How to Make a Golden Baked Peach Tart: A Simple Guide
Everyone loves a sweet and fruity dessert, especially one that’s easy to make and looks amazing on the table. A golden baked peach tart is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a family dinner, or just a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth at home, this recipe is the ultimate guide to creating a peach tart that’s delicious and beautiful. The best part? It’s simple, and you don’t need to be a master baker to get it just right!
What Makes a Peach Tart So Great?
Peaches are juicy, sweet, and filled with natural flavor. When baked into a tart, their sweetness blends perfectly with a buttery crust, and the texture becomes soft yet firm. When topped with a golden shine, the tart looks like something straight out of a bakery window – but you can make it all in your own kitchen with just a few easy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to create your golden baked peach tart. Most of these ingredients are commonly found in your pantry or easy to buy at the store:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons cold water
For the peach filling:
- 4-5 ripe peaches (fresh or canned)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (or any clear jam)
- 1 tablespoon water
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Tart pan (8-10 inches)
- Pastry brush
- Knife or peeler
- Fork
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and tools, let’s get started!
Step 1: Make the Perfect Crust
The crust is the base of your tart and holds all the peachy goodness together. Here’s how to make it:
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Mix the dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. -
Add the butter:
Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. You want the butter to break up into small, pea-sized pieces – this will help the crust come out flaky. -
Add water:
Slowly add 4-5 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but not overly wet. -
Roll out the dough:
Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (this step helps the crust stay firm and avoid shrinking when baked).
Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling
While the crust chills, it’s time to create the filling that makes this tart a star.
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Peel and slice the peaches:
If you’re using fresh peaches, peel the skin off by gently scoring an “X” on the bottom of each peach and blanching them in hot water for 30 seconds (the skin will slide off easily). Slice your peaches into thin wedges. If you’re using canned peaches, simply drain them and slice. -
Mix the filling ingredients:
In a bowl, combine the sliced peaches with sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the peaches are coated evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices while baking.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Now comes the fun part – putting it all together!
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Roll out the crust:
Take the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your tart pan. -
Place the dough in the pan:
Gently transfer the dough into the tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough hanging over the sides. -
Add the peach filling:
Arrange the peach slices in the crust, making a spiral or any design you like. Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the peaches.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
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Preheat your oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Bake:
Place your tart on the center rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the peaches are bubbling.
Step 5: Add a Golden Shine
To give your tart that bakery-style glossy finish:
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Make the glaze:
Heat the apricot jam with water in a small saucepan or microwave until melted and smooth. -
Brush the glaze:
Use a pastry brush to gently coat the peaches with the warm glaze after they’ve baked. This makes your tart look vibrant and shiny.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the tart cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice it up and enjoy as it is, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This golden baked peach tart is easy to make and perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike. With its flaky crust, juicy peaches, and shiny finish, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So the next time you’re in the mood for a fruity dessert, give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
Happy baking!
