Bake Magic with Ina Garten’s Perfect Italian Plum Tart Recipe
Bursting with summer’s sweetness, this delectable Ina Garten Italian plum tart captures the essence of rustic Italian baking.
Juicy plums nestle into a golden, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.
The recipe brings a touch of elegance to any dessert table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Seasonal plums create a stunning visual and flavor profile that will impress even discerning palates.
Each slice tells a story of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
The balance of tart fruit and rich pastry makes this dessert a perfect finale to any meal.
Dive into this delightful tart and savor every delicious bite.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 365 kcal
Servings: 8
Ingredients for the Juicy Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
For Fruit Filling:
Italian Plums: Sweet, juicy stone fruits that create a vibrant, tangy base with natural depth of flavor. Choose ripe, deeply colored plums that yield slightly when gently pressed.
Tapioca: Magical thickening agent that transforms fruit juices into a silky, luscious filling without cloudiness. Select quick-cooking or instant tapioca for smooth texture.
Crème de Cassis: Luxurious blackcurrant liqueur that adds sophisticated depth and berry-like complexity to the fruit mixture. Optional but recommended for elevated flavor profile.
For Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient providing structure and tender crumb to the tart's crust. Look for unbleached flour for best baking results.
Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements the plums with gentle sweetness and depth. Choose freshly ground for most intense flavor.
Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent creating light, airy texture in the crumb mixture. Check expiration date for maximum rising power.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Binding and Richness:
Unsalted Butter: Creamy foundation providing rich, tender texture and golden color. Select high-quality European-style butter for superior taste.
Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create crisp, caramelized edges. Choose pure cane sugar for consistent results.
Cold Water: Helps bind ingredients and create tender, flaky crust texture. Use filtered water for purest flavor.
Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing dry ingredients smoothly.
9-inch springform pan: Key for creating perfect tart shape and easy removal.
Baking sheet: Supports springform pan and catches any potential drips during baking.
Mixing bowls: Needed for combining plums, sugar, and other ingredients.
Small bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients completely.
Baking the Perfect Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
Plum Paradise Tart
Oven Preparation Warm-up Cozy kitchen vibes start with preheating the oven to a perfect golden temperature of 350°F. Grab a springform pan and give it a light butter massage, then dust with a whisper of flour.
Fruit Symphony Gather ripe, juicy plums and transform them into a delectable mix with sweet sugar and a splash of cassis. Let the flavors mingle and dance together for a few magical moments.
Crumb Foundation Create a dreamy base by whipping butter and sugar until they become a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. The mixture should look light and feel like a sweet cloud in your mixing bowl.
Dry Magic Blend flour, warm cinnamon, and other dry ingredients into a soft, gentle powder. Slowly incorporate this into your butter mixture, watching as magical crumbs start to form.
Crust Creation Press most of the crumb mixture into the pan, creating a gentle landscape that will cradle your plums. Save a handful of crumbs for a delightful topping.
Plum Placement Artfully arrange plum slices in beautiful circular patterns, covering the entire surface like a delicious mosaic. Sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the top for a rustic finish.
Baking Transformation Slide the tart into the oven and let magic happen. After about an hour, you'll have a golden masterpiece with bubbling, caramelized edges.
Serving Celebration Allow the tart to cool slightly, then release from the pan. Slice and serve this gorgeous creation that tells a story of summer's sweetest moments.
Variations to Elevate Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart
Choose ripe, firm Italian plums with deep purple skin and minimal bruising for the best texture and flavor in your tart.
Swap crème de cassis with other liqueurs like Grand Marnier or kirsch to add unique depth and complexity to the fruit filling.
Experiment with different nuts like chopped almonds or pecans mixed into the crumb topping for added crunch and richness.
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add a pinch of xanthan gum to maintain the tart's delicate structure.
Serve the tart with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the warm, spiced fruit flavors.
How to Present Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart with Style
Savor Seasonal Slices: Cut the tart into wedges that showcase the beautiful plum arrangement, allowing each slice to highlight the golden crumbly crust and juicy fruit.
Pair with Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream to complement the tart's warm cinnamon notes.
Elegant Entertaining Touch: Dust the finished tart with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate, sophisticated finish that makes the dessert look professionally prepared.
Wine-Dessert Harmony: Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late harvest Riesling to enhance the plum's rich, deep flavors and create a memorable tasting experience.
Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart – Storage & Prep Advice
Maximize Freshness: Store the tart loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, ensuring the crumb topping stays crisp and delightful.
Refrigerate with Care: When storing longer, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore the original texture.
Freeze for Later: Wrap the completely cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes.
Slice Smart: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, beautiful slices. Wipe the blade between cuts to maintain perfect presentation and prevent crumbling.
Ina Garten’s Italian plum tart combines rustic elegance with seasonal charm. Sweet plums nestled in a buttery crust create a delightful dessert perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
0.75 lbs (340 g) Italian prune plums, quartered and pitted
1.25 cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
1.75 cups (350 g) sugar
0.25 lbs (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tbsps crème de cassis liqueur
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp kosher salt
0.25 tsp baking powder
2 tbsps Minute tapioca
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by generously buttering and flouring, then placing on a baking sheet for stability.
Fruit Infusion: Gently combine plums with tapioca, crème de cassis, and sugar in a mixing bowl, allowing the mixture to macerate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and release natural fruit juices.
Crumb Foundation: Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Sift flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder together, then gradually integrate into the butter mixture to create a sandy texture. Add cold water and mix briefly to form moist crumbs.
Crust Assembly: Separate a portion of the crumb mixture for topping. Press the remaining crumbs into the prepared pan, creating an even base with slightly raised edges reaching up the pan sides.
Fruit Arrangement: Artfully layer plum slices in concentric circular patterns across the crust, then evenly sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the fruit to ensure complete coverage.
Baking Process: Bake for approximately 1 hour, watching for energetic fruit bubbling and a golden-brown crust transformation.
Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and let the tart rest for 15 minutes. Carefully release the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
Fruit Selection Matters: Choose ripe, sweet Italian plums at peak season for the most intense and vibrant flavor profile.
Maceration Magic: Let plums sit with sugar and cassis for 15 minutes to draw out natural juices and enhance overall taste complexity.
Crumb Technique Tip: Mix dry ingredients gradually to prevent overworking the dough, which can make the crust tough and dense.
Temperature Control: Allow tart to rest briefly after baking to help set the filling and prevent immediate structural collapse when slicing.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.