This Golden Apricot Crunch Tart is a sublime celebration of summer flavors, combining the sweetness of ripe apricots with a rich, creamy filling and a delightfully crisp crust. The dual textures of smooth cream and crunchy topping make this tart not just a dessert but a piece of culinary art. Each component is designed to bring out the best in the seasonal apricots, with a touch of vanilla and powdered sugar to enhance the natural flavors.
Why You'll Love This: The blend of textures and flavors in this tart is irresistible. The buttery crust serves as a perfect base, providing a firm yet tender foundation. The creamy layer enriched with labneh cheese and cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh, tangy apricots. The crispy topping gives a final textural contrast that will keep you coming back for another bite. This tart is a testament to the joy of using seasonal fruits in baking.
Perfect Occasion: This apricot tart is ideal for summer gatherings, whether it's a family reunion, an elegant afternoon tea, or a casual barbecue. It's also perfect for holiday celebrations or as a special treat to enjoy on a warm evening. Serve it at your next dinner party to impress your guests with its sophisticated appearance and exquisite taste.
Decoration Tips: For a visually stunning presentation, arrange the apricot halves in a neat pattern on the tart before baking. After cooling, a light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also enhances the tart's aesthetic appeal. Consider garnishing with toasted almond slices or mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 1 cup sugar
- 250 grams butter, room temperature
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 12 apricots, halved
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sprinkling on apricots)
- For the Crumble Topping:
- A handful of dough set aside
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Cream Filling:
- 100 grams labneh cheese
- 100 ml cream
- 1 egg
- 2 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Start by preparing the dough: Mix sugar, butter, and egg until creamy. Gradually add flour, vanilla, and baking powder to form a soft dough.
- Reserve a handful of dough for the topping and refrigerate. Press the remaining dough into a greased baking tray (suggested size: 35x24.5 cm).
- Place the halved apricots on the dough, cut-side up, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- For the cream filling, whisk together labneh cheese, cream, egg, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over the apricots.
- Add flour and vegetable oil to the reserved dough to make the crumble topping. Crumble it over the cream layer.
- Optionally, sprinkle slivered almonds on top for added crunch.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) until the top is golden brown, about 30-45 minutes.
- Allow the tart to cool in the oven for about 30 minutes, then bring to room temperature before refrigerating for at least an hour or two.
- Serve chilled, sprinkled with additional powdered sugar.
Enjoy this luscious and crispy tart that encapsulates the essence of summer in every bite!