A delightful tart that marries a buttery, tender crust with sweet prunes and a creamy, tangy yogurt-sour cream topping. This Prune Yogurt Tart is perfect alongside a hot cup of tea, offering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. The rich dough base supports a soft prune layer and silky cream, making it a comforting treat for dessert or snack time.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• Dough:

  • 350 g all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • A pinch of salt

  • 130 g cold butter, cubed

  • 3 egg yolks

  • 60 g (2.1 oz) sugar

• Filling:

  • 200 g prunes, pitted and halved

  • 40 g (1.5 oz) sugar

• Cream Topping:

  • 3 egg whites

  • 40 g (1.5 oz) caster sugar

  • 40 g (1.5 oz) cornstarch

  • 400 g natural yogurt or sour cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 170 °C (338 °F). Grease an 18×28 cm (9.5×14.5″) baking dish.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

3. Stir in sugar and egg yolks, mixing until a soft dough forms. Press two-thirds of the dough into the dish to form an even base.

4. Toss prunes with sugar, then spread evenly over the dough layer.

5. Roll out remaining dough, cut into strips or shapes, and arrange over the prunes.

6. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with caster sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in cornstarch and yogurt (or sour cream) until smooth. Spread gently over the prune layer and dough top.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cream set.

8. Cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy with tea!

Nutrients & Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus dough chilling while assembling)

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

• Servings: 8

• Estimated Nutrients per Serving:

  • Calories: ~300 kcal

  • Protein: 5 g

  • Carbohydrates: 35 g

  • Fat: 15 g

  • Sugar: 18 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

About This Recipe

This delightful Prune Yogurt Tart is a rustic yet elegant dessert that brings together contrasting textures and flavors in the most harmonious way. A tender, buttery crust provides the foundation, filled with sweet prunes and a light, tangy yogurt cream that bakes into a beautifully set filling. The meringue-like topping, created from egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, gives it a glossy finish and a lightness that balances the richness of the base. With a modest sweetness and the comforting creaminess of yogurt or sour cream, this tart is perfect for any time of day—whether as a midday treat with tea, a satisfying end to a hearty meal, or a charming brunch centerpiece. This recipe is a nod to traditional Eastern European baking and showcases how simple pantry ingredients can create a surprisingly luxurious dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this Prune Yogurt Tart deserves a spot in your baking rotation. First, the flavors are subtle yet rich—earthy prunes contrast beautifully with the bright tang of the yogurt filling. The crust is buttery and short, crumbling slightly under the fork and melting in your mouth. It’s not overly sweet, which means it’s suitable even for those who prefer more balanced desserts. Plus, the ingredients are accessible and budget-friendly, making it ideal for everyday baking or special occasions. The three distinct layers—dough, fruit, and cream—give a satisfying complexity that looks impressive on the table, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make. This tart is also customizable, so you can swap out ingredients depending on your taste or what you have on hand.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration for this tart comes from classic European baked goods, particularly those found in Central and Eastern Europe. Tarts made with yogurt or sour cream fillings, often layered with fruit or dried fruit, are common in countries like Poland, Hungary, and parts of Germany. The use of prunes harks back to traditional harvest recipes, when dried fruit was stored for the cold months and incorporated into breads and cakes. Yogurt or sour cream was often used in cooking and baking as a readily available, tangy, and nourishing dairy ingredient. Combining these elements into a modern tart results in a dish that feels both nostalgic and novel—respecting tradition while allowing room for creativity.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store this tart, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day, but it’s best kept in the refrigerator if you want it to stay fresh for longer. In the fridge, it will last for 3 to 4 days. When ready to serve again, you can enjoy it chilled or let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid overheating, as this may cause the creamy filling to weep or separate.

Common Variations to Try

There are many delicious variations to explore with this tart. Instead of prunes, you can try dried apricots, raisins, figs, or a combination of dried fruits. You can also swap the yogurt for sour cream, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche depending on what you prefer or have available. For a nuttier version, fold chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking. Some bakers even mix a touch of cinnamon or orange zest into the cream for added depth. If you’d like to make this gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and check that all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. To make it even more indulgent, drizzle a little honey or dark chocolate over the top just before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

This tart pairs wonderfully with a range of beverages and side dishes. For a warm drink, serve it with black tea, chai, or a robust coffee—especially those with a nutty or chocolatey profile. A glass of sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a fortified wine like Port can also complement the subtle sweetness of the tart. As part of a larger brunch or dessert spread, pair it with a fruit salad, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. If you’re serving it after a savory meal, it follows particularly well after dishes like roast chicken, stews, or other comforting fare. The light acidity of the yogurt helps balance rich or meaty flavors beautifully.

Health Benefits

Though it’s a dessert, this tart offers a few nutritional advantages. Prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber and natural sugars, providing digestive support and a steady energy boost. Yogurt is rich in probiotics, calcium, and protein, making the cream layer more than just delicious—it’s nourishing too. The use of egg whites in the topping reduces fat content while still delivering texture and flavor. And because the tart isn’t overly sweet or fatty, it can be enjoyed in moderation even by those who are mindful of their diet. Using natural yogurt or sour cream without added sugar also makes this dessert more wholesome. For an even healthier twist, you can reduce the sugar slightly or use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Conclusion

This Prune Yogurt Tart is a celebration of simplicity and flavor—proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly special. Whether you’re craving a comforting homemade dessert or looking to impress guests with a unique baked treat, this tart delivers every time. It carries the soul of traditional European baking, but its adaptable nature makes it fit seamlessly into any modern kitchen. With its tender crust, juicy prunes, creamy filling, and airy topping, it ticks all the boxes for a satisfying and beautiful dessert. Keep it classic, or play with the variations to make it your own. Either way, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.