Cake with jam and dried plums

Jam and Dried Plum Tart – a delicacy that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite. This recipe is perfect for moments when you want to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself with a homemade dessert. With a slightly crunchy texture on the outside and a soft, aromatic interior, this tart is sure to become a family favorite. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes (30 minutes preparation, 45 minutes baking)
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

- 100 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 80 g powdered sugar (about 4 tablespoons)
- 2 eggs
- 350 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 200 g plum jam (you can also use berry or apricot jam for variation)
- 100 g dried plums, finely chopped
- butter for greasing the pan

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure the butter is soft, at room temperature, for easy incorporation into the mixture. It’s important to have all ingredients ready to work quickly and efficiently.

2. Make the tart base: In a large bowl, add the soft butter along with the powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is crucial as the air incorporated into the butter will help achieve a lighter texture.

3. Add the eggs: Start adding the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure good emulsification and a uniform texture. If in doubt, you can use eggs at room temperature to prevent the butter from coagulating.

4. Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This will add volume to the tart and make it airy. Add the flour mixture to the butter and egg composition, mixing with a spatula or the mixer on low speed until combined. Do not overmix to avoid gluten formation, which could toughen the dough.

5. Form the dough: Divide the obtained dough into two parts: one-third and two-thirds. This will be the dough you roll out to cover the base and form the lattice on top.

6. Prepare the pan: Grease a tart pan with butter, ensuring all corners are covered. This will prevent the dough from sticking and facilitate the removal of the tart from the pan.

7. Assemble the tart: Roll out the one-third dough on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 0.5 cm thick. Place the sheet in the prepared pan, pressing gently to secure it. Use a fork to prick the base, preventing air bubbles from forming during baking.

8. Add the jam and plums: Spread the plum jam over the tart base, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This jam brings natural sweetness and intense flavor. Sprinkle the finely chopped dried plums on top of the jam, adding a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

9. Form the lattice: Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into thin strips, which you will place over the tart to form a lattice. This step not only provides an attractive appearance but also allows steam to escape during baking.

10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and firm. It’s important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to avoid a sudden drop in temperature.

11. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once the tart has cooled, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and added sweetness.

Serving suggestions: The jam and dried plum tart is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of sweet cream. A cup of aromatic tea or a strong espresso will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Tips and variations: You can experiment with different types of jam, such as apricot, peach, or even blueberry jam, depending on your preferences. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds for an extra crunch. If you prefer a less sweet tart, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough.

Nutritional benefits: This tart contains dried plums, which are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and K, as well as minerals like potassium and iron. Additionally, plum jam provides antioxidants, benefiting digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other fruits for the filling? Yes, you can experiment with various fruits or jams, depending on the season and your preferences.
- How do I store the tart? The tart can be stored at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
- Is this an easy recipe to make? Yes, the recipe is simple and accessible, ideal even for beginners.

Now it's your turn to try this jam and dried plum tart recipe! Whether you make it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 100 g butter, 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (80 g), 2 eggs, 350 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 200 g plum jam, 100 g dried plums, butter for greasing the pan.