This elegant peach custard tart is the perfect dessert to showcase the sweet, juicy flavor of summer peaches. The creamy custard filling complements the fresh fruit beautifully, while the buttery pastry crust provides a delightful contrast.
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Custard Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
Instructions:
Make the Pastry:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and cut in with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Form Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges.
- Chill Dough: Chill the tart shell in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Custard Filling:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Heat Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture, tempering the eggs.
- Cook Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens.
- Add Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour Custard: Pour the warm custard into the chilled tart shell.
- Arrange Peaches: Arrange the peach slices over the custard.
- Bake Tart: Bake the tart for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tart cool completely before serving.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy this delightful summer treat!