For those who adore the vibrant taste of orange, this Chilled Orange Tart is a refreshing and zesty dessert that promises to please. It features a crisp, buttery crust filled with a smooth, rich orange curd, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This cold tart is the epitome of freshness, perfect for enjoying on a warm day or as a bright finish to any meal.
Why You'll Love This:
This tart celebrates the bold and tangy essence of oranges in a creamy, dreamy curd set atop a homemade pastry crust. The combination of the sweet and citrusy filling with the flaky base is irresistible, providing a sophisticated twist on classic citrus desserts. It's a light yet indulgent treat that's not overly sweet, making it ideal for those who appreciate the natural flavors of fruit in their desserts.
Perfect Occasion:
Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or as an elegant dessert at dinner parties. It's also a great choice for holiday celebrations when you're looking for something refreshing and different from traditional heavy desserts. This orange tart is sure to impress guests and satisfy those citrus cravings.
Decoration Tips:
Garnish the tart with candied orange slices for an extra touch of elegance and a boost of orange flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a simple orange glaze can enhance its appearance and sweetness. For a more dramatic presentation, arrange a few mint leaves or edible flowers atop the tart just before serving.
For the Tart Crust:
- 150g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 20g sugar
- 75g cold butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and cold butter with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Mix in the egg and water until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and line a 20cm tart pan. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill with baking weights. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 7 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.
For the Orange Curd Filling:
- 500ml orange juice
- 150g sugar
- 4 egg yolks (or 2 whole eggs)
- 70g cornstarch
- Boil the orange juice and sugar in a pot.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the egg yolks. Gradually incorporate some of the hot juice into the mixture, then add back to the pot.
- Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens. Pour the warm curd into the cooled crust and let it cool completely.
For the Candied Oranges:
- [The recipe for candied oranges was not provided, but typically involves simmering orange slices in a simple syrup until they are soft and translucent.]
Enjoy this Chilled Orange Tart as a refreshing homage to the beloved citrus fruit. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dessert that's as enjoyable to eat as it is beautiful to behold.