Exquisite Fruit Tarts
Fruit tarts combine a crisp buttery pastry shell, a layer of creamy vanilla custard, and fresh seasonal fruit arranged on top. The custard and shell can be made ahead, making final assembly quick and easy for gatherings or celebrations.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Tart tins
- Whisk
- Oven
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour preferably unbleached
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon cold water adjust as needed
For the Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 pieces egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mixed fruits sliced (berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam for glazing, warmed
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour and granulated sugar. Add cold, cubed butter and rub in with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add beaten egg and cold water, mixing with a fork until the dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Blind Bake the Tart Shells:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Line 4-inch tart tins with pastry, trim edges, and prick bases with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with beans or rice. Bake for 15 minutes, remove parchment and weights, then bake for another 5 minutes or until golden. Cool.
Make the Custard:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, sugar, and cornstarch, whisking continuously until it begins to thicken. Remove from heat, stir a little warm mixture into the egg yolks, then return to the pan, whisking briskly. Cook until a thick custard forms. Add vanilla extract.
- Pass the custard through a sieve to remove lumps, pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill.
Assemble the Tarts:
- Spoon chilled custard into each tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange mixed fruits decoratively on top. Brush with warm apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Notes
- Dream of adding a citrus twist? Consider blending in a few teaspoons of lemon zest to the custard for a refreshing zing.
Nutrition
Calories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 2gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 684IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 2mg
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