Description
This decadent Pistachio Tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious, creamy pistachio paste made from roasted pistachios, honey, and rich heavy cream. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this elegant dessert serves 8 and offers a delightful balance of nutty flavors and smooth texture, making it an impressive treat for special occasions or indulgent gatherings.
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.
- Incorporate Egg Yolk and Water: Add the egg yolk and pulse again until combined. If the dough is too dry, add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time until it forms a dough.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough for easier handling.
- Prepare the Pistachio Paste Filling: In a food processor or blender, pulse the pistachios until finely ground. Add sugar, honey, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and well-combined.
- Add Cream and Optional Egg: Gradually add the heavy cream and blend until the paste becomes creamy and smooth. For a richer texture, add a beaten egg and blend until mixed.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press it into the pan and trim off any excess dough.
- Blind Bake Tart Crust: Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Fill the Tart Shell: Pour the pistachio paste mixture into the cooled tart shell and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Bake the Filled Tart: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool the Tart: Allow the tart to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
- Refrigerate: Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the filling set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey for extra flair.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled to enjoy the creamy, nutty flavors.
Notes
- Using roasted pistachios enhances the depth of flavor in the filling.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you prefer a less rich filling, omit the optional egg.
- Pie weights or dried beans are essential for blind baking to prevent the crust from puffing up.
- Chilling the tart before serving helps achieve the best texture and flavor.
