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French Raspberry Tart

A delightful pastry featuring a crisp, buttery crust filled with vanilla pastry cream and topped with fresh raspberries.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the pastry cream
  • 1.75 cups whole milk Creamy and rich, this is the base of your luscious pastry cream.
  • 0.25 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) Adds aromatic warmth and flavor.
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cream and highlights the tartness of the raspberries.
  • 0.25 cups cornstarch Provides the perfect thickening agent for the pastry cream.
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
  • 4 large egg yolks Rich in flavor, contributes to the cream's silky texture.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided) Brings a velvety mouthfeel to the cream.
For the tart crust
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter (room temperature) Necessary for the tart crust's tenderness.
  • 0.33 cups confectioners' sugar Ensures a sweet and smooth crust.
  • 1 large egg yolk Enriches the tart dough and adds color.
  • 1 tablespoon cream or whole milk Moistens the dough for the perfect consistency.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Essential for balancing flavors in the crust.
  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out) Forms the structure and crunch of the tart.
For assembly
  • 0.33 cups raspberry preserves or jam Adds a sweet, fruity layer under the pastry cream.
  • 2.5 containers (6-ounce) raspberries Juicy, fresh berries for the beautiful topping.

Method
 

For the Crème Pâtissière
  1. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and a little water. Set aside a smaller bowl for later use.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until very smooth.
  3. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and vanilla, then add 2 tablespoons of butter.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Warm until the butter melts.
  5. Once melted, reduce heat and stir until thickened with boiling bubbles rising to the surface.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in remaining butter, and transfer to the smaller bowl in the ice bath, covering with plastic wrap. Cool for 30 minutes before refrigerating for at least 3 hours.
For the Pâte Sablée
  1. In a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Add egg yolk and milk until combined.
  2. Scrape sides of the bowl, add flour and salt, and mix just until the dough comes together.
  3. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and chill for at least an hour or up to two days.
  4. Soften the dough at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes then line a tart pan with parchment paper.
  5. Roll the dough into an 11-inch circle and transfer to the tart pan.
  6. Trim edges and refrigerate while preheating oven to 375°F.
  7. Place the crust on a baking sheet, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until just set.
  8. Remove weights and parchment, cover edges with foil, and return to the oven for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 30 minutes.
Assembling the Tart
  1. Once cooled, lift the bottom from the tart pan. Spread raspberry jam over the bottom.
  2. Stir the chilled pastry cream until smooth and spread it evenly over the jam.
  3. Cover the tart with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.
  4. When ready, arrange fresh raspberries over the top. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure your pastry cream is thick enough to prevent the tart from becoming soggy. Chill the crust for better shape during baking. Use fresh raspberries for the best flavor.