Elegant Fruit Tart Recipe by Ina Garten with Fresh Appeal

Ina Garten’s fruit tart sparkles as a culinary gem that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

Her legendary recipe dazzles with its elegant simplicity and vibrant charm.

Buttery, golden crust cradles a medley of seasonal fruits like a delicate canvas.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures that melt gracefully on your tongue.

Layers of creamy filling and fresh produce create a masterpiece that whispers gourmet sophistication.

Professional bakers and weekend warriors alike adore this foolproof dessert that looks impossibly impressive.

Stunning and surprisingly easy, this tart will become your secret weapon for wowing guests and satisfying sweet cravings in one beautiful, delicious swoop.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Breakdown for Ina Garten’s Fruit Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: Select high-quality, unbleached flour for optimal texture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Use fine, pure sugar for smooth sweetness in the crust.
• Salt: Opt for fine sea salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Cold Unsalted Butter, Ice Water: Choose European-style butter with higher fat content for extra flakiness, and use filtered water for pure, clean taste.

• Egg Yolks, Sugar: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs from free-range chickens and use pure cane sugar for rich, deep sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Choose non-GMO cornstarch for smooth, consistent thickening.
• Whole Milk: Select organic, full-fat milk for creamy, luxurious custard texture.

Tools for Crafting Ina’s Beautiful Fruit Tart

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating the tart dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for precise ingredient measurements.
• Pastry cutter or fingertips: Ideal for blending butter into flour mixture.
• Plastic wrap: Helps chill and rest the dough smoothly.
• Rolling pin: Necessary for rolling out the tart crust evenly.
• 10-inch tart pan: Gives the tart its classic shape and crisp edges.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking during blind baking.
• Pie weights or dried beans: Helps maintain the crust's shape while baking.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth, lump-free custard.
• Saucepan: Used for cooking the creamy custard filling.
• Spatula: Helps spread custard evenly and arrange fruits.
• Fork: Useful for pricking the crust before final baking.

How to Make a Fresh Fruit Tart with Ina’s Style

• Craft the Dough Foundation

Blend flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a solid base for your delightful tart crust.

• Transform Dry Ingredients

Gently work cold butter into the flour mixture using fingertips. Massage until the texture resembles delicate breadcrumbs, creating a light and flaky potential.

• Bring the Dough Together

Carefully add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough just starts to form. Handle gently to maintain a tender, delicate consistency that promises a perfect crust.

• Chill and Rest

Shape the dough into a smooth disc, wrap securely, and let it relax in the refrigerator. This crucial pause allows the butter to firm and flavors to meld beautifully.

• Prepare and Shape

Warm the oven to 375°F. Tenderly roll out the chilled dough, pressing it softly into a tart pan. Ensure a smooth, even layer that promises a gorgeous final result.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover the crust with parchment, weigh it down, and bake initially. Remove weights, prick the surface, and continue baking until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown.

• Create Silky Custard

Whip egg yolks and sugar until they transform into a pale, dreamy mixture. Blend in cornstarch, then slowly incorporate warm milk. Cook carefully, stirring constantly until the custard becomes wonderfully smooth and thick.

• Final Flourish

Let the crust and custard cool completely. Spread the creamy custard evenly, then crown with a beautiful arrangement of fresh, vibrant fruits that add a pop of color and freshness.

Top Tips for the Perfect Ina Garten Tart Crust

Expert Tart Techniques and Flavor Twists

Freeze butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting to achieve ultra-flaky crust layers that melt in your mouth.

Replace fresh berries with seasonal alternatives like sliced peaches, kiwi, or caramelized pineapple to transform the tart’s flavor profile and visual appeal.

Always use ice-cold ingredients when making pastry to prevent butter from melting, ensuring a perfectly tender and crisp crust that doesn’t become tough or dense.

Toast nuts like sliced almonds or pistachios and sprinkle them around the tart’s edge for added crunch and nutty depth that complements the creamy custard base.

How to Present and Slice Ina’s Tart Cleanly

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this elegant tart as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch with friends, pairing it perfectly with freshly brewed coffee or mimosas.
• Dessert Delight: Slice the tart into delicate wedges for an after-dinner treat, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Tea Time Treasure: Present the tart on a beautiful cake stand during afternoon tea, complementing the delicate flavors with Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
• Seasonal Showcase: Top the tart with seasonal fresh fruits like summer berries, autumn figs, or spring citrus to highlight the current harvest and add vibrant colors.

Storing Your Tart Without Losing the Crunch

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store this delicate tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool environment helps maintain the custard's creamy texture and keeps fruits crisp and vibrant.
• Prepare in Advance: Bake the crust and prepare the custard up to 24 hours before final assembly. Keeping components separate prevents soggy crust and ensures maximum freshness when serving.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap the unbaked crust tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking for a convenient make-ahead option.
• Serving Temperature Tips: Remove the tart from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. This gentle warming allows flavors to fully develop and creates the most delightful taste experience for your guests.

Elegant Ina Garten Fruit Tart Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fruit tart combines delicate pastry with creamy custard and seasonal fruits for an elegant dessert. Fresh berries and smooth pastry cream highlight this classic French-inspired treat you’ll love serving at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 ¼ cups (156 g) flour
• 3 extra-large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 6 tbsps (75 g) sugar
• 3 tbsps (37.5 g) sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tbsps (12 g) cornstarch
• 3–4 tbsps (45–60 ml) ice water
• ½ cup (160 g) apricot jelly (optional)
• 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) heavy cream
• ½ tsp cognac, brandy, or vanilla
• Assorted fruits of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, figs, etc)

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Blend flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, forming the foundational mixture for the delicate tart crust.
2. Butter Incorporation: Swiftly work cold, cubed butter into the flour blend using fingertips until the mixture transforms into a sandy, crumbly texture reminiscent of fine breadcrumbs.
3. Dough Formation: Carefully introduce ice-cold water, gently stirring until the ingredients unite into a cohesive, smooth dough. Shape into a flattened disc, envelop in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to achieve optimal firmness.
4. Crust Crafting: Allow dough to rest momentarily at room temperature, then roll out to perfectly fit a 10-inch tart pan. Trim excess edges, line the pan, and reinforce with aluminum foil and pie weights. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, remove weights and foil, pierce crust with a fork, and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until golden-brown.
5. Custard Creation: Vigorously whisk egg yolks and sugar until achieving a pale yellow hue. Blend in cornstarch, gradually incorporate warm milk, and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture develops a luxurious, thick consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Allow crust and custard to cool completely. Spread custard evenly across the baked crust, then artfully arrange fresh fruit on top. Optional: Create a luminous glaze by warming apricot jelly with water and delicately brushing over the fruit surface.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate the pastry dough for 30-45 minutes to ensure optimal texture and prevent shrinkage during baking, creating a perfectly crisp and tender crust.
• Master Custard Consistency: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow, stirring continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth custard that sets beautifully.
• Blind Bake with Precision: Use pie weights or dried beans during initial baking to prevent the crust from puffing up, ensuring a crisp, even base for your elegant fruit tart.
• Glaze for Gourmet Finish: Warm apricot jelly creates a professional, glossy sheen that not only enhances the fruit’s appearance but also helps preserve the tart’s fresh look and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg