| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 19g | 11g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 2g | 5g | 0.30g |
The first time I made this Grapefruit Tart, I was floored by how much the vibrant citrusy flavor elevated my mood and awakened my taste buds. As a Boston native with Irish roots, my usual culinary adventures revolve around hearty Irish comfort foods and New England seafood dishes. But sometimes, stepping outside your gastronomic comfort zone can be truly rewarding.
A Wake-Up Call for Your Taste Buds
There’s something uniquely refreshing about the tangy sweetness of grapefruits. This tart masterfully balances that zing with the creamy smoothness of the custard filling and the flaky, buttery texture of a ready-made pie crust. The light, airy whipped cream topping provides a perfect counterpoint, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Grapefruits are jam-packed with health benefits too. They are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and might even give your skin a healthy glow. It’s comfort food, but with a conscience. The Perfect Companion to a Summer Meal
This Grapefruit Tart pairs beautifully with lighter fare. Think of it as the ideal conclusion to a summer meal of grilled seafood or a refreshing salad. Its flavor profile is somewhat similar to that of a Lemon Meringue or Key Lime Pie, but the unique zest of grapefruit gives it a distinctive edge.
I also love how easy this recipe is to prepare. While the ingredients list may seem extensive at first glance, many of these are pantry staples. With the ready-made pie crust, you save time without sacrificing any of the homemade goodness. It’s so convenient that even new parents like Laura and me can whip this up and have it ready for dinner with minimal fuss.
If you’re curious about expanding your citrus dessert repertoire, you might also enjoy other fruity classics like Lemon Meringue Pie or Orange Soufflé. They both share that wonderful balance of sweet and tangy that I find so irresistible.
I hope this Grapefruit Tart does for you what it did for me: brings a burst of joy with every bite and reminds you that sometimes, the best seat in the house is your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ready-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 2-3 grapefruits)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon grapefruit zest
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Segments of 1 grapefruit, for garnish
- Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ready-made pie crust in a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it firmly into the edges and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the freshly squeezed grapefruit juice until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Step Three
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot grapefruit mixture into the yolks to temper them, then return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and grapefruit zest until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
Step Four
Pour the grapefruit filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Allow the tart to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Step Five
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled tart.
Step Six
Garnish the tart with grapefruit segments and mint leaves, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Grapefruit Tart.
