Fresh Fruit Tart

French Fresh Fruit Tart Recipe with Apricots and Strawberries

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fresh fruit tart is a delightful dessert that combines a crispy rice crust, creamy filling, and a colorful array of fresh fruits. This recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious treat.

History

The fresh fruit tart has its origins in French cuisine, where it is known as "tarte aux fruits." This dessert became popular in the late 19th century and has since become a classic dish served in patisseries and restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

Crust

3 cups cooked rice
0.25 cup sugar
1 beaten egg

Filling

1- 8 oz (227 g) package of softened light cream cheese
0.25 cup plain non-fat yogurt
0.25 cup confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

0.33 cup low-sugar apricot or peach spread
2 to 3 cups of fresh fruit (sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, sliced kiwi fruit, grape halves)

How to prepare

Crust:

Combine rice, sugar, and egg in a medium bowl. Press into a 12-inch pizza pan or 10-inch pie pan.
Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes and allow to cool.

Filling:

Beat cream cheese and yogurt in a medium bowl until light and fluffy.
Add confectioner's sugar and vanilla; beat until well blended. Spread over crust.

Topping:

Heat apricot spread and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Strain and allow to cool.
Brush half of the glaze over the filling. Arrange fruit attractively over the crust, starting at the outer edge.
Brush the remaining glaze evenly over the fruit. Cover and chill for 2-6 hours before serving.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as berries, kiwi, or mango for a unique flavor combination.
Experiment with different types of yogurt or cream cheese for a twist on the filling.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the rice for the crust until it is slightly sticky, as this will help bind the ingredients together.

- Be sure to allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- When arranging the fresh fruits on top of the tart, get creative with different colors and shapes to make it visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fresh fruit tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to bake the crust until it is golden brown to ensure a crispy texture.

- Chill the tart for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have rice, you can use crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the crust.

- Substitute the light cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time and assemble the tart just before serving for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fresh fruits in a decorative pattern on top of the tart to create a visually stunning dessert that will impress your guests.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this fresh fruit tart with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, allow the tart to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This fresh fruit tart is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium from the variety of fruits used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, yogurt) and eggs.

Summary

This fresh fruit tart is a balanced dessert option that provides a mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fresh fruit tart is a delicious and visually appealing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy rice crust, creamy filling, and a colorful array of fresh fruits, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Fresh Fruit Tart. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun shines brightly and the birds chirp merrily in the trees. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious baked goods.

As soon as I walked into Martha's kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma. She was busy rolling out dough and slicing up fresh fruits, preparing to make her famous Fresh Fruit Tart. I watched in awe as she worked her magic, creating a masterpiece that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

"Would you like to learn how to make this?" Martha asked, noticing my intense interest in the tart.

I eagerly nodded and she handed me an apron, guiding me through each step of the process. As we worked together, she shared the story behind the recipe.

"This Fresh Fruit Tart has been in my family for generations," Martha explained. "My great-grandmother brought it with her from Italy, and it has been a cherished tradition ever since."

I listened intently as Martha told me about the secret ingredients and techniques that were passed down through the years. She showed me how to make the perfect tart crust, a delicate balance of buttery richness and flaky goodness. Then, she taught me how to arrange the fresh fruits in a beautiful pattern, creating a burst of color and flavor that would delight anyone who tasted it.

As we pulled the tart out of the oven, the sweet scent of baked fruit filled the air. Martha's eyes sparkled with pride as she looked at our creation, a true work of art.

"Try a bite," she encouraged, cutting into the tart and serving me a generous slice.

I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of pure bliss. The buttery crust melted in my mouth, while the sweet fruits burst with juiciness and flavor. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a combination of freshness and sweetness that was simply divine.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I knew that I had to learn how to make this Fresh Fruit Tart on my own, to carry on the tradition and share it with my own loved ones.

Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe, adding my own touch here and there to make it truly my own. I collected fresh fruits from the local market, carefully selecting the ripest and juiciest ones to adorn my tart. I experimented with different combinations and flavors, always striving to create something that would bring joy to those who tasted it.

Now, whenever I make this Fresh Fruit Tart, I think of Martha and the day she shared her family recipe with me. It is a reminder of the importance of tradition and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

As I take a bite of the tart I have just made, the memories come flooding back. The warmth of Martha's kitchen, the laughter we shared, and the delicious taste of that first bite. It is a moment that I will always cherish, a connection to the past and a promise for the future.

And as I savor the flavors of the tart, I am grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it brings to my life. I know that this Fresh Fruit Tart will continue to be a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of the love and tradition that have been passed down through the generations.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a taste of summer, look no further than my Fresh Fruit Tart. It is a labor of love, a tribute to tradition, and a delicious treat that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.