Irresistible Plum Custard Tart: A Deliciously Sweet and Tart Dessert

This plum custard tart brings together the delicate flavors of a buttery crust, creamy homemade custard, and the rich, tart sweetness of fresh plums. Topped with a crunchy streusel and slivers of almonds, this tart is both elegant and incredibly satisfying. The combination of cinnamon-spiced plums and creamy custard creates a comforting and memorable dessert that will impress everyone who tastes it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge in something sweet, this plum tart is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This tart offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with different textures that make every bite interesting. The base is a soft, buttery crust that holds a smooth, velvety custard. Topping it all off are juicy plums enhanced by a hint of cinnamon and lemon, giving the tart a beautiful fruity flavor. The crumbly streusel adds a delightful crunch, while the slivered almonds give it a professional finish. The tart is not overly complicated to make, yet the result looks and tastes like something you would find at a fancy bakery.

Perfect Occasion

This plum custard tart is perfect for any occasion where you want to serve an impressive dessert. Whether it’s for a family gathering, holiday meal, or weekend treat, this tart is sure to delight. It’s especially great in the late summer or early fall when plums are at their best, though it can be made year-round with any other seasonal fruit. It’s also an excellent dessert for entertaining guests, as it can be made in advance and served chilled or at room temperature.

Decoration Tips

For a stunning presentation, neatly arrange the quartered plums on top of the custard layer in a tight, overlapping pattern. Once baked, the streusel will add a rustic, golden finish. To elevate the look even more, sprinkle the tart with toasted almond slices before baking for a beautiful contrast of color and texture. After the tart has cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you want to add some shine, brush the top with a little warm apricot jam after baking.

For the Tart Base:

• 125g softened butter
• 1 egg
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• ½ packet of baking powder
• 2 cups flour (add more if needed)

For the Custard:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ cup sugar (a little less than half)
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Plum Layer:

• 700g plums (washed, pitted, and quartered)
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Juice of ¼ lemon

For the Streusel Topping:

• 75g cold butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ cups flour
• ½ packet of vanilla sugar
• Slivered almonds for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tart Base:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, egg, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you form a soft, non-sticky dough. If necessary, add a bit more flour. Roll out the dough and press it into a 30×20 cm tart pan, pricking the base with a fork. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the crust until lightly golden, about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to over-bake the crust.
2. Make the Custard:
   While the crust is baking, prepare the custard. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, flour, cornstarch, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter. Let the custard cool slightly before pouring it over the baked tart base.
3. Prepare the Plum Layer:
   Quarter the plums and toss them in a bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the plums evenly. Arrange the plums tightly over the custard layer in the tart.
4. Make the Streusel Topping:
   In a separate bowl, combine the cold butter, powdered sugar, flour, and vanilla sugar. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture until it forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes before sprinkling it generously over the plums.
5. Assemble and Bake:
   Sprinkle the streusel mixture generously over the plums, followed by a handful of slivered almonds for added crunch. Bake the tart in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the plums are bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
   Once the tart is baked, let it cool completely. For best results, refrigerate the tart for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!