TARTS
Baked tarts are a delicious pastry made from a crisp, buttery crust filled with a
variety of sweet or savory fillings. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or
desserts, and they come in all sorts of flavor combinations.
Basic Components of a Baked Tart:
1.Crust – The tart dough (pâte brisée or pâte sucrée) is typically made with flour,
butter, sugar (in the case of sweet tarts), and water. Once mixed, the dough is
chilled, rolled out, and fitted into a tart pan. It is usually pre-baked (blind-baked) to
ensure it stays crisp when the filling is added.
2.Filling – The filling can be anything from custard, fruit, chocolate, or cream, to
savory options like cheese, vegetables, or meats.
Popular Types of Baked Tarts:
1. Fruit Tarts
A crisp pastry crust filled with a creamy custard
or pastry cream, and topped with fresh fruits
like strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, or
blueberries. Common in summer months when
fruits are in season.
2. Lemon Tarts
A zesty lemon curd filling inside a buttery, flaky
crust. Often topped with a dollop of whipped cream
or meringue.
3. Chocolate Tarts
A rich chocolate ganache filling in a
crumbly tart shell, sometimes topped
with whipped cream or fruits like
raspberries for contrast.
4. Pecan Tarts
A filling made from pecans, brown sugar, and
syrup, similar to pecan pie but in individual tart
form. A sweet, sticky filling with a nutty
crunch.
5. Savory Tarts
These can include ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms, caramelized
onions, or even meats like bacon or chicken. A popular savory tart is a quiche,
which is a type of custard-filled tart often served as breakfast or brunch.
Sweet Tart Flavors:
1. Caramel and Sea Salt Tart
A rich, buttery caramel filling with a touch of sea
salt, all nestled in a crisp tart shell. The combination
of sweet and salty is a crowd-pleaser.
2. Raspberry Almond Tart
A layer of raspberry jam or fresh raspberries, topped
with an almond cream (frangipane) filling. The nutty
almond flavor complements the tartness of the
raspberries.
3. Coconut Cream Tart
A creamy coconut filling made with coconut milk or
cream, topped with toasted coconut flakes for texture.
You could even add some lime zest for an extra
citrusy kick.
4. Tiramisu Tart
Inspired by the Italian dessert, this tart features a
coffee-flavored custard or mascarpone filling, with a
touch of cocoa powder on top and perhaps even
ladyfinger biscuits for added texture.
5. Maple Pecan Tart
Similar to a pecan pie but with the addition of maple
syrup, giving it a deeper, more complex sweetness.
It’s perfect for autumn and winter months.
SAVORY TART
1. Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
Sweet, roasted tomatoes paired with creamy goat
cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. You could add herbs
like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
2. Mushroom and Gruyère Tart
A rich filling of sautéed mushrooms, caramelized
onions, and melted Gruyère cheese. A great
combination of umami and richness.
3. Spinach and Feta Tart
A classic filling of sautéed spinach and crumbled feta
cheese. You could add pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or
olives to elevate the flavor.
4. Leek and Bacon Tart
Caramelized leeks and crispy bacon, combined with eggs and cream
for a savory filling. This is a great choice for brunch or a light dinner.
5. Roasted Beet and Ricotta Tart
Roasted beets, paired with creamy ricotta cheese, create a
beautiful, vibrant tart. You could sprinkle it with fresh
herbs like dill or mint for extra flavor.
Characteristics of Baked Tarts:
Crisp, buttery crust (often flaky or crumbly)
Smooth, rich filling (sweet or savory)
Open design showcasing the filling
Balance of flavors (sweet, sour, salty, umami)
Visual appeal with fresh fruits or decorative elements
Versatile – can adapt to different fillings, fruits, and flavors
Richness – indulgent texture and flavor
Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature
How to Make a Simple Fruit Tart:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
o 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
o 1/4 cup powdered sugar
o 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
o 1 egg yolk
o Pinch of salt
o 2-3 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
1 cup pastry cream (or use store-bought custard if you're in a hurry)
Fresh seasonal fruits (berries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Make the crust:
In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and pulse
until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and pulse to combine. Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at
a time, until the dough starts to come together.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead it briefly, and shape it into a
disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and line a tart pan. Press
the dough into the edges, then trim off any excess.
Prick the base of the tart with a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with
pie weights or dried beans.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, remove the weights and parchment, and bake for
another 5-10 minutes, or until golden. Let it cool completely.
2.Prepare the filling:
If using pastry cream, spoon it into the cooled tart shell and spread it evenly.
Arrange your fresh fruit on top of the cream, creating a decorative pattern.
3.Serve:
You can brush the fruit with a bit of warm apricot jam or glaze for a shiny finish.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Baked tarts can be a great way to showcase seasonal ingredients or experiment with
different flavor combinations!
