Ina Garten’s Perfect Italian Plum Tart Recipe for Home Bakers

This Italian plum tart whispers stories of sunshine-drenched orchards and elegant simplicity.

Sweet stone fruits nestle into a golden, flaky landscape of pure comfort.

Ripe seasonal produce transforms an ordinary pastry into a celebration of natural flavors.

Such desserts represent more than mere recipes – they connect us to culinary traditions passed through generations.

Delicate and unassuming, the tart balances subtle sweetness with a rich, buttery undertone.

Home bakers can create magic with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, unpretentious pleasure: prepare to be delighted.

Must-Have Ingredients for a European-Inspired Treat

• Plums: Sweet, ripe Italian plums with deep purple color and juicy texture work best for this tart.
• Tapioca: Helps thicken the fruit filling and absorb extra liquid from plums.
• Crème de Cassis: Adds rich berry flavor and depth to the fruit mixture.
• Sugar: Enhances plums' natural sweetness and helps create syrupy consistency.

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the tart base and crumb topping.
• Butter: Creates rich, tender crumb with excellent flavor and flakiness.
• Baking Powder: Helps crust rise and become light and tender.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the plums with a subtle, sweet aroma.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor of the tart.
• Cold Water: Helps bind the crumb mixture and create proper texture.

• Butter: For greasing the springform pan to prevent sticking.
• Flour: Used for dusting the pan and hands to prevent sticking.

How to Bake a Tart That’s Rustic and Elegant

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pan

Warm the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9-inch springform pan with butter and dust with flour. Place the pan on a sturdy baking sheet.

Step 2: Create Plum Mixture

• Sliced plums
• Tapioca
• Crème de cassis
• Sugar

Gently stir and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

Use an electric mixer with paddle attachment. Cream butter and remaining sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Baking powder

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into butter mixture on low speed. Mix until small, crumbly texture forms. Add cold water and beat for 30 seconds until large, moist crumbs develop.

Step 5: Create Crust Foundation

Separate and reserve 3/4 cup of crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture into pan bottom and slightly up the sides using flour-dusted hands.

Step 6: Arrange Plum Layers

Carefully position plum slices in beautiful concentric circles across the crust. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over fruit.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide tart into preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes until fruit bubbles and crust turns golden brown.

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Allow tart to rest for 15 minutes. Gently remove springform pan sides. Serve either warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Tips That Keep the Crust Golden and Crisp

• Pick Perfect Plums: Select ripe Italian prune plums that yield slightly when gently pressed, ensuring maximum sweetness and juicy texture in your tart.
• Boost Flavor with Maceration: Letting plums rest with sugar and liqueur for 15 minutes draws out natural juices, intensifying the fruit's depth and creating a more complex taste.
• Handle Dough with Care: Treat the pastry gently, mixing just until ingredients combine to maintain a light, tender crust that crumbles beautifully when cut.
• Keep Crust Cool: Refrigerate dough briefly before baking to prevent spreading and create a crisp, flaky texture that holds its shape perfectly.
• Watch for Baking Signals: Look for golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit juices as indicators of a perfectly baked tart, using foil to protect against over-browning if needed.

Plum Tart Storage Tips for Every Season

• Freeze Whole: Seal the fully cooled tart in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air pockets. This method preserves the delicate texture and prevents freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to slowly come back to life.
• Refrigerate Sliced: Cut the tart into individual portions before storing. Place each slice in a separate sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Short-Term: Keep the tart uncovered on a kitchen counter for up to 12 hours if serving the same day. Use a cake dome or loose tent of parchment paper to protect from dust while allowing air circulation. Best enjoyed within 6-8 hours of baking for maximum flavor and crispness.

Unique Twists for That Fruity Finish

• Rustic Stone Fruit Fusion: Swap plums with a mix of peaches, nectarines, and apricots for a colorful summer tart that bursts with sweet, tangy flavors.
• Spiced Autumn Harvest: Replace plums with pears and add ground nutmeg alongside cinnamon for a warm, comforting seasonal variation that captures fall's essence.
• Berry Crumble Transformation: Substitute plums with a combination of raspberries and blackberries, reducing sugar slightly to balance the berries' natural sweetness and creating a vibrant, juicy dessert.
• Almond Streusel Adventure: Incorporate chopped almonds into the crumb topping and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nutty depth that complements the fruity base.

The Tart That Ends with a Cozy Sigh

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s Italian plum tart, showcasing remarkable simplicity and elegant flavors.

Rustic charm radiates through each carefully arranged layer of fruit and buttery crumb.

Seasonal plums dance delicately across a golden landscape of homemade crust, creating a sensory symphony.

Mediterranean inspirations whisper through delicate spices and luscious fruit notes.

Kitchen adventures welcome unexpected delights with this sophisticated dessert.

Passionate bakers and casual cooks alike can savor this irresistible dish – share this recipe, spread delicious joy, and let flavor conversations bloom across social platforms.

Why Italian Plum Tart Tastes Like Autumn

• Burst with Seasonal Flavor: Ina Garten's Italian Plum Tart captures the essence of late summer with ripe, juicy plums that bring a delightful sweetness and slight tartness to every bite.
• Create Bakery-Worthy Texture: The crumb crust creates a tender, buttery base that perfectly complements the soft, syrupy plum filling, giving you a professional-level dessert with minimal effort.
• Effortlessly Elegant Dessert: This tart requires simple techniques but delivers a sophisticated result that looks like it came straight from a French patisserie, making it ideal for dinner parties or weekend gatherings.
• Quick and Foolproof Preparation: With just one hour of baking time and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can confidently create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Ina Garten Italian Plum Tart Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Italian Plum Tart brings rustic elegance to dessert tables with seasonal stone fruits nestled in a buttery, golden crust. Delicate plum slices create a simple yet sophisticated treat that welcomes summer’s sweet harvest right onto your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Fruits:

• 0.75 pounds (340 grams) Italian prune plums, quartered and pitted

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1.75 cups (350 grams) sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons Minute tapioca

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.25 pounds (113 grams or 1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons crème de cassis liqueur

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with butter and flour, then position on a baking sheet for stable handling.
2. Create the fruit mixture by combining ripe plums, tapioca, crème de cassis, and of sugar in a mixing bowl. Allow the ingredients to macerate for 15 minutes, which helps intensify the fruit’s natural flavors and release juices.
3. Develop the crumb base using an electric mixer with paddle attachment. Cream together butter and remaining of sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Sift together flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed, creating small, sandy crumbs. Introduce cold water and mix briefly until large, moist crumbs form.
5. Separate and reserve of the crumb mixture for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the prepared pan, using floured hands to create an even base and slightly raised edges extending 1 inch (2.5cm) up the sides.
6. Artfully arrange plum slices in concentric circular patterns across the prepared crust. Evenly distribute the reserved crumb mixture over the fruit layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Bake the tart for approximately 1 hour, monitoring until the fruit bubbles energetically and the crust transforms into a golden-brown hue.
8. Allow the tart to rest and settle for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. Carefully release the springform pan’s sides and transfer to a serving plate. Enjoy either warm or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Capture summer’s essence with perfectly ripe, slightly soft Italian prune plums bursting with natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Soak plums briefly in sugar and liqueur to unlock deep, complex flavor profiles that elevate the entire dessert experience.
• Gentle handling creates a delicate, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth, avoiding the pitfall of dense, overworked pastry.
• Strategic chilling prevents dough from spreading, ensuring a crisp, beautifully defined tart shell that holds its shape.
• Watch for golden-brown edges and bubbling fruit juices signaling the perfect moment to remove your tart from the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg