Caramelized Orange Tart (Crostata alle Arance Caramellate)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This caramelized orange tart is a sophisticated and mouthwatering dessert, featuring a rich, buttery shortcrust pastry base, a creamy orange custard filling, and a beautiful layer of caramelized orange slices for that perfect touch of sweetness and elegance. A perfect balance of citrusy brightness and comforting richness, this tart will impress at any gathering or as a delightful treat at the end of a meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 170g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 300g |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 115g |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Whole milk | 400ml |
| Sweetened condensed milk (for custard) | 200g |
| Cornstarch (cornflour) | 60g |
| Egg yolks (for custard) | 3 |
| Unpeeled oranges | 1kg |
| Brown sugar (for caramel) | 70g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
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Make the Shortcrust Pastry: In a food processor, combine the sifted flour and cold, cubed butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step, called “sablage,” is crucial for a flaky crust.
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Form the Dough: Transfer the mixture onto a work surface and create a well in the center. Add the grated zest of one untreated orange, the sweetened condensed milk, and one egg yolk into the well.
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Mix the Dough: Quickly knead the dough with your hands to avoid overheating it. When everything is well combined, form a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Making the Orange Custard
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Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and sweetened condensed milk, then whisk together to blend. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Add the Egg Yolks: Once the milk mixture is warm, gradually add the egg yolks, one at a time, whisking continuously to avoid curdling. Stir in the zest of one untreated orange.
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Thicken the Custard: Slowly whisk in the cornstarch, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the custard thickens to a creamy consistency.
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Cover and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover the custard with plastic wrap, placing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool while you prepare the pastry.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Tart
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) for conventional ovens, or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens.
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Roll the Dough: Roll the chilled shortcrust dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about half a centimeter thick. Carefully roll it onto a rolling pin and unroll it over a tart pan. Press it gently into the corners, and trim any excess dough. You can reserve the trimmings to patch up any areas if needed.
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Blind Baking: Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill it with ceramic baking beads, dried beans, or rice to weigh it down. Blind bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes (or 10 minutes if using a fan-assisted oven). Remove the baking beads and parchment paper, and bake for an additional 10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a fan-assisted oven) until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Preparing the Caramelized Oranges
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Caramelize the Oranges: While the tart crust is cooling, peel the oranges and slice them thinly, about 1 cm thick. Place the orange slices in a small saucepan with the brown sugar over medium heat. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the oranges to caramelize, becoming slightly syrupy.
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Arrange the Oranges: Once the pastry shell is baked and cooled, spoon the orange custard into the tart crust. Spread it evenly. Then, gently arrange the caramelized orange slices in a circular pattern, covering the custard completely.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
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Final Touch: Let the tart rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Slice the tart into 8 pieces, ensuring each slice has a beautiful layer of orange slices on top.
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Enjoy: Serve the caramelized orange tart chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful contrast of the buttery pastry, creamy custard, and the sweet, tangy orange topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Sodium | 75mg |
This caramelized orange tart is the perfect dessert to enjoy after a hearty meal or to impress guests at your next dinner party. Its combination of textures and flavors—from the crispy pastry to the smooth, citrus-infused custard, and the stunning orange slices—makes it a showstopper.
