Pistachio Tart

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse the mixture in a food processor for about 10 seconds.
2. Add the egg yolk: Add the egg yolk to the mixture and mix until the dough begins to come together. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough forms a cohesive ball. You may not need all of the water.
3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the crust hold its shape during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

1. Roll out the dough: Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully fit the dough into a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough around the top.
2. Chill again: Place the tart pan in the fridge for another 15 minutes to ensure the crust stays firm while baking.
3. Blind bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the chilled tart shell with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the crust are just beginning to turn golden.
4. Finish baking: Remove the weights and parchment paper, then bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is fully golden and crisp. Let the crust cool completely while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pistachio Filling

1. Prepare the pistachios: Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. You should have about 3/4 cup of ground pistachios.
2. Heat the cream and milk: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat.
3. Mix the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually pour in the hot cream mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling.
4. Add the pistachios: Stir in the ground pistachios and mix well to combine.

Step 4: Bake the Pistachio Tart

1. Pour the filling into the crust: Once the crust is cool, pour the pistachio filling into the tart shell, smoothing it out into an even layer.
2. Bake the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools.
3. Cool completely: Let the tart cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to fully set.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add toppings: Before serving, garnish the tart with chopped roasted pistachios, a dollop of whipped cream, and fresh berries if desired. The bright, tart berries contrast beautifully with the creamy pistachio filling and add a fresh touch.
2. Serve: Slice the tart and serve chilled or at room temperature. Each slice reveals a smooth pistachio center encased in a buttery, flaky crust — a true dessert indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Pistachio Tart

1. Use High-Quality Pistachios

Since pistachios are the star of this dessert, make sure to use high-quality, fresh pistachios. Unsalted pistachios are best, and if possible, buy shelled pistachios to save time. Toasting the pistachios lightly before grinding them can also intensify their flavor.

2. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough before and after rolling it out is key to a crisp, perfectly shaped tart shell. The butter in the dough needs to stay cold to create a flaky texture, so don’t skip this step.

3. Ensure the Filling is Smooth

For a velvety smooth filling, be sure to pulse the pistachios finely in the food processor. You want the pistachios to blend seamlessly into the filling, creating a creamy texture without any chunks.

4. Use a Tart Pan

A tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for this recipe, as it makes removing the tart from the pan much easier and ensures a clean presentation. If you don’t have one, a regular tart pan will work, but be cautious when removing the tart from the pan.

5. Make It Ahead

This tart is a great dessert to prepare in advance. The filling needs time to set, and the flavors only improve after a few hours in the fridge. In fact, it’s even better the next day. You can make the tart a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

6. Play with Toppings

While chopped pistachios and whipped cream are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your toppings. A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a few chocolate shavings can elevate the tart even further. You could also add a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Tart

1. Elegant and Impressive

The vibrant green color of the pistachio filling makes this tart visually striking. It’s the kind of dessert that makes a statement, perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or special event.

2. Decadently Delicious

The combination of creamy pistachios and buttery crust offers a perfect balance of richness and flavor. The pistachio filling is nutty and smooth, while the tart crust provides a satisfying crunch. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious but isn’t overly sweet.

3. Versatile

This tart can easily be adapted to your preferences. You can swap the pistachios for other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, or add a touch of chocolate to the filling for a twist. It’s also an excellent option for holidays or special occasions, thanks to its impressive look and refined flavor.

4. Perfectly Balanced

The nutty pistachios, the rich, creamy filling, and the flaky, buttery crust create a dessert that’s perfectly balanced in terms of both flavor and texture. It’s sweet without being overly so, making it a satisfying end to any meal.

Conclusion

This Pistachio Tart is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves nuts and appreciates elegant, flavorful sweets. With its buttery crust, velvety pistachio filling, and beautiful presentation, it’s a treat that will steal the show at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a moment of decadence, this tart is sure to impress.

Rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, the pistachio tart combines elegance with a comfortingly nutty flavor. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!