Introduction
Banana Cream Tart is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This elegant yet easy-to-make tart is sure to impress your guests with its silky smooth vanilla cream and fresh bananas on a crisp pastry shell. The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful!
Ingredients
For the pastry shell:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand. Add the cold water and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming the excess dough with a knife. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Bake the crust for 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Arrange the sliced bananas on the bottom of the tart shell. Pour the vanilla cream over the bananas, smoothing it out with a spatula. Chill the tart in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve the banana cream tart chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Variations
Vegan Banana Cream Tart
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with canned coconut cream and use vegan butter for the pastry shell. Follow the same instructions as above.
Chocolate Banana Cream Tart
For a chocolate twist on this classic recipe, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the pastry dough and use chocolate chips instead of bananas for the filling. Follow the same instructions as above, but omit the bananas and add the chocolate chips on top of the pastry shell before pouring in the vanilla cream.
Gluten-Free Banana Cream Tart
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the pastry shell. Follow the same instructions as above.
Conclusion
Banana Cream Tart is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be easily customized to your liking. The combination of creamy vanilla filling and fresh bananas on a crisp pastry shell is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress!
FAQ
What is a Banana Cream Tart?
A Banana Cream Tart is a type of dessert made with a shortbread crust, a layer of sliced bananas, and a rich and creamy filling made from vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream.
Can I use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust for this recipe if you prefer. However, the shortbread crust in this recipe is easy to make and adds a delicious buttery flavor to the tart.
How do I prevent the bananas from turning brown in the tart?
To prevent the bananas from turning brown, you can either dip them in lemon juice before placing them in the tart or wait until just before serving to add the bananas to the tart.
Can I make the tart filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tart filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. However, you should wait to assemble the tart until just before serving to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
How long does the Banana Cream Tart last?
The Banana Cream Tart will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. However, the crust may become slightly soft over time.
Can I use a different type of fruit instead of bananas?
Yes, you can use a different type of fruit in place of bananas. Strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches would all be delicious in this tart.
Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream in the filling?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free alternative for the whipped cream in the filling. Coconut cream is a popular dairy-free option that works well in this recipe.
How do I get the tart out of the pan without breaking it?
To remove the tart from the pan, run a knife around the edge of the tart to loosen it from the sides. Then, carefully slide a spatula or flat knife under the crust to lift the tart out of the pan.
Can I freeze the Banana Cream Tart?
No, the Banana Cream Tart is not suitable for freezing as the whipped cream and pastry cream filling will not hold up well in the freezer.
Can I add chocolate to the Banana Cream Tart?
Yes, you can add chocolate to the Banana Cream Tart if you like. A layer of melted chocolate between the crust and the banana layer would be delicious, or you could sprinkle chocolate shavings or chips on top of the whipped cream.
