This Crème Brûlée Tart combines the beloved rich, custard flavor of traditional crème brûlée with a buttery, crisp tart shell, creating a sophisticated dessert that is as delightful to eat as it is elegant to present. The smooth, vanilla-infused custard filling is perfectly complemented by a golden, baked crust, offering a contrast of textures that melts wonderfully in your mouth.
Why You'll Love This: Crème Brûlée Tart is an enchanting fusion of two classic desserts, making it a unique and irresistible treat. The creamy custard filling, enriched with vanilla and baked to just the right jiggle, offers a lush, indulgent experience, while the flaky crust adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a perfect dessert for those who love the depth of flavor and luxurious texture of crème brûlée but crave the structural component of a tart.
Perfect Occasion: This tart is ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, bridal showers, or an elegant dinner party. It also makes a lovely conclusion to a holiday meal or a sophisticated addition to a high tea menu. Its beautiful presentation, combined with its exquisite taste, makes it a showstopper dessert sure to impress your guests.
Decoration Tips: Before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of superfine sugar over the tart and use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating the classic, crackly sugar top associated with traditional crème brûlée. Garnish with a few edible flowers or fresh berries for color and a touch of freshness. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an extra special touch.
- Preparing the Crust:
- Combine 1-1/3 cups of flour, 1 stick of cold butter (cut into small pieces), and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 3-5 tablespoons of ice water, pulsing until the dough just begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a work surface, form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes or until golden. Let cool.
- Making the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 2/3 cup of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then gradually whisk it into the egg mixture to temper the yolks.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of cornstarch to the custard mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Baking the Tart:
- Pour the custard filling into the cooled tart shell. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the custard jiggles slightly when the pan is nudged.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator to set before serving.
Enjoy this divine Crème Brûlée Tart, where every slice offers a blissful mix of crunchy, buttery crust and velvety-smooth custard. It's truly a dessert that stands out in both flavor and presentation!