Baking enthusiasts and dessert lovers, welcome to your new favorite recipe: the American Plum Tart. This sweet treat is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Follow this easy-to-understand guide to create a dessert that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water
• 6-8 ripe plums, pitted and sliced
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Stir them together until they are well mixed.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the chilled and cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Making the Dough

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk and Water

Add the egg yolk and 2-3 tablespoons of cold water to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it to firm up, making it easier to roll out later.

Preparing the Filling

Step 5: Mix Plum Filling

In a bowl, combine the sliced plums, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Gently toss the ingredients together until the plums are well coated.

Assembling the Tart

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and press it into the edges. Trim any excess dough from the edges.

Step 7: Add the Filling

Place the plum mixture into the prepared tart crust, spreading it out evenly.

Baking the Tart

Step 8: Bake

Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your American Plum Tart warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious American Plum Tart is easier than you might think. With these simple steps and a little bit of patience, you can bake a sweet treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Let us know how your tart turned out in the comments below!