Indulge in a luxurious dessert that combines the crispiness of almond shortbread with the velvety texture of crème brûlée, all topped with a smooth milk chocolate ganache and sprinkled with crunchy caramel bits. This tart is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, featuring a rich and creamy filling speckled with delightful pieces of caramel candy, creating an unforgettable taste experience. Perfect for those who love a touch of elegance in their sweets, this tart is sure to impress at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
Why You'll Love This: This Almond Shortbread Crème Brûlée Tart is a dream come true for dessert aficionados. The combination of a buttery almond base with the soft custard of the crème brûlée, enriched with vanilla and caramel pieces, provides a multi-layered taste sensation. The milk chocolate ganache adds a final touch of decadence, making every bite a luxurious experience. The addition of crunchy caramel pieces introduces an unexpected texture that elevates this dessert to new heights of deliciousness.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for special occasions, holiday dinners, or as a sophisticated finale to a gourmet meal. Whether it's a birthday celebration, an anniversary, or simply a weekend baking project, this tart promises to be the centerpiece of your dessert table. It's also a great choice for a high-tea menu or as an indulgent snack to pair with your afternoon coffee.
Decoration Tips: For an exquisite presentation, garnish the tart with a few more crunchy caramel bits and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Edible gold leaf or gold dust can add a touch of luxury, making the tart even more visually appealing. Serve each slice on elegant plates, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flair.
For the Almond Shortbread Base:
- 120g diced butter
- 60g almond powder
- 60g brown sugar
- 120g flour
For the Vanilla Crème Brûlée with Caramel Bits:
- 100g crunchy caramel candies, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (or seeds from 1 vanilla pod)
- 130g milk
- 250g heavy cream
- 130g sweetened condensed milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 110g sugar
For the Milk Chocolate Ganache:
- 100g heavy cream
- 100g milk chocolate
For Decoration:
- 100g crunchy caramel candies
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Combine almond shortbread ingredients and chill for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the vanilla crème brûlée filling, whisking egg yolks and sugar, then gradually incorporating the heated milk, cream, and sweetened condensed milk mixture with vanilla. Stir in the chopped caramel candies.
- Roll out the shortbread dough in a removable-bottom tart pan and bake for 15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, pour the crème brûlée mixture over the crust, scatter more caramel pieces, and bake at 140°C (284°F) for 35-40 minutes.
- Allow the tart to cool completely before topping with the ganache made from heated cream poured over milk chocolate.
- Decorate with additional caramel candies for a delightful crunch.
Enjoy this sumptuous Almond Shortbread Crème Brûlée Tart with Milk Chocolate Ganache, a dessert that promises to dazzle your senses with its rich flavors and textures, making any occasion extra special.