Imagine a warm, late-summer afternoon. The light is golden, the air is buzzing with the sounds of nature, and you’re about to enjoy a slice of something truly special. This isn’t just any tart. It’s the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart, a delightful blend of sweet and savory that feels both rustic and incredibly refined. This isn’t your average dessert. It’s a showstopper, a conversation starter, and a true testament to how some of the simplest ingredients can come together to create a masterpiece.
This tart is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The buttery, brown sugar crust provides a deep, caramel-like foundation. It’s crumbly yet holds its shape, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The filling is where the magic truly happens. A creamy, tangy blend of whipped goat cheese and Greek yogurt, sweetened with a touch of honey, creates a rich and luscious contrast to the crust. Finally, the topping—vibrant slices of juicy apricots and plumcots, drizzled with more honey and garnished with fresh thyme. The thyme might seem like an unusual addition, but its subtle, earthy aroma perfectly complements the fruit and cheese, tying the whole creation together.
What is a Plumcot? The Star of This Tart
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star of the show. Many people are familiar with apricots and plums, but what exactly is a plumcot? A plumcot is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a plum and an apricot. The name itself is a portmanteau, blending the two names. You might also hear them called pluots, which is a registered brand name for a similar hybrid.
Plumcots have the best qualities of both parent fruits. They have the deep, dark skin and juicy sweetness of a plum, but with the slightly fuzzy texture and distinct flavor notes of an apricot. This unique combination makes them perfect for baking, as they hold their shape beautifully and their sweet-tart flavor profile stands up well to the richness of the goat cheese filling. Choosing perfectly ripe plumcots and apricots for this tart is key, as their natural sweetness is what makes this dish shine.
The Unexpected Origin of a Modern Classic
While there’s no single, recorded origin story for the specific combination of an apricot, plumcot, and goat cheese tart, this recipe is a modern interpretation of ancient culinary traditions. The use of goat cheese in tarts and pastries dates back centuries, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Historