Upside-down plum tart

Upside-down plum tart: a simple and refined delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the sweet universe of cooking! Today, we will focus on a recipe for upside-down plum tart, a dessert that combines the flavor of ripe fruits with the fluffy texture of the batter. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also full of cherished memories, evoking moments spent around the table with loved ones. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients

- 15-17 ripe plums (choose sweet and fragrant ones)
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 11 tablespoons of sugar (divided into two portions)
- 6 egg whites
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons of milk (use fresh milk for better taste)
- 2 tablespoons of butter (or margarine for a lighter version)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon (for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt

Brief history

Upside-down tart is a dessert with deep roots in culinary traditions, being an ingenious way to use seasonal fruits. This recipe has its origins in dishes like "clafoutis" or "cobbler," where fruits are embedded in a light batter, then baked until caramelized and delicious. The upside-down plum tart pays homage to this cooking style, transforming ripe fruits into a sweet masterpiece.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the plums

The first step in creating this divine tart is to prepare the plums. Wash them well, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Choose ripe plums, as they will add a sweet taste and a distinctive aroma to the dessert. If you have smaller plums, feel free to use them whole.

Step 2: Preparing the batter

In a large bowl, add the 6 egg yolks and mix them with a mixer until creamy. Add the 6 tablespoons of sugar and continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has doubled in volume, becoming whitish. This process will aerate the batter, resulting in a fine and fluffy texture.

Now, add 6 tablespoons of milk and mix again until smooth. The next step is to incorporate half a teaspoon of cinnamon and the 6 tablespoons of flour. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients, being careful not to form lumps.

Step 3: Caramelizing

On the stove, prepare a heat-resistant dish with a diameter of 26-28 cm. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of sugar and, over low heat, stir continuously until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel. Make sure not to let it burn! Once melted, immediately pour the caramel onto the walls of the dish to create a delicious crust.

Now add the 2 tablespoons of butter to the dish. Quickly stir until the butter is completely melted and combined with the caramel. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Beating the egg whites

In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using the same mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, when they no longer fall from the mixer’s blades. It is essential that the bowl is clean and dry to achieve perfect foam, so make sure there are no traces of fat.

Slowly incorporate the egg whites into the yolk mixture in 5-6 stages. Use a spatula and gently mix from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites. This will ensure a fluffy and airy texture for the tart.

Step 5: Assembling

Now comes the fun part! Arrange the plum halves in the caramel-coated dish, making sure to place them cut-side down. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top to enhance the fruit's aroma.

Pour the batter over the plums, leveling it gently with a spatula. Now you are ready to place the dish in the oven!

Step 6: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 15 minutes. The tart is ready when it turns golden on top and a tempting aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 7: Inverting

Once the tart has baked, remove it from the oven. Using a knife, loosen the edges of the tart from the sides of the dish. Place a large plate on top of the dish and, with a swift motion, flip the tart onto the plate. You may have some excess syrup, but this will add extra flavor.

Allow the tart to cool completely, then slice and enjoy!

Serving suggestions

The upside-down plum tart pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. A cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, try replacing the plums with other fruits, such as peaches or apples, or add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for an even richer flavor.

Nutritional information

One serving (approximately 1/8 of the tart) contains about 250 calories. This is a relatively healthy dessert option, as plums are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, beneficial for digestion and heart health. Additionally, this tart provides a source of complex carbohydrates from flour, perfect for giving you energy.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them and drain well to avoid excess water in the batter.

2. How can I store the tart?
This tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

3. Can I use brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a deeper flavor and a darker color to the caramel.

I hope this upside-down plum tart recipe will inspire you to experiment in the kitchen and create unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 15-17 washed plums, 6 tablespoons of flour, 11 tablespoons of sugar, 6 egg whites, 6 egg yolks, 6 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.