Recipe: Shortcrust Tart with Apricots and Cinnamon

Recipe: Shortcrust Tart with Apricots and Cinnamon

Shortcrust tart with apricots and cinnamon is a heavenly dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh apricots with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon, all nestled in a buttery, flaky shortcrust. This tart is an ideal choice for a summer dessert or a cozy treat during the colder months. The apricots add a juicy sweetness to the tart, while the cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile, making this dessert both fragrant and flavorful.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delightful tart, from preparing the shortcrust to topping it with apricots and cinnamon. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Shortcrust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1-2 tablespoons ice water (if needed)

For the Filling:

• 5-6 ripe apricots (pitted and sliced)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to sweetness of apricots)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Stir until well combined.

2. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can also pulse the ingredients in a food processor.

3. Add the Egg Yolk
   Add the egg yolk to the dough and mix it in. The yolk will help bind the dough and give it a rich, smooth texture.

4. Add Ice Water
   If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of ice water at a time until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as the dough should remain firm but not sticky.

5. Chill the Dough
   Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough ensures that the crust holds its shape when baked.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Prepare the Apricots
   While the dough chills, wash the apricots, remove the pits, and slice them into wedges. Set them aside in a bowl.

2. Make the Filling Mixture
   In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and set aside. This mixture will help sweeten the apricots and thicken the filling as it bakes.

3. Toss the Apricots
   Add the apricot slices to the sugar mixture and gently toss them to coat evenly. The cornstarch will help absorb the juices released from the fruit, keeping the filling firm.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a tart pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.

2. Roll Out the Dough
   Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough into the tart pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges.

3. Fill the Tart
   Arrange the apricot slices in a circular pattern on top of the shortcrust. Make sure to cover the entire base of the tart evenly. The apricots will shrink slightly as they bake, so don’t worry if they look crowded.

4. Bake the Tart
   Place the tart in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apricots are tender. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool the Tart
   Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the tart pan. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

2. Serve
   Slice the tart into wedges and serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Other Fruits
   While apricots are the star of this recipe, you can swap them for other fruits such as peaches, plums, or nectarines. Each fruit will give a different flavor profile while maintaining the same delicious texture.

2. Add Almonds
   For a nutty twist, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the apricots before baking. This adds crunch and complements the sweetness of the fruit.

3. Make It Gluten-Free
   If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

4. Add a Glaze
   Once the tart has cooled, you can brush a light glaze of honey or apricot jam over the top of the apricots for a shiny, sweet finish.

Health Benefits

1. Apricots
   Apricots are high in vitamins A and C, promoting healthy skin, vision, and immune function. They also contain fiber, which supports digestion.

2. Cinnamon
   Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve heart health.

Storage

Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Shortcrust tart with apricots and cinnamon is a comforting dessert that beautifully blends the sweet, juicy apricots with the warm spice of cinnamon and the flaky texture of shortcrust pastry. Perfect for any season, this tart makes a great dessert for family dinners, special occasions, or as a treat for yourself. With its delightful flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!