A Rustic Plum Tart is a delightful, homestyle dessert that combines the tart sweetness of plums with a buttery, flaky crust. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for when you want to enjoy the natural flavors of fresh fruit without too much fuss. The tartness of the plums is balanced by the slight sweetness of the crust, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. This tart is an excellent choice for a weekend treat or for serving at gatherings. It is also a great way to use up ripe plums, and the recipe can be adapted for other stone fruits.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 pinches of salt

250 g flour
100 g butter (softened)
2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon yogurt
300 g plums (pitted and sliced)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with 2 pinches of salt until well combined.
Add the 250 g of flour to the eggs, and mix gently.

Add the 100 g of softened butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Use your hands or a spatula to combine the ingredients until a crumbly dough forms.
Finally, mix in the 1 tablespoon of yogurt, which will help make the dough more pliable and soft. Knead the dough lightly until it forms a smooth ball.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting period will make the dough easier to roll out and prevent it from shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Plums

While the dough is chilling, pit and slice the plums into thin wedges. The total amount should be about 300 g.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced plums with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This will help absorb any excess juice from the fruit during baking, preventing the tart from becoming soggy.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/2 cm thick. Aim for a rough circle, about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) in diameter.

Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if the edges are uneven; this is what gives the tart its rustic charm.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Arrange the sliced plums in the center of the dough, leaving about a 5 cm (2-inch) border around the edges. You can arrange the plums in concentric circles or scatter them in a more freeform style.

Gently fold the edges of the dough over the plums, overlapping slightly as you go. This will create a rustic edge that keeps the fruit in place while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Tart

Brush the folded edges of the dough with a little melted butter or egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the plums are soft and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the tart warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Tips:

Use cold ingredients: For a flakier crust, ensure your butter is soft but still cool, and let the dough rest in the fridge before rolling it out. The cold butter helps create layers in the dough, giving the crust a nice, crisp texture.
Fruit substitution: This recipe works well with other stone fruits like peaches, apricots, or nectarines. You can also mix different fruits together for a unique twist.

Prevent sogginess: Tossing the plums with cornstarch helps to thicken their juices during baking, preventing the tart from becoming too watery. You can also sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground almonds over the dough before adding the plums to absorb any excess moisture.
Add a sweet touch: If your plums are particularly tart, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking. For a more decadent version, drizzle honey over the tart as it comes out of the oven.

Storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftover tart in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tart in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing: You can freeze the tart before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the tart, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let the tart cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Based on 8 servings):

Calories: 240 kcal
Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 200mg
Vitamin A: 5% of daily value

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value
Calcium: 2% of daily value

FAQs:

Can I use frozen plums for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen plums, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture in the tart.
Can I make this tart vegan?
- To make the tart vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine, and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. You can also omit the eggs and add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binder.

How can I make the tart crust crisper?
- If you prefer a crisper crust, you can pre-bake the dough for 10 minutes before adding the plums. This will give the bottom crust a head start and ensure it stays crispy even with the juicy fruit filling.
Is this tart suitable for gluten-free diets?
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add spices to the tart?
- Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add a warm, spicy flavor that complements the plums perfectly.

Conclusion:

The Rustic Plum Tart is a simple yet elegant dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of plums. With its buttery, flaky crust and soft, juicy fruit filling, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. The tart is versatile enough to adapt to different fruits and dietary needs, making it a go-to dessert for many occasions. Whether you serve it on its own or with a dollop of cream or ice cream, this tart is sure to impress. Its rustic charm lies in its imperfections, making it a beautiful yet relaxed option for your next family gathering or weekend treat.