Easy Steps to the Perfect American Plum Tart

There’s something truly special about the aroma of a freshly baked plum tart wafting through your kitchen. As the sweet scent of ripe plums mingles with the buttery essence of a flaky crust, it’s hard not to feel a sense of anticipation for the delicious treat that awaits. Today, we’re diving into the world of American plum tarts, a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer fruit in a beautiful and delicious package. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this American plum tart recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!

The Magic of Plums in Baking

Why Plums Make the Perfect Tart Filling

Plums are a versatile fruit that lends itself beautifully to baking, especially in tarts. Their natural sweetness, balanced with a subtle tartness, creates a complex flavor profile that’s hard to resist. When baked, plums release their juices, creating a luscious, jammy filling that pairs perfectly with a crisp, buttery crust. The vibrant color of plums also adds a stunning visual appeal to your tart, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Choosing the Right Plums

For the best results in your American plum tart, it’s crucial to select the right plums. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Look for plums that are firm but yield slightly to gentle pressure
• Choose plums with smooth, unblemished skin
• Opt for plums that are fragrant, as this indicates ripeness
• Select a mix of varieties for a more complex flavor profile

Some excellent plum varieties for tarts include:

1. Black plums: These offer a deep, rich flavor
2. Red plums: Known for their sweet-tart balance
3. Yellow plums: Provide a milder, honey-like sweetness

Remember, the key is to use ripe but not overly soft plums. This ensures they’ll hold their shape during baking while still releasing their delicious juices.

The Perfect Tart Crust: Foundation for Success

The Importance of a Good Crust

A great American plum tart starts with a perfect crust. The crust serves as the foundation for your tart, providing a crisp, buttery contrast to the soft, juicy plum filling. A well-made crust should be flaky, tender, and able to hold up to the fruit without becoming soggy.

Ingredients for the Crust

To make the crust for your American plum tart, you’ll need:

American Plum Tart Recipe

Irresistible American Plum Tart Recipe: Summer's Best Dessert

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Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: american plum tart recipe

Servings: 4

Calories: 1.566kcal

Author: Alice Ketty

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• pitcher
• Saucepan

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

Plum Filling

• 2 pounds ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions

Crust Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water.
• Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of ice water.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Preparing the Plums

• Wash the plums thoroughly and pat them dry.
• Cut the plums in half and remove the pits.
• Slice each half into 4-6 wedges, depending on the size of your plums.

Mixing the Filling

• In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced plums with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
• Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the plums to release some of their juices.
• Note: The amount of sugar you use can be adjusted based on the sweetness of your plums and your personal preference.

Preparing the Tart Pan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom.
• Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Rolling Out the Dough

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
• Carefully transfer the dough to your prepared tart pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.
• Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Arranging the Plums

• Drain any excess liquid from the plum mixture.
• Arrange the plum slices in concentric circles in the tart shell, starting from the outside and working your way in.
• Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the arranged plums.

Baking the Tart

• Place the tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums are tender and bubbling.
• If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.

Glazing the Tart

• To give your American plum tart a beautiful shine and added sweetness, you can brush it with a simple glaze:
• In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of apricot jam with 1 tablespoon of water.
• Strain the mixture to remove any fruit chunks.
• While the tart is still warm, gently brush the glaze over the plums.

Cooling and Serving

• Allow the tart to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing the sides.
• Carefully transfer the tart to a serving plate.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 1.566kcal | Carbohydrates: 424g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 55.5g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Variations on the Classic American Plum Tart

Almond Plum Tart

For a nutty twist, try adding an almond layer to your tart:

1. Before arranging the plums, spread a layer of almond cream (frangipane) on the bottom of the tart shell.
2. To make the almond cream, blend 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup ground almonds until smooth.
3. Proceed with the recipe as usual, arranging the plums on top of the almond cream.

Rustic Plum Galette

For a more casual presentation, try making a free-form galette:

1. Roll out the dough into a rough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Arrange the plum filling in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.
3. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as you go.
4. Brush the crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.

Mini Plum Tarts

Perfect for parties or individual servings:

1. Instead of one large tart, divide the dough and filling among 6-8 mini tart pans.
2. Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Plum Tarts Every Time

1. Don’t overwork the dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
2. Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough before rolling it out helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
3. Avoid a soggy bottom: If your plums are particularly juicy, sprinkle a tablespoon of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the bottom of the tart shell before adding the filling. This will absorb excess moisture.
4. Balance the sweetness: Taste your plums before adding sugar to the filling. If they’re very sweet, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice for balance.
5. Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so start checking your tart a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Serving and Storing Your American Plum Tart

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, your plum tart can be elevated with a few simple accompaniments:

• A dusting of powdered sugar
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or gelato
• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
• A drizzle of creme anglaise

Storing and Reheating

Your American plum tart is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but it can be stored:

• At room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days
• In the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days

To reheat, place the tart in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Conclusion

Creating a beautiful and delicious American plum tart is a wonderful way to celebrate the bounty of summer fruit. With its buttery crust and juicy, sweet-tart filling, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household. Remember, baking is as much an art as it is a science, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different plum varieties or add your own personal touch to the recipe.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, bringing it to a potluck, or simply enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this American plum tart is guaranteed to impress. So head to your local farmer’s market, pick up some ripe, juicy plums, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Happy baking!