Jeweltopped Fruit Tart Cake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to create a dessert that's both stunning and scrumptious? This Jewel Topped fruit tart cake is about to become your new go-to.

It's a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors that is a showstopper.

Brief Overview

Originating from French patisseries, fruit tarts are elegant desserts. This recipe is a medium difficulty bake, taking around 3 hours. It yields 8-10 servings.

Main Benefits

This dessert tart is packed with vitamins from the fresh fruit. Serve it at your next garden party. What makes this recipe special is the combination of the shortbread crust, vanilla cream, and the fresh fruit topping all create a perfect balance.

Time to bake, Okay, right then!

All About This Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake

Based on the recipe description and aiming for that "Great British Bake Off" level of perfection, here's my list of :

• Fruit tart recipe
• Pastry cream tart
• Shortbread fruit tart
• Summer fruit tart
• Vanilla bean pastry cream
• Tart with fresh fruit
• Easy fruit tart
• Homemade fruit tart
• Dessert tart
• Fruit tart cake recipe

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter

For the Fruit Topping:

• Assorted fresh fruits, about 2-3 cups total
• Apricot jam or jelly, for glazing (optional)

Honestly, getting all this prepped is half the battle. Having everything measured out and ready to go makes the whole process so much smoother, trust me.

I once forgot the salt in the shortbread, and let me tell you, it was not a good time. Learn from my mistakes!

Equipment You'll Need

You'll need:

• 9 inch tart pan
• Food processor (optional)
• Rolling pin
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Pastry bag (optional)

Right then! Let's get this bake off started!

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake Adventure!

Okay, right then! Let's get this bake off started! So you want to make a show stopping fruit tart cake , huh? Honestly, it's easier than it looks.

You know? Let's talk ingredients and equipment. This jewel topped fruit tart cake recipe is a winner!

The Lowdown on What You'll Need

Here's a breakdown to get your kitchen ready. Don't worry, it's not rocket science!

Main Ingredients

For That Buttery Shortbread Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups ( 192g ). Get the good stuff! high-quality flour makes all the difference.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ). Adds that touch of sweetness we all crave.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a pinch to balance the flavours.
• Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup ( 1 stick/113g ), cold and cubed. Super important! Cold butter equals flaky crust.
• Large egg yolk: 1 . Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Ice water: 2-3 tablespoons ( 30-45ml ). Add it slowly. Don't want a soggy mess.

Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream Oh My Gosh!

• Whole milk: 2 cups ( 473ml ). Whole milk gives the creamiest results.
• Vanilla bean: 1 , split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract). Real vanilla bean is amazing.
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ). Sweetness again!
• Cornstarch: 1/4 cup ( 30g ). This is what thickens the cream.
• Salt: Just a pinch.
• Large egg yolks: 4 . More richness!
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons ( 28g ), softened. Adds that final velvety touch.

Fruity Goodness for the Top

• Assorted fresh fruits: About 2-3 cups total. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges... go wild!
• Apricot jam or jelly: For glazing (optional). Makes the fruit sparkle.

Seasoning Notes

For the pastry cream tart , vanilla is king. Pair it with just a pinch of salt to heighten the sweetness.

If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny bit of lemon zest in the pastry cream would be delish!. No vanilla bean? Pure vanilla extract will work fine.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a fancy kit to make a homemade fruit tart . A 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom is crucial.

A food processor is helpful for the crust but not essential. You'll also need a rolling pin, saucepan, whisk, spatula, and optionally, a pastry bag if you're feeling fancy.

Based on the recipe description, here's my list of , combining what's provided with some extra flourishes like summer fruit tart , easy fruit tart or dessert tart .

Now let's bake that amazing fruit tart cake recipe

Alright, right then! Let's get this bake off started! We are making a fruit tart cake today!

Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake: Baking Made Easy

Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? We're tackling a Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake ! It's a bit like the Great British Bake Off meets your favourite local bakery.

Honestly, even if you're more of a ready meal kinda person, I reckon you can nail this. Based on the recipe description and aiming for that "Great British Bake Off" level of perfection, here's my list of 10 , combining what's provided with some extra flourishes: Fruit tart recipe, Pastry cream tart, Shortbread fruit tart, Summer fruit tart, Vanilla bean pastry cream, Tart with fresh fruit, Easy fruit tart, Homemade fruit tart, Dessert tart, Fruit tart cake recipe !

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place is key, darling! Gather all your ingredients. This is my top time saving tip. Measure everything out before you start. Trust me, saves a right mess later.

Baking Like a Pro: The step-by-step

1. Make that shortbread crust. Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in that cold butter!

2. Add egg yolk and ice water. It should just come together. Don't overmix, or it gets tough!

3. Wrap and chill the dough for at least 1 hour , then roll it out. Press into the tart pan.

   Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, then chill again for 30 minutes .

4. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's golden brown. It will take 25- 30 minutes . Let it cool completely .

