This Plum Custard Tart is a delightful fusion of rich, buttery crust, creamy custard, and the tangy sweetness of ripe plums, all topped with a crisp, golden crumble. The tart is a perfect way to celebrate the seasonal bounty of plums, bringing together textures and flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated. The combination of tart plums, smooth vanilla custard, and the crunchy topping creates a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Ideal for any occasion, this tart is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love this tart for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The soft, tender crust pairs perfectly with the creamy, sweet custard, while the tartness of the plums adds a refreshing contrast. The crumble topping provides a satisfying crunch that complements the smoothness of the custard, making each bite a delightful experience. This tart is easy to make, yet its elegant appearance and complex flavors make it seem like a gourmet creation. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a special treat, this tart is sure to become a favorite.
Perfect Occasion:
This Plum Custard Tart is perfect for any occasion where you want to offer something special and seasonal. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even as a show-stopping dessert for a dinner party. The tart’s beautiful layers and vibrant colors make it a standout on any dessert table, while its rich flavors ensure that it will be loved by all. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some sliced almonds over the top of the tart just before baking. This will add a lovely crunch and enhance the visual appeal. You can also dust the cooled tart with powdered sugar for a classic look or drizzle a bit of honey over the top for added sweetness. Serving the tart on a simple white platter will allow the colors of the plums to pop, making it look even more inviting.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 125 grams of softened butter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour (add more if needed)
For the Custard:
- 2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
- Slightly less than 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter
For the Plum Layer:
- 700 grams of plums
- 1.5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 lemon, juiced
For the Crumble Topping:
- 75 grams of cold butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 packet of vanilla extract
- Sliced almonds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, egg, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you form a soft, non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 30x20 cm tart pan with butter, and evenly press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it’s lightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overbake as it will continue baking later with the filling. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, flour, cornstarch, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour the custard over the cooled tart crust, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Plum Layer:
- Wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them into quarters. In a bowl, toss the plum slices with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Arrange the plums tightly on top of the custard layer, covering the entire surface.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a bowl, combine the cold butter, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla extract. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the plums, covering them completely. Scatter sliced almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the Tart:
- Place the tart back in the oven and bake at 180°C (356°F) until the crumble is golden brown and the plums are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely. For the best flavor, chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, slice the tart and serve it on a beautiful platter. The tart can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy!