Plum and Almond Puff Pastry Tart

This delightful Plum and Almond Puff Pastry Tart is a sweet and nutty dessert that combines the richness of almonds with the deep flavor of dried black plums. Encased in light, buttery puff pastry, this tart exudes a fragrant aroma and a beautiful blend of textures. The creamy almond filling complements the natural sweetness of the plums, creating a decadent treat that's perfect for an elegant brunch, dessert, or even a special gathering. With a touch of brandy to enhance the flavors, this tart provides a sophisticated twist on traditional desserts. The simplicity of its assembly makes it a go-to recipe for both amateur and seasoned bakers. It's a visual and sensory delight that brings warmth and coziness to the table. Whether you're looking to impress guests or indulge in a quiet night of baking, this tart offers versatility and charm. Serve it slightly warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 200 g puff pastry (2 rectangular sheets)
• 150 g dried black plums
• 100 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 100 g ground almonds
• 50 g flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp brandy
• 2 tbsp jam (your choice)

Preparation Time

120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Plums: If the dried plums are hard, soak them in water until they soften, then drain and set aside.
2. Cream the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Brandy: Gradually incorporate the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in brandy to combine flavors thoroughly.
4. Combine Almonds and Flour: In a separate bowl, mix the ground almonds with the flour until well combined.
5. Integrate Almond Mixture: Slowly add the almond-flour mixture to the butter-egg mixture, gently folding together until smooth.
6. Prepare the Pan: Lightly grease a tart pan with removable edges to ensure easy release after baking.
7. Roll Out the Pastry: Roll the puff pastry sheets into a thin layer, then line the greased pan, covering the base and sides completely.
8. Spread the Jam: Choose a jam that complements the plum flavors, such as apricot or raspberry. Spread a thin layer over the pastry.
9. Fill with Almond Mixture: Pour the prepared almond mixture over the jam, spreading it evenly across the base.
10. Arrange the Plums: Evenly distribute the soaked plums over the almond mixture, pressing them gently to partially submerge them.
11. Trim Excess Pastry: Cut away any extra pastry edges, leaving a 1.5-2 cm border. Fold this edge over the filling.
12. Bake the Tart: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tart in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, until the top is golden and the filling is set.
13. Cooling Time: Once baked, allow the tart to cool slightly before removing from the pan.
14. Serving Finish: For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a delicate sweetness and enhances presentation.
15. Serve Warm or Cold: This tart can be served either warm or at room temperature depending on preference.
16. Storage Advice: If not serving immediately, store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
17. Reheating Tip: Gently reheat in a low oven if preferred warm or serve chilled from the fridge.
18. Optional Garnish: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
19. Final Presentation: Cut into slices for serving to showcase the layers of pastry, almond filling, and plums.
20. Enjoy the Creation: Share and enjoy your homemade tart, appreciating the fusion of flavors and textures.

Tips

• Substitutions:

  • Use soft marzipan instead of almond meal for a richer almond flavor.
  • Substitute brandy with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.

• Techniques:

  • Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Allow the tart to cool before slicing to maintain its structure.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 20 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry and almond flour.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan margarine and use flaxseed eggs.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light, refreshing salad with citrus vinaigrette.
• Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Best Places

• La Pâtisserie de Rêves - A delightful bakery known for its elegant pastries and tarts. Location: 93 rue du Bac, Paris, France.
• Balthazar Bakery - Offers a classic French patisserie experience, complete with almond tarts. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
• Pastéis de Belém - Renowned for its traditional pastries and rich almond-based treats. Location: R. de Belém 84-92, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Cake & Pie - Known for its innovative desserts with a modern twist. Location: 123 Queen St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Baker & Spice - Offers a wide array of artisanal pastries, including almond plum tart. Location: 47 N John St, London, UK.
• Demel - Famous for its luxurious cakes and pastries in the heart of Vienna. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Cova Montenapoleone - A historical pastry shop that offers traditional Italian dolci. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 8, Milan, Italy.
• Pekara Dubravica - Known for experimenting with traditional and new pastry flavors. Location: Ilica 49, Zagreb, Croatia.
• Belle & Buns - A chic pastry café with a cozy ambiance. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 12, Zürich, Switzerland.
• Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki - Infusing Japanese elements into French pastries. Location: 56 Boulevard Port Royal, Paris, France.