Fruit Tart is a delightful dessert that features a buttery tart crust filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with an array of fresh fruits. This visually stunning dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing treat during the warmer months.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

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

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Topping:

• Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, and peaches)
• 1/4 cup apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

Timing

Making Fruit Tart takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 15-20 minutes for baking, and at least 2 hours for chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Egg Yolk: Stir in the egg yolk until combined. If the dough is too crumbly, add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
4. Chill Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Tart Shell

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming any excess.
3. Blind Bake: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the bottom. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream

1. Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk and half of the sugar over medium heat until it begins to steam (but not boil).
2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and remaining sugar until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Thicken Cream: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter.
5. Cool Pastry Cream: Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

1. Fill Tart Shell: Once the tart shell and pastry cream are cool, pour the pastry cream into the tart shell, smoothing the top.
2. Add Fresh Fruits: Arrange the assorted fresh fruits on top of the pastry cream in a decorative pattern.

Step 5: Glaze (Optional)

1. Prepare Glaze: If using, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted. Strain it to remove any pieces of fruit.
2. Brush Glaze: Brush the melted apricot jam over the fruit to give it a shiny finish.

Step 6: Serve

1. Chill and Enjoy: Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Slice and enjoy this beautiful dessert!

Nutritional Information

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

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	220
Protein	3g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Fruit Varieties: Use seasonal fruits or your favorites for a personalized touch.
• Flavor the Cream: Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon in the pastry cream.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart crust gluten-free.

Conclusion

Fruit Tart is a stunning and delicious dessert that showcases fresh fruits and creamy pastry cream in a buttery crust. This elegant treat is perfect for any celebration or as a refreshing end to a meal. Enjoy this delightful recipe!