Soft Tart with Cream (Crostata Morbida con Crema)
This Soft Tart with Cream is a delightful Italian dessert that combines the rich flavors of a buttery almond dough with a luscious custard filling. It’s a show-stopper for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a comforting homemade treat. The tart is perfectly sweetened, with a hint of rum, and topped with toasted almonds that provide a satisfying crunch. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this incredible dessert.
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the tart crust:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 250g |
| All-purpose flour | 300g |
| Brown sugar | 180g |
| Almond flour | 125g |
| Eggs | 2 large (about 210g) |
| Baking powder | 5g |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Lemon zest | ½ lemon |
For the cream filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 500g |
| Brown sugar | 100g |
| Egg yolks | 45g |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | 50g |
| Butter | 25g |
| White rum | 40g |
| Brown sugar (for topping) | To taste |
| Sliced almonds | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, gently heat the milk until it’s hot but not boiling.
- Mix the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and brown sugar. Mix well with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add Cornstarch: Stir in the cornstarch until fully incorporated.
- Combine Milk and Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while continuously whisking to avoid curdling. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Cook the Cream: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir continuously with a whisk until the cream thickens and reaches a boil. Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Flavor the Cream: Once the cream has cooled, mix in the lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tart Crust
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to mix until the dough comes together into a smooth, soft ball.
- Add Baking Powder: Gently fold in the baking powder and continue to work the dough until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round tart pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Shape the Crust: Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to fit your tart pan. Press it evenly into the base and up the sides, forming a slightly raised edge around the tart.
- Add the Cream Filling: Transfer the cooled cream filling into a piping bag or use a spoon to carefully spread it evenly over the tart crust. Make sure to leave about 3 cm of the crust at the edges for the decorative topping.
- Create the Decorative Top: Use the remaining dough to form concentric circles or a lattice pattern over the cream. You can also pipe the dough to create a border around the tart.
- Top with Almonds: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the tart for added texture and flavor. Finish with a light dusting of brown sugar for a caramelized finish during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Tart
- Bake: Place the tart in the middle of the oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the top is set.
- Cool: Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and Enjoy: Once the tart has cooled, slice it into 10 pieces. The soft, creamy filling pairs beautifully with the slightly crunchy almond topping and the rich, buttery crust.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 56g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Tips & Variations
- Almond flour: If you want a nuttier flavor, you can increase the amount of almond flour in the crust. Alternatively, a mixture of regular flour and almond flour can add a nice balance.
- Rum: If you’re not fond of alcohol, you can substitute the rum with a teaspoon of vanilla extract or an extra splash of milk for flavor.
- Topping: For an even more indulgent dessert, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream before serving. A drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache can elevate the flavors further.
- Make Ahead: This tart can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
This Soft Tart with Cream will surely impress your guests with its rich, comforting flavors. With its buttery crust, velvety cream filling, and almond topping, this dessert is a celebration of all things indulgent and delicious.
