Are you in search of a sweet and refreshing dessert to impress your guests? Look no further than a grape tart. This delectable dessert combines the sweetness of fresh grapes with the creaminess of a custard filling and the flakiness of a buttery tart crust. Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a summer afternoon, a grape tart is the perfect choice.
What is a Grape Tart?
A grape tart is a dessert made from a tart crust filled with a custard or cream cheese filling and topped with fresh grapes. The crust is typically made from a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes egg yolks. The filling is often made from eggs, sugar, milk, or cream, and a variety of flavorings such as vanilla or almond extract. The grapes used in the topping can be any variety, but seedless grapes are typically preferred.
Ingredients for a Grape Tart
To make a grape tart, you will need the following ingredients:
Tart Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons ice water
Filling:
- 2 cups seedless red grapes
- 2 cups seedless green grapes
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Steps to Make a Grape Tart
Tart Crust:
- In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and pulse until the mixture forms a ball. If the dough is too dry, add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
- Trim the edges of the crust and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.
Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour the filling into the cooled tart shell.
- Arrange the grapes on top of the filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the grapes are lightly caramelized.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Variations of Grape Tart
There are many variations of grape tart that you can try, including:
Almond Grape Tart:
Add 1/2 cup of almond flour to the tart crust recipe, and top the filling with slivered almonds before baking.
Lemon Grape Tart:
Add the zest of one lemon to the filling, and substitute lemon juice for half of the milk or cream.
Mascarpone Grape Tart:
Substitute mascarpone cheese for the cream cheese in the filling recipe.
Conclusion
A grape tart is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With a buttery tart crust, creamy custard filling, and sweet and juicy grapes, it is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you make a classic
