Plum, apple, and walnut tart

Plum, Apple, and Walnut Tart - A Summer Delight

The summer fruit season offers us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh and invigorating flavors. The tart with plums, apples, and walnuts perfectly combines the sweetness of apples with the acidity of plums, all wrapped in a flaky, crispy crust. Whether you savor it on a terrace with loved ones or serve it as a refined dessert, this recipe will bring joy to your table. Let's explore together how to make this delicious tart!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g sugar
- 200 g butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 200 g apples (grated and sautéed)
- 500 g plums (washed and pitted)
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons flour
- A handful of walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- Powdered vanilla sugar (for decoration)

Instructions

1. Preparing the crust:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. These dry ingredients will form the perfect base for your tart. Add the cold cubed butter and, using your fingers, mix until you achieve a sandy texture. It is essential for the butter to be cold to obtain a flaky crust.

Add the egg and mix until the ingredients are combined. If the dough is too dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water, but be careful not to make it too wet. When the dough is ready, form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour.

2. Preparing the filling:
If you have prepared apples in a jar, now is the time to use them. Otherwise, peel 3-4 apples, grate them on a large grater, and sauté them in a pan with 4-5 tablespoons of sugar. Cook until the liquid reduces and the apples become soft. Add cinnamon to taste and let them cool.

Meanwhile, wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Place them in a bowl, add the sugar, vanilla sugar, grated lemon zest, cinnamon, and flour. Mix well so that the plums are evenly coated.

3. Assembling the tart:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. You can leave one part in the refrigerator while rolling out the other on a work surface, forming a circle larger than the baking pan you will use for the tart. This will allow the dough to cover the sides of the pan as well.

Grease the pan with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Place the rolled-out dough in the prepared pan, making sure it fits well on the edges. Return the pan to the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

4. Filling assembly:
On the tart base, evenly spread the sautéed apples. Arrange the plums, cut side up, in neat rows. Between the plums, sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.

5. Creating the lattice:
Remove the other half of the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a circle. Cut it into thin strips and lay them over the tart, forming a lattice. This detail not only adds an attractive look but also allows steam to escape during baking.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and crispy on top. The flavors will blend beautifully, and your home will be filled with inviting aromas.

7. Serving:
Let the tart cool in the pan, then dust it with powdered vanilla sugar. Cut it into servings and serve warm or at room temperature. It is delicious and simple, but you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast.

Helpful Tips:
- Fruits: You can experiment with various types of fruits depending on the season. Apples can be replaced with peaches or apricots, and plums can be combined with cherries.
- Nuts: If you don't have walnuts on hand, almonds or hazelnuts can be an excellent alternative. They provide a distinct flavor and a crunchy texture.
- Variations: You can also add other spices like cardamom or star anise to give the tart an even more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits:
This tart is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while plums contain antioxidants that promote digestive health. Walnuts add healthy fats and protein. In total, a serving of tart contains approximately 300 calories, providing a balance of energy and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
- How can I store the tart? You can store it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.
- What is the best way to serve the tart? It is excellent served with ice cream or cream, but also with caramel sauce.

I conclude this recipe with a thought: the joy of cooking is not just in the outcome but also in the process of creation. Whether you cook for yourself, family, or friends, each tart with plums, apples, and walnuts will have a unique story. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 300 g white flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 100 g sugar, 200 g butter, 1/2 packet baking powder, 1 egg. For the filling: 200 g grated and sautéed apples, 500 g plums, 4-5 tbsp sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp grated lemon peel, 2 tbsp flour, a handful of walnuts, powdered vanilla sugar for decoration.