A damson tart is a timeless sweet treat, savored for generations. This dish, with its simplicity and charm, is crafted with plump and juicy damson plums, enveloped by a rich buttery pie crust, and delicately infused with vanilla extract. The blend of flavors and textures in this tart render it an ideal dessert for any celebration. Whether it be for a dinner soiree, a quick weeknight meal’s sweet finale, or a personal indulgence, this tart hits the spot. (See also all Damson Recipes)
What exactly are damson plums?
Damson plums are petite, dark purple plums with a distinctive tart, yet slightly bitter taste. They are widely utilized in several recipes, including preserves, jellies, and baked goods. Their exceptional flavor makes them perfect for baking, imparting a delightful fruity tang to desserts. Additionally, they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthful option for satisfying a sweet tooth. (Learn more at What are Damson Plums?)
(For more damson plum recipe ideas, try:
- Damson Pie
- Damson Tarte Tatin
- Damson Crumble
- Damson Plum Tart
- Damson Preserves
- Recipe for Damson Jelly
- Damson Plum Dessert Recipes
- Recipes for Damson Jam)
The Pie Crust
The first step in creating a damson tart is to make the pie crust. For the crust, you will require flour, salt, sugar, and unsalted butter. You have the option to either make your crust from scratch or use a pre-made one from the store. To make it from scratch, combine the flour, salt, and sugar, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add a small quantity of ice water and blend until the dough forms. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan, trim the excess dough from the edges, and then prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
The Filling
Once the crust is done baking, it’s time to make the filling. The filling is composed of fresh damson plums, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Begin by whisking together the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Next, add the damson plums to the bowl and gently toss until evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
Assembling the Tart
With the filling ready, it’s time to put together the tart. Pour the plum mixture into the baked pie crust, arranging the plums in a single layer. Dot the top of the plums with small pieces of unsalted butter to keep the tart juicy and add a rich buttery flavor.
Baking the Tart
Place the tart in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on the tart while it bakes, and if the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Serving the Tart
Once the tart is done baking, allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Overall, a damson tart is an easy-to-make classic dessert that is sure to please. The combination of sweet damson plums, a buttery crust, and a touch of vanilla extract makes for a satisfying and delicious treat. Whether entertaining guests or seeking a simple dessert for a weeknight meal, a damson tart is the perfect choice. So why not give this timeless recipe a try?
Damson Tart Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 4 cups fresh damson plums pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add damson plums to the bowl and gently toss to evenly coat with the sugar mixture.
- Pour the plum mixture into the pie crust, arranging the plums in a single layer.
- Dot the top of the plums with butter pieces.
- Place the tart in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the tart to cool to room temperature before serving. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Enjoy!
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