Fruit Tart Recipe | Just In 6 Easy Steps.

A fruit tart is a delectable and visually appealing dessert that combines a crisp pastry crust with a luscious filling and a vibrant array of fresh fruits. This classic confectionery delight is a favorite among pastry lovers and is often found in bakeries, cafes, and dessert menus worldwide.

The base of a fruit tart is typically made from buttery and flaky shortcrust or sweet pastry, which provides a delightful contrast to the soft and juicy fruit toppings. The filling can vary, ranging from a creamy custard or velvety pastry cream to a rich frangipane almond filling. These fillings not only add depth to the taste but also serve as a bed for the fruit to rest upon.

The real star of the show, however, is the fresh fruit topping. Colorful slices of succulent strawberries, zesty blueberries, ripe peaches, tangy kiwis, and other seasonal fruits are artfully arranged on top of the tart, creating a beautiful and appetizing display.

Whether served as a whole tart to share or in individual portions, fruit tarts are a delightful treat that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the eye. They are perfect for summer gatherings, celebrations, or any occasion where a burst of fruity freshness is desired in a scrumptious dessert.

Making a delicious fruit tart is a delightful culinary adventure that combines a buttery crust, creamy custard filling, and a colorful assortment of fresh fruits. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through the process of creating a scrumptious fruit tart from scratch. The recipe below is designed for beginners but can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Of Fruit Tart Recipe:

For the crust:

• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the custard filling:

• 1 and 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the fruit topping:

• Assorted fresh fruits (berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)
• 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)

Step By Step Instructions Of Fruit Tart Recipe:

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is still crumbly, add another tablespoon of ice water. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Preparing the Custard Filling

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s steaming, but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Slowly pour about half of the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk.
4. Cook the custard over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and reaches a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Fruit

1. Wash and dry the fresh fruits thoroughly. Cut larger fruits like peaches into thin slices, and leave smaller fruits like berries whole or halved.
2. If using fruits like apples or pears that tend to brown quickly, you can toss them in a mixture of lemon juice and water to preserve their color.

Step 4: Assembling the Fruit Tart

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Gently transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess from the top.
4. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
5. Place a sheet of parchment paper on the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to prevent it from rising.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Then, remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

Step 5: Final Assembly

1. Once the crust has cooled completely, spread the custard filling evenly over the bottom.
2. Arrange the fresh fruits on top of the custard in a visually appealing pattern.
3. In a small saucepan, gently heat the apricot jam until it becomes smooth and liquid. Brush the glaze over the fruits to add shine and preserve their freshness.
4. If desired, garnish the fruit tart with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Step 6: Serving and Storage

1. Once assembled, the fruit tart is best served immediately. However, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
2. Leftover fruit tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, note that the crust may become slightly softer over time due to the moisture from the custard and fruits.

Congratulations! You’ve now made a delicious and visually stunning fruit tart that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy this delightful treat and feel free to experiment with different fruits and flavor combinations in the future!