Vanilla Bean Flan Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of flan with a buttery tart crust. This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions and offers a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of vanilla that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Flan Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean (split and seeds scraped)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)

Timing

Making Vanilla Bean Flan Tart takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 45-50 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling and chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk and add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
5. Form the Crust: Press the dough into the tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel

1. Make Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it cook until it turns a deep amber color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Pour Caramel: Immediately pour the caramel into the bottom of the baked tart crust, tilting the pan to coat evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

Step 3: Make the Flan Filling

1. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and the seeds from the vanilla bean. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour Filling: Pour the flan mixture over the caramel in the tart crust.

Step 4: Bake the Tart

1. Prepare Water Bath: Place the tart pan in a larger baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the tart pan (this creates a water bath for even baking).
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
3. Cool: Remove the tart from the oven and water bath. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Serve

1. Invert Tart: To serve, run a knife around the edges of the tart to loosen it. Place a serving plate over the tart and invert it to release.
2. Enjoy: Slice and serve your Vanilla Bean Flan Tart chilled. Enjoy this creamy and decadent dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Vanilla Bean Flan Tart (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	320
Protein	6g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	44g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	25g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or orange zest to the flan mixture for a unique twist.
• Topping Options: Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
• Nutty Crust: Substitute part of the flour with ground almonds for a nutty flavor in the crust.

Conclusion

Vanilla Bean Flan Tart is a creamy, indulgent dessert that beautifully combines the classic flavors of flan with a buttery tart crust. Perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat, this tart is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and delicious taste. Enjoy this delightful recipe!