Here’s a delightful recipe for Tarta de la Abuela, a classic Spanish dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. This traditional tart is often made with a creamy custard and a buttery, crumbly crust. It’s perfect for a family gathering or a special treat.
Tarta de la Abuela (Grandma’s Tart)
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
For the Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit or berries (optional, for garnish)
- Cinnamon or powdered sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and mix until combined. If the dough is too dry, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together when pressed.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out the Dough:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan. Transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the Crust:
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
- Pour the custard filling into the cooled tart crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Tart:
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the custard is set and chilled.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled custard.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the tart with fresh fruit or berries, if desired.
- Optionally, sprinkle with a little cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy this Tarta de la Abuela as a sweet and comforting treat that brings a taste of tradition to your table!