5. Time for the pastry cream! Heat milk and vanilla bean (if you're feeling fancy) in a saucepan.

6. Whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in egg yolks. Temper those eggs by gradually whisking in hot milk.

7. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly , until it's thick and smooth. Don’t stop whisking, or you’ll end up with scrambled eggs!

8. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract (if not using vanilla bean). Press plastic wrap on top. Chill until cold.

Pro Tips for a Showstopper

Always use cold butter for the crust. This is super important! It makes a flaky crust.

Don't skip chilling the dough. It prevents shrinking.

Avoid overbaking the crust. No one wants a burnt tart!

Once that pastry cream is cold, spread it on the base then decorate! It's a true cake, because it's a fruit tart cake!

Recipe Notes for Your Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake

Okay, right then! Let's get this fruit tart cake bake off started! Before you dive headfirst into making this Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake , here are some extra bits and bobs to ensure a smashing success.

I’ve learned a thing or two from my own baking adventures trust me, you’ll want to hear these.

Plating and Presentation: Making it Look the Part

This fruit tart recipe deserves to be shown off. Think of it as your own "Great British Bake Off" creation.

Honestly, presentation is half the battle. For a real showstopper, arrange your fruit in concentric circles, contrasting colours and textures.

A light dusting of icing sugar adds a touch of elegance. Serve on a pretty cake stand you know, the one you usually save for special occasions.

Complementary sides or beverages are optional.

Storage Wisdom: Keep it Fresh

Right, nobody wants a soggy bottom. To keep your shortbread fruit tart in tip-top shape, refrigerate it as soon as it's assembled.

It'll happily keep for up to 2 days. The crust might soften slightly over time. Freezing is not recommended. The pastry cream and fruit might not hold up well.

When reheating isnt something you want to do for something that need to be served cold. The beauty of a fruit tart cake is in its freshness, innit?

Variations: A Twist on Tradition

Fancy a bit of a change? Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use a good quality gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Nobody will ever know. Want a lemon pastry cream tart ? Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the pastry cream while it's cooking.

You could also try a seasonal fruit swap. Stone fruits like peaches and plums in summer, or berries in the spring will work as a great Summer fruit tart .

Easy peasy!

Nutrition Basics: A Treat Worth Every Bite

Let's be honest, this Jewel Topped fruit tart cake is a treat. One serving is about 350-450 calories, with a good balance of carbs, fats and a bit of protein.

Fresh fruit is packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It's a lovely way to add a bit of goodness to a delicious dessert.

Think of the health benefits of the fruit, when you are enjoying it! Homemade dessert tart is almost always better than shop bought, you know?

Right then, armed with these tips, you’re all set to bake a truly magnificent Fruit Tart Cake . Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it that's what baking is all about! Now, go on, get baking, and enjoy every slice of your easy fruit tart ! A homemade fruit tart cake recipe always wins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the shortbread crust for this fruit tart cake ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! Baking the shortbread crust ahead of time is a great way to break up the process. Once baked and cooled, the crust can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped well and frozen for up to a month.

Just make sure it's completely cool before storing to prevent it from getting soggy.

My pastry cream isn't thickening! What am I doing wrong? Help!

Don't panic! Pastry cream can be a bit temperamental, a bit like a souffle! Make sure you're cooking it over medium heat and whisking constantly. The cornstarch needs enough heat to activate and thicken the cream.

If it's still not thickening after a few minutes, increase the heat slightly, but be careful not to burn it. Continue whisking vigorously until it reaches a pudding like consistency. If all else fails, a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold milk can be whisked in as a last resort, but add slowly!

What kind of fruit works best on a fruit tart cake? Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh, seasonal fruit is best for a fruit tart cake as it offers the best flavour and texture. Think of it as your chance to show off your artistic flair! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, mandarin oranges the more colourful, the better!

While you can use frozen fruit, be aware that it tends to release a lot of moisture as it thaws, which can make the pastry cream soggy. If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry very thoroughly.

How do I stop the crust from getting soggy when I add the pastry cream?

A soggy bottom is a baker's worst nightmare, like a soggy biscuit dunked in tea for too long! To prevent it, make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the pastry cream.

You can also brush the inside of the cooled crust with melted chocolate (milk, dark, or white - your choice!) or a thin layer of egg wash before baking, creating a moisture barrier.

Is this Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake recipe healthy? What's the nutritional information like?

While delicious, this Jewel Topped Fruit Tart Cake is definitely a treat! One serving (out of 8-10) is estimated to contain around 350-450 calories, 20-25g of fat, and 25-30g of sugar. The fresh fruit does provide some vitamins and fiber, but it's best enjoyed in moderation, as a yummy treat.

Can I make a gluten-free version of this fruit tart cake?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread crust with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to help bind the dough.

Follow the recipe instructions as normal, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free fruit tart cake in no time. Just be mindful that gluten-free crusts can sometimes be a bit more delicate, so handle with care!