Elderberry Lemon Tart

INTRODUCTION

Elderberry Lemon Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of elderberries and lemons. It offers a unique taste that many people love, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. This tart brings together the goodness of natural ingredients and a simple preparation method, allowing you to create something special right in your kitchen. The tart’s vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it not only tasty but also a beautiful addition to your dessert table.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this Elderberry Lemon Tart for many reasons. First, it is easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can successfully whip up this delicious dessert. The combination of elderberry juice and lemon juice provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Moreover, the almond crust is a healthier alternative to typical pie crusts, giving a nutty flavor that complements the filling well.

Second, this tart is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own or dress it up with fresh fruits like blueberries, blackberries, and figs. These extra toppings not only enhance the flavor but also add a burst of color, making it visually appealing. Whether you are serving it at a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself, it is sure to impress.

Finally, the tart is nutritious. Elderberries are known for their health benefits, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. By using natural sweeteners like raw sugar and fresh fruits, this dessert offers a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

HOW TO MAKE Elderberry Lemon Tart

Making Elderberry Lemon Tart is not complicated if you follow the steps carefully. You will create a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Let’s break it down.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare this tart, you will need some basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• A food processor or blender
• A saucepan
• A tart pan or cake tin
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheesecloth or strainer for juicing

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this wonderful tart, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups almonds
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 3-4 tablespoons of water
• Small pinch Himalayan salt
• 1 cup elderberry juice
• 0.5 cup lemon juice
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup raw sugar
• 9 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• Blueberries, blackberries, black grapes, figs (for decoration)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak the dates in 2 tablespoons of hot water for a while. This will soften the dates, making them easier to blend.
2. Place the almonds with 0.5 teaspoon of Himalayan salt in a mixer and blend into breadcrumb-sized pieces. This will form the base of your tart.
3. Add the soaked dates with one tablespoon of water and pulse until combined. You want it to stick together nicely.
4. Mix together to form a compact mixture that can be spread in the tart base.
5. Line the cake tin with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly in the tart tin. Make sure to press it firmly to hold its shape.
6. Place 3 cups of washed elderberries in a saucepan with 0.5 cup of water and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring and smashing the berries. This helps release the juice.
7. Strain the berries using a cheesecloth or strainer to extract 2 cups of juice. This juice will be the star of your tart.
8. In a small saucepan, mix lemon juice and elderberry juice and heat over medium heat. This mixture enhances the tart flavor.
9. Use a mixer to whisk eggs and egg yolks into a foam; gradually add raw sugar until well mixed. Make sure it is fluffy and light.
10. Pour half of the hot lemon-elderberry mixture into the egg mixture in a small stream while whisking. This helps temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
11. Transfer the egg mixture back to the saucepan with the remaining lemon-elderberry juice and cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens to a yogurt-like consistency (10-20 minutes). Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
12. If needed, add one tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in one tablespoon of water to thicken further. This step can help if the filling isn’t thick enough.
13. Once thickened, stir in the melted butter and let it cool slightly before pouring over the crust. This gives the tart a rich flavor.
14. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to set properly.
15. Decorate the top with fresh fruits before serving. This adds color and flavor.

HOW TO SERVE Elderberry Lemon Tart

Serving your Elderberry Lemon Tart is easy. After chilling, remove it from the fridge and cut it into slices. You can serve it on a simple plate or a decorative cake stand. Add a few fresh berries on top for a beautiful presentation. Some people enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side. This adds extra richness to the tart.

It can be served as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy it, everyone will appreciate its unique flavor and deliciousness.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Elderberry Lemon Tart

If you have leftovers, you can store your Elderberry Lemon Tart in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

If you want to freeze it, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To make your tart even more enjoyable, consider these serving suggestions:

• Pair the tart with whipped cream for added sweetness.
• Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich treat.
• Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish.
• Consider serving it with a hot cup of tea or aromatic coffee for a delightful flavor combo.

VARIATIONS

You can customize your Elderberry Lemon Tart in a few ways:

• Different Nuts: Instead of almonds, try using walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor in the crust.
• Other Juices: Experiment with other berry juices like raspberry or blueberry for the filling if you want to change the flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel to make the tart vegan-friendly.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought elderberry juice?
   Yes, you can use store-bought elderberry juice if you don’t want to make it from fresh berries.

2. How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
   The filling should reach a yogurt-like consistency. It will thicken more as it cools in the fridge.

3. Can I make this tart gluten-free?
   Yes, by ensuring that all ingredients, especially the butter and sugar, are gluten-free, this tart can be made gluten-free.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in the fridge covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Elderberry Lemon Tart

To make your baking easier, you can prepare certain parts of the Elderberry Lemon Tart ahead of time.

• Make the Crust Early: You can prepare the almond crust a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to fill it.
• Prepare the Filling: Make the filling earlier in the day and chill it. Pour it onto the crust just before serving.
• Fruit Topping: Wash and chop the fruits you want to use ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to decorate the tart.

With these tips, you can enjoy less stress when it’s time to serve this delicious dessert. Create your Elderberry Lemon Tart and enjoy every sweet bite!

Print