French Orange Tart

If you’re looking for a dessert that brightens up any gathering, let me introduce you to my cherished French Orange Tart. This delightful treat is perfect for winter, with its lively orange flavor dancing on your palate. It’s a go-to recipe of mine, often shared during family gatherings or served at cozy afternoon teas. The combination of the sweet shortcrust pastry and the velvety orange cream filling makes it a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What I love most about this French Orange Tart is how uncomplicated it is to whip up, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. Whether it’s a dinner party or simply a weekend treat, this tart brings that special touch to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can create something spectacular!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the bright and refreshing taste of oranges, making this tart a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This tart can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your event.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh orange juice and zest gives each bite a burst of sunshine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You probably already have some of them in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

• 100 gr (6 1/2 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (very soft)
• 40 gr (1/3 cup) Powdered Sugar (or Confectioner’s Sugar)
• 1 Egg
• 40 gr (1/3 cup + 1 tsp) Almond Meal
• 200 gr (1 1/3 cup) Plain / All-Purpose Flour
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 Orange, zested (optional)

For the Orange Cream Filling

• 3 Large Oranges – Juice and Zest (or the equivalent of 300 ml – 1 1/4 cup of Juice)
• 4 Eggs
• 60 gr (1/4 cup) Caster Sugar (or fine white sugar)
• 25 gr (3 1/2 tbsp) Cornstarch
• 115 gr (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter (soft)
• 1 tsp vegan gelatin Powder (optional)

Variations

One of the best parts about this French Orange Tart is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
• Try Different Citrus: Swap oranges for lemons or limes if you’re craving something tangy.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Top It Off: Add fresh berries or whipped coconut cream as a topping for extra flair.

How to Make French Orange Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Shortcrust Pastry

Start by creaming the very soft butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air into your pastry, ensuring it will be wonderfully tender. Then, beat in the egg and mix until well combined. Gradually fold in the almond meal, flour, and salt until everything comes together into a dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps relax the gluten in the flour, leading to a more tender crust after baking.

Step 3: Roll Out and Bake

Once chilled, roll out your dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 0.5 cm thick. Carefully transfer it into your tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Cream Filling

While your crust is baking, zest and juice your oranges. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together eggs, caster sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Cook gently while stirring until thickened—this will be your luscious orange cream filling!

Step 5: Assemble Your Tart

Once your crust has cooled slightly, pour in the orange cream filling while it’s still warm. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for at least two hours to set properly.

And there you have it! A stunning French Orange Tart that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy sharing this little piece of sunshine with friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making French Orange Tart

Making a French Orange Tart can seem daunting, but with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to impressing your friends and family!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the butter cream together smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and airy pastry that holds its shape beautifully.
• Chill Your Pastry: After preparing your sweet shortcrust pastry, let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This prevents shrinking during baking and ensures a perfectly flaky texture.
• Strain the Orange Cream Filling: Straining the filling before pouring it into the tart shell removes any lumps and results in a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
• Bake Until Just Set: Keep an eye on your tart while baking; it should be just set in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow your tart to cool at room temperature before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve French Orange Tart

Presenting your French Orange Tart is just as important as making it! Here are some delightful ways to showcase this elegant dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream not only adds creaminess but also enhances the tropical notes of orange.
• Candied Orange Slices: These add an eye-catching touch and a burst of flavor that complements the tart’s filling perfectly.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint not only brings a pop of color but also adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tart.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Berry Salad: A vibrant salad made with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides a refreshing counterpart to the rich orange filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy smoothness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the tart’s citrusy flavor, creating a delightful balance.
• Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti can serve as a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft tart, perfect for dipping or enjoying on the side.
• Citrus Sorbet: A light and zesty citrus sorbet can cleanse the palate after each bite of rich tart, making it an ideal pairing for any citrus dessert.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to present your French Orange Tart in style! Enjoy every slice and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Orange Tart is not just a delightful treat for your taste buds but also an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare the tart shell and filling in advance, making it a convenient dessert for gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture.
• If you anticipate having leftovers, consider slicing only what you plan to eat right away to keep the rest fresh.

Freezing

• To freeze the tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze before adding any garnishes or whipped cream.

Reheating

• Simply thaw the tart overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy it again.
• If desired, you can serve it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers have about this recipe!

Can I make a French Orange Tart without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use commercial egg replacers. This will help achieve a similar texture while keeping the tart vegan-friendly.

How can I enhance the flavor of my French Orange Tart?

For an extra zing, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to your orange cream filling. This will complement the sweetness of the oranges beautifully and add depth to your French Orange Tart!

What’s the best way to serve French Orange Tart?

Slice your French Orange Tart into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant touch. Fresh berries also make a lovely accompaniment!

Can I use different citrus fruits in this tart?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on oranges, feel free to experiment with lemons or limes. Just adjust the amount of sugar according to the acidity of the fruit you choose.

Final Thoughts

This French Orange Tart is truly a gem among desserts! Its bright flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy crafting this delightful treat as much as I do—there’s something special about sharing homemade desserts with loved ones. Go ahead and give it a try; I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!