Brown Sugar Plum Tart: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors

Italian Chef Team

3 months ago

Brown Sugar Plum Tart: A Symphony of Autumn Flavors

Autumn’s bounty offers a treasure trove of ingredients, and few fruits capture the season’s essence quite like the humble plum. When paired with the deep, caramelized sweetness of brown sugar, the result is nothing short of magical. This Brown Sugar Plum Tart is a testament to the simple elegance of seasonal baking. It’s a delightful dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy weeknight treat or a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table.

This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delectable tart. We’ll cover everything from making the buttery, crumbly crust to arranging the perfectly ripe plums atop a rich brown sugar filling. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of autumn.

## Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather our ingredients. Quality is key, so opt for the freshest, ripest plums you can find. Also, using high-quality butter and brown sugar will significantly impact the final flavor and texture of the tart.

**For the Crust:**

* 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
* ½ cup (57g) powdered sugar
* ¾ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* ¼ cup (60ml) ice water

**For the Filling:**

* 1 ½ pounds (680g) ripe plums, halved and pitted
* ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)

**Optional Garnish:**

* Powdered sugar, for dusting
* Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving
* Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), for sprinkling

## Equipment

* 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
* Food processor (optional, but highly recommended for the crust)
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rolling pin
* Parchment paper
* Pie weights or dried beans
* Wire rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the process of creating this beautiful and delicious Brown Sugar Plum Tart. We’ll break it down into manageable steps, making it easy to follow even for novice bakers.

### Part 1: Making the Tart Crust

The crust is the foundation of any good tart, and this one is no exception. We’re aiming for a buttery, crumbly texture that will complement the sweetness of the plum filling. You can make the crust by hand or use a food processor for a quicker and more consistent result.

**Using a Food Processor:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse a few times to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

2. **Add Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This usually takes about 10-15 pulses.

3. **Add Ice Water:** With the food processor running, gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. **Form a Disc:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disc about 1 inch thick. Wrap the disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

**Making the Crust by Hand:**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.

2. **Cut in Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small, pea-sized pieces.

3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

### Part 2: Preparing the Plum Filling

While the crust is chilling, let’s prepare the star of the show: the plum filling. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, comforting flavor that perfectly complements the tartness of the plums.

1. **Prepare the Plums:** Wash the plums thoroughly. Halve them and remove the pits. You can also slice the plums into wedges if you prefer a more refined look.

2. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

3. **Toss with Plums:** Add the halved or sliced plums to the bowl and toss gently to coat them evenly with the brown sugar mixture. Sprinkle the flour over the plum mixture and toss gently to combine. This will help to thicken the filling as it bakes. If you want a little tang, add the lemon juice now.

4. **Let it Rest:** Allow the plums to sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to macerate in the brown sugar mixture. This will draw out some of their juices and create a richer, more flavorful filling.

### Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Tart

Now comes the fun part: assembling the tart and baking it to golden perfection. This is where your creativity can shine, as you arrange the plums in an artful and appealing way.

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven.

2. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled tart dough into a circle that is about 12 inches in diameter. This should be large enough to fit your 9-inch tart pan with some overhang.

3. **Transfer to Tart Pan:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the tart pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

4. **Trim the Edges:** Trim any excess dough from the edges of the tart pan. You can use a knife or kitchen shears to do this. For a decorative touch, you can crimp the edges of the crust with a fork or your fingers.

5. **Blind Bake the Crust:** Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This will prevent the crust from shrinking and losing its shape during baking. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.

6. **Remove Weights and Bake Longer:** Carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights or beans. Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.

7. **Assemble the Tart:** Remove the tart crust from the oven and let it cool slightly. Arrange the plum slices or halves in a decorative pattern on top of the pre-baked crust. You can start from the center and work your way outwards, or create a spiral pattern. Be sure to overlap the plums slightly to create a visually appealing effect.

8. **Pour Remaining Filling:** Pour any remaining brown sugar mixture from the bowl over the plums.

9. **Bake the Tart:** Bake the tart for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums are tender and juicy. The filling should be bubbling around the edges.

10. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This will allow the filling to set properly.

### Part 4: Serving and Storing the Tart

Once the tart has cooled, it’s time to enjoy the fruits (literally!) of your labor. This Brown Sugar Plum Tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the dessert to new heights. Chopped nuts add a delightful textural contrast.

**Serving Suggestions:**

* Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
* Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
* Sprinkle with chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch.
* Serve alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee.

**Storing the Tart:**

* Leftover tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
* To reheat, place a slice of tart in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Plums:** Experiment with different varieties of plums to find your favorite flavor combination. Black plums, red plums, and Italian plums all work well in this tart.
* **Add Spices:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist to the filling.
* **Make a Streusel Topping:** For a crunchy topping, sprinkle the tart with a streusel mixture before baking. Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and chopped nuts in a bowl and crumble it over the plums.
* **Use a Pre-Made Crust:** If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought tart crust. Just be sure to blind bake it before adding the filling.
* **Add a Glaze:** For a glossy finish, brush the baked tart with a simple apricot glaze while it’s still warm. This will add a touch of sweetness and enhance the appearance of the tart.
* **Enhance the Crust Flavors:** Consider adding lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy hint. You can also incorporate finely ground nuts like almonds or walnuts for a nuttier flavor.
* **Consider a Lattice Top:** Instead of simply arranging the plums, consider creating a lattice top with strips of the dough. This adds a beautiful visual element and helps to contain the filling.
* **Add a Touch of Almond Extract:** A small amount of almond extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) added to the filling can complement the plum flavor beautifully.

## Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Plum Tart is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of the buttery, crumbly crust, the sweet and tart plum filling, and the warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Enjoy the process and savor the results! Happy Baking!

Tags: Recipes