Plum tart with meringue

Plum and Meringue Tart - An explosion of flavors and textures in every slice

If you're looking for a dessert that perfectly blends sweetness, acidity, and a crunchy note, the plum and meringue tart is the perfect choice. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a story about beautiful moments spent around the table, about the flavors of autumn, and about the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 150 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 500 g plums (washed, pitted)
- Cinnamon (to taste)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- Almond flakes (for decoration)

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the butter or margarine at room temperature and the sugar, along with the vanilla sugar. Use a mixer to combine them until they become a creamy, slightly pale foam. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy dough.

2. Adding the eggs: Gradually add the 3 egg yolks and the whole egg, continuing to mix. It is important that the ingredients are well integrated to obtain a uniform dough.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Then, add the flour mixture to the creamy mixture and gently fold with a spatula until no flour streaks are visible. Avoid overmixing to prevent developing gluten and obtaining a dense dough.

4. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a baking pan with butter or margarine and pour the dough mixture into it. Level the dough well with a spatula and ensure it is evenly distributed.

5. Adding the plums: Place the plum halves, cut side up, on top of the dough. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over the plums for an extra flavor. The cinnamon will add a warm and comforting note.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the tart for 25-35 minutes. You will know it is ready when it passes the toothpick test - insert a toothpick in the middle of the tart, and if it comes out clean, it is perfectly baked.

7. Preparing the meringue: While the tart is baking, you can prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they start to stiffen. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a glossy and firm meringue. This step is essential for achieving a light and airy meringue.

8. Adding the meringue: Remove the tart from the oven and, using a large spoon, place dollops of meringue on top of the plums. Almond flakes can now be sprinkled on top to add texture and an appetizing look.

9. Baking the meringue: Put the tart back in the oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. The meringue should become golden and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is done, let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cut it into slices and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Useful tips

- Choosing plums: Opt for ripe but firm plums to achieve the best texture. Dried plums can be an alternative, but the taste will be different.
- Vegan option: You can replace butter with vegan margarine and eggs with banana puree or vegan yogurt to create a vegan-friendly version.
- Storing tarts: If not consumed immediately, the tart can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but the meringue will lose its crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits

Plums are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, being rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They contribute to digestive health and have antioxidant properties. Additionally, using quality butter adds healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to create unique variations of this tart.

- How can I make the meringue more flavorful?
Add a few drops of vanilla essence or almond extract to the meringue to enhance the flavors.

- What drinks pair well with the tart?
A cup of mint tea or a cold lemonade pairs perfectly with the tart, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the dessert.

The plum and meringue tart is more than just a simple dessert; it is a celebration of flavors that will delight all your senses. So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and surprise your family or friends with an extraordinary dish! Enjoy!