This Creamy Tart with Plums is a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake, featuring a rich, tangy filling made from 18% cream, nestled in a crumbly shortcrust base, and topped with juicy plums. While it may look like a cheesecake and tantalize the taste buds in a similar fashion, this tart’s unique use of cream instead of cheese creates a lighter, yet equally indulgent dessert. Perfect for a sweet Sunday afternoon treat, this creation is a testament to culinary improvisation and the magic of baking.
Why You’ll Love This: The combination of the buttery shortcrust pastry with the smooth, creamy filling and the slight tartness of the plums offers a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s a versatile dessert that balances richness with freshness, making it a perfect companion to your coffee or tea.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for a leisurely weekend treat, family gatherings, or as a sophisticated dessert for dinner parties. It’s also a wonderful way to make use of seasonal plums, turning a simple afternoon into a special occasion.
Decoration Tips: After cooling, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the tart. For an extra decorative touch, arrange a few fresh plum slices on top or a dollop of whipped cream on each slice when serving.
Recipe:
- Shortcrust Pastry:
- Sift 300g of wheat flour with a teaspoon of baking powder into a mixing bowl. Add 170g of butter, 2 egg yolks, 120g of sugar (100g if you prefer it less sweet), and 1.5 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Mix until a dough forms. Reserve 1/4 of the dough in the freezer.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 26cm tart pan with butter. Roll out 3/4 of the dough to fit the tart pan and line it neatly.
- Cream Filling:
- In a mixer bowl, beat 3 eggs with 100g of sugar for a short while. Add 800g of thick, sour 18% cream, grate in the zest of one lemon, and incorporate 3-4 tablespoons of potato starch, mixing briefly until well combined. Pour this cream mixture over the prepared crust, and arrange plum quarters on top (consider using more plums for a fruitier tart next time). Grate the frozen dough over the plums.
- Baking:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.
Enjoy this Creamy Tart with Plums, a delightful dessert that promises a unique and indulgent experience, combining the beloved textures and flavors of a cheesecake with a creative, creamy twist.
