Indulge in a culinary delight with our tantalizing Apple and Prune Tart, a delectable treat that harmoniously blends the sweet and tart flavors of apples and prunes. This irresistible dessert features a flaky, buttery crust enveloping a luscious filling of caramelized apples, plump prunes, and a hint of aromatic spices. Accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich cognac, this dessert symphony reaches its crescendo.
In addition to the main recipe, we've included variations to cater to diverse preferences. Craving a gluten-free option? Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. For those who prefer a vegan treat, we offer a plant-based version that uses vegan butter and milk alternatives. And if you're short on time, our handy tips for making the tart ahead of time and freezing instructions ensure you can savor this delightful dessert whenever the craving strikes.
PRUNE TART
Puff pastry forms the base for an easy-to-prepare topping of prunes stewed in red wine. Serve with creme fraiche or whipped cream.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Pie & Tarts Recipes
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium saucepan, bring wine, orange juice, 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat; add prunes, and let steep 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer prunes to a bowl. Return liquid to a boil; cook until slightly reduced and thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Meanwhile, roll out puff pastry into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle. In a small bowl, combine remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and orange zest; sprinkle evenly over pastry. Arrange prunes in rows over pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and cream; brush mixture on edges of pastry.
- Bake until crust is golden, about 20 minutes, rotating pan and brushing tart with reserved cooking liquid halfway through. Remove from oven; let cool slightly. Serve warm.
APPLE AND PRUNE TART
Steps:
- Make dough:
- Pulse together flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons ice water and pulse until pastry starts to hold together, adding remaining tablespoon ice water if needed. Turn dough out onto a very lightly floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times. Form dough into a disk and chill, wrapped in plastic wrap, 30 minutes.
- Make filling:
- Simmer water, Calvados, and prunes, uncovered, until most of liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Stir together cinnamon, cloves, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Peel and core apples and cut into 1/2-inch wedges. Halve wedges crosswise and toss with cinnamon mixture. Add lemon juice and toss to coat.
- Finely grind walnuts with remaining 3 tablespoons flour and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor.
- Assemble and bake tart:
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14- by 18-inch oval. Roll dough loosely onto floured rolling pin and unroll onto a large buttered baking sheet. Spinkle walnut mixture over pastry, leaving a 2 1/2- to 3-inch border.
- Stir stewed prunes into apple mixture and spoon over walnut mixture, evenly tucking prunes between apple pieces. Turn edge of dough over fruit to form pleats. Brush top of dough with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake tart, loosely covered with foil, in middle of oven 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until crust and fruit are golden and juices are bubbling, about 30 minutes more. Cool tart on baking sheet on a rack at least 20 minutes before serving.
APPLE TARTS WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM
Easily made with puff pastry, these light, thin apple tarts provide just the right amount of dessert. The skins get added to the syrupy glaze, enhancing the tarts with a bit of sweetness and the faintest blush of pink.
Yield Makes 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel apples, reserving skins. Stir together water and 6 tablespoons sugar in a 1-quart heavy saucepan, then scrape in seeds from vanilla bean and add pod. Add reserved apple skins and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes. Pour through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.
- Roll out 1 pastry sheet into a 10-inch square on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin, then cut in half and transfer to 1 of baking sheets. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet, transferring to second baking sheet.
- Halve apples lengthwise, then core with a melon-ball cutter or a small spoon and cut crosswise into very thin slices (1/8 inch thick or less), keeping apple halves intact. Fan apple slices slightly, keeping apple shape, then arrange 3 halves in a row on each piece of pastry, leaving a 2/3-inch border on all sides.
- Brush border lightly with syrup and fold over about 1/3 inch to touch edges of apples. Crimp edges with a fork, then brush apples and edges of pastry with syrup (reserve remaining syrup). Brush apples completely with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
- Bake tarts in upper and lower thirds of oven 20 minutes, then switch position of sheets and reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Bake tarts until edges are golden, 15 to 20 minutes more. (If pastry edges aren't browning evenly, rotate tarts 180 degrees on sheets halfway through baking.)
- While tarts bake, boil remaining syrup over moderate heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Let tarts stand 5 minutes, then brush warm apples with remaining syrup.
Tips:
- For the best results, use a food processor to pulse the flour, sugar, and butter together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will help to create a flaky crust.
- When rolling out the dough, be sure to flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. If the dough is too sticky, you can chill it for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- To prevent the bottom of the tart from getting soggy, pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before filling it.
- When arranging the apple slices on the tart, overlap them slightly so that they create a nice, even layer.
- Be sure to brush the apples with melted butter before baking the tart. This will help them to brown and caramelize.
- Allow the tart to cool completely before serving. This will help the filling to set and the crust to become flaky.
Conclusion:
This apple and prune tart is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tart apples are complemented perfectly by the chewy prunes, and the vanilla ice cream and cognac add a touch of richness and sophistication. Whether you are serving it to guests or enjoying it yourself, this tart is sure to be a hit.
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