Description
This Pistachio Tart with Creamy Pistachio Paste is a delectable dessert featuring a buttery, flaky tart crust filled with a smooth and richly flavored pistachio paste. The tart is blind baked to a golden crisp and then filled with a luscious, creamy pistachio filling, which is baked again to set perfectly. Chilled before serving, this elegant tart offers a nutty sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for special occasions or indulgent weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
Tart Crust
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if needed)
Pistachio Paste Filling
- 1 cup (150g) shelled pistachios (preferably roasted)
- ¼ cup (60g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 egg (optional, for a richer filling)
Instructions
- Make the Tart Crust: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and chilled butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is well distributed but still in small pieces.
- Add Egg Yolk: Add the egg yolk and pulse again until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add cold water one tablespoon at a time until a cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare the Pistachio Paste Filling: In a food processor or blender, pulse the roasted pistachios until finely ground. Add sugar, honey, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream and blend until the paste attains a creamy, smooth consistency. Optionally, incorporate one beaten egg for a richer, custard-like texture.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking the tart.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it firmly into the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Fill the Tart: Pour the creamy pistachio paste filling into the cooled tart shell, spreading evenly with a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Bake the Tart: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Completely: Remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool completely before removing it from the tart pan to maintain its shape.
- Chill the Tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours so the flavors meld and the filling firms up properly for clean slicing.
- Garnish Before Serving: Optionally, garnish with chopped pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled to enjoy the rich, creamy, nutty flavors of this elegant pistachio tart.
Notes
- Ensure the butter for the crust is well chilled for a flaky texture.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup if desired.
- Use roasted pistachios for enhanced flavor, but raw pistachios can be used if roasted beforehand.
- Adding the egg to the pistachio filling is optional but gives a richer and more custard-like texture.
- Blind baking the crust prevents a soggy bottom and ensures a crisp tart shell.
- This tart is best served chilled after refrigeration for proper setting and flavor melding.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
