle the crumble over the plums, ensuring that you cover the entire surface. This will create a delicious and aromatic crust during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tart pan in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and crispy, and the plums are tender.

8. Cooling and serving: Allow the tart to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, you can dust a little powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance. Slice and enjoy!

Practical tips:

- Choosing plums: Opt for well-ripened plums, preferably of two varieties to add complexity to the flavors. Sweeter plums pair perfectly with the crunchy crumble.

- Crumble variations: You can add chopped nuts or oats to the crumble mixture for extra texture. Or, if you love chocolate, you can incorporate some dark chocolate chips.

- Serving: The tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. A cup of winter tea or a sweet white wine are perfect accompaniments.

Nutritional benefits:

Plums are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. While this dessert is delicious, it should be consumed in moderation due to the sugar and butter in the recipe. You can experiment with healthier alternatives, such as using natural sweeteners or almond butter.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can replace the plums with apples, peaches, or even cherries, depending on the season.

- How can I store the tart? The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. The flavor will intensify even more the next day.

- Can I freeze the tart? Yes, the tart can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can thaw only the desired portions.

The plum and crumble tart is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to savor beautiful moments with loved ones. So, embrace this plum season and enjoy every slice!