Tarte Tropézienne

Introduction

Tarte Tropézienne is a delightful dessert that transports you straight to the sun-soaked beaches of St. Tropez. This French classic combines a soft, buttery brioche with a rich crème légère and a hint of elderflower, creating a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. I recently made this for a family gathering, and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the light, airy texture of the brioche and the creamy filling. It’s not only delicious but also visually impressive, making it a perfect centerpiece for a dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• ½ quantity brioche dough
• Plain flour to dust
• 1 medium free-range egg, beaten with a splash of milk
• Demerara sugar to sprinkle

For the Crème Légère:

• 65g caster sugar
• 1 medium free-range egg
• 1 medium free-range egg yolk
• 30g cornflour
• 250g whole milk
• 30g unsalted butter at room temperature, plus extra to grease

For the Filling:

• 100g double cream
• 100ml elderflower cordial
• 2-3 tablespoons raspberry jam

Equipment:

• 23cm springform cake tin

Instructions

Make the Crème Légère

1. In a bowl, whisk together the caster sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, and cornflour until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, heat the whole milk to a simmer.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until it thickens and bubbles.
5. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Beat in the room temperature butter until smooth. Cover the mixture and chill completely in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Brioche Dough

1. Turn out the brioche dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Fold the four corners of the dough into the center, flip it over, and gently roll it into a flat disc about 20cm in diameter.

Assemble the Tart

1. Lightly butter a 23cm springform cake tin. Place the brioche dough in the tin and press it out to the sides.
2. Loosely cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C fan/gas 7.
2. Brush the top of the risen dough with the egg and milk mixture, then sprinkle generously with demerara sugar.
3. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow it to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

Assemble the Tart

1. Once the brioche has cooled, beat the crème pâtissière until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the crème pâtissière until well combined.

Layer the Tart

1. Cut the cooled brioche horizontally into two even layers.
2. Brush each cut side with elderflower cordial.
3. Spread raspberry jam on the bottom layer, then pipe or spread the crème légère on top of the jam.
4. Place the top layer of brioche back on.

Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the assembled tart for 1 hour to set before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Tarte Tropézienne!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

• Hands-on: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Slice into wedges for serving.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
• Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality butter for the best flavor.
2. Chill the Crème Légère: Make sure the crème is completely chilled before spreading it onto the brioche.
3. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap the elderflower cordial for other flavors like orange blossom or rosewater.
4. Add Fruit: Fresh raspberries or strawberries can be layered inside for added freshness.
5. Baking Tip: Ensure your oven is preheated properly to avoid uneven baking.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Tarte Tropézienne: Add cocoa powder to the brioche dough and use chocolate ganache instead of crème légère.
• Fruit-Infused: Substitute raspberry jam with apricot or strawberry for a different flavor profile.
• Nutty Twist: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the filling for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light dessert wine or a glass of champagne for an elegant touch.
• Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Accompany with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep the assembled tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the baked brioche (without filling) for up to a month. Thaw completely before assembling.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the brioche dough from scratch?

• Yes, homemade brioche dough can be used for a richer flavor.

1. What if I can’t find elderflower cordial?

• You can substitute with any flavored syrup or omit it entirely.

1. Can I use whipped cream instead of crème légère?

• Yes, but the texture may be less creamy.

1. How do I know when the brioche is baked?

• It should be golden brown, and a skewer should come out clean.

1. Can I make this tart ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the crème and bake the brioche a day in advance.

1. What other flavors work well in this recipe?

• Vanilla, citrus zest, or almond extract can enhance the flavors.

1. How should I store leftovers?

• Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.

1. Can I use a different type of jam?

• Absolutely! Any fruit jam will work well.

1. Is Tarte Tropézienne suitable for vegetarians?

• Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

1. What can I serve alongside the tart?

• Light salads or fruit compotes are great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Tarte Tropézienne is a delightful dessert that brings a touch of French elegance to your table. Its combination of soft brioche, creamy filling, and fruity notes makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging on a weekend, this tart is sure to impress your family and friends. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. Enjoy every bite!

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