Description
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 44 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg