| Prep: 45 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 456 | 29g | 14g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 3g | 9g | 0.23g |
As a New Englander with a palate as broad as the Atlantic, it’s not just the seafood that I adore. There’s a wealth of other beautiful flavors that this region offers, and one of them is the fruity magnificence of our beloved Damson and Almond Tart.
Fruit and Flour: A Classic Combination
This tart, with its buttery crust and sweet almond-infused damson filling, holds a special place in my heart. It’s similar to the classic French plum tart, but the use of damson plums gives it a distinctly New England touch. Whether it’s a balmy summer afternoon or a chilly winter night, this Damson and Almond Tart can warm hearts and fill stomachs with a sense of homely comfort.
A Tantalizing Treat for the Taste Buds
The blend of the juicy damson plums with the crunchy ground almonds is nothing short of divine, providing a roller-coaster of textures in every bite. The hint of almond extract elevates the flavor profile, creating a harmonious dance of sweet and savory that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Perfect Pairing
While exquisite on its own, this tart pairs well with a variety of dishes. For instance, you could serve it alongside a scoop of french vanilla ice cream to balance out the fruit’s tartness. Or, for a truly New England experience, pair it with a classic clam chowder. The creamy soup contrasts beautifully with the sweet tartness of the dessert.
The Health Bonus
But it’s not just about the taste. Damsons are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this tart as beneficial for your health as it is pleasing to your palate. Almonds, too, boast a slew of health benefits, including heart health and diabetes control. So you can indulge in this tart knowing that you’re also doing your body a favor.
When it comes to desserts, I always find myself drawn to recipes that celebrate local ingredients and deliver robust flavors, and this Damson and Almond Tart ticks all those boxes. Cooking and sharing this dessert with my daughters, Erin and Samantha, adds to the joy. I hope that this recipe will create as many memorable moments for you and your loved ones as it has for us.
What You’ll Need
- 1 1/2 cups of plain flour
- 2/3 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons of cold water
- 3/4 cup of damson plums, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup of light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup of ground almonds
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1 tablespoon of icing sugar, for dusting
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the pastry for your tart. In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, cold unsalted butter cubes, granulated sugar and a pinch of salt together. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Step Two
Gradually add the cold water to the mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring after each addition. Only add enough water to bring the dough together – it should not be wet or sticky.
Step Three
Once the dough has come together, wrap it in cling wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
Step Four
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar and ground almonds. Add your large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step Five
Next, add the unsalted melted butter and almond extract to the same bowl and mix until combined. Set your filling aside.
Step Six
Roll out your chilled dough and fit it into your tart pan, trimming any excess. Spread your damson plums evenly over the base of the tart.
Step Seven
Pour the almond filling over top of the plums, making sure they are evenly covered.
Step Eight
Bake your tart in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the tart is golden and set in the middle.
Step Nine
Allow the tart to cool before dusting with icing sugar. Your delicious Damson and Almond tart is now ready to serve and enjoy!
