This Classic Creamy Square Tart brings back the charm of old-fashioned baking with its rich, creamy filling and buttery crust. Crafted in a long dish and cut into squares, this dessert was a favorite for its simplicity and delightful taste. Whether you choose to fill it with traditional pastry cream or switch it up with jam or chocolate spread, it’s sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.
Why You'll Love This
The combination of a crisp, flaky crust with a smooth, vanilla-infused cream creates a contrast that's both satisfying and delicious. This tart is perfect for those who appreciate the classic flavors of vanilla and sweet cream, all nestled within a homemade crust that’s baked to perfection.
Perfect Occasion
This tart is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting treat to end a cozy dinner. It’s simple enough for an everyday dessert yet can be dressed up for special occasions with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate.
Decoration Tips
For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar or light cocoa powder before serving. If using jam or chocolate spread, consider adding a lattice crust top before baking for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
- For the Pastry Cream:
- 1/2 liter of milk
- 80g pastry cream powder (about 4 well-heaped tablespoons)
- 5 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- 1 egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- For the Dough:
- 200g butter
- 150g sugar (about 1 cup)
- 1 whole egg and 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup oil
- 8g baking powder
- Approximately 550g flour
Key Notes:
- Filling Alternatives: If pastry cream isn’t to your taste, feel free to substitute with jam, chocolate spread, or even caramelized apples for a delightful twist.
- Baking: Bake at 180 degrees Celsius on lower heat initially to ensure the base crisps up nicely, then switch to upper heat towards the end to achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Pan Size: A 24 cm diameter tart pan works best for this recipe.
Recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry Cream: Heat the milk until it simmers. Whisk the pastry cream powder, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually add the hot milk, stirring continuously. Return the mixture to the heat and cook until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dough: Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the whole egg, egg white, and oil, mixing well. Combine the baking powder with the flour and gradually add to the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Assemble the Tart: Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the tart pan. Pour the cooled pastry cream over the dough. If desired, roll out the remaining dough to create a top layer or decorations.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake using the lower heat setting until the edges are golden. Finish with the upper heat if needed to lightly brown the top.
- Cool: Allow the tart to cool in the pan to avoid breaking when removing.
Enjoy this Classic Creamy Square Tart, a timeless dessert that’s sure to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table!