Are you craving a taste of autumn? Nothing says cozy comfort quite like a warm slice of homemade plum tart. This recipe is surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a stunning dessert that's bursting with juicy plum flavor. Forget those store-bought versions – this easy plum tart recipe delivers a delicious, homemade treat that will impress your family and friends. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, offering a satisfying yet manageable dessert option.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4 cups ripe plums, pitted and sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Assembling and Baking the Tart:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer to pan: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the sliced plums with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Fill the crust: Spoon the plum mixture evenly into the prepared tart crust.
- Egg wash: Brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the tart cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Plum Tart:
- Use ripe plums: Ripe plums will give you the best flavor and texture. Slightly underripe plums can be used, but they may not be as sweet.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the dough will make the crust tough.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier crust, you can blind bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If your plums are particularly sweet, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Variations:
- Add other fruits: Combine plums with other fruits like apples or pears for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make it vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg for the egg wash.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy plum tart recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a more elegant gathering. The combination of sweet plums and buttery crust is irresistible, and the homemade touch adds a special something that store-bought tarts just can't replicate. Enjoy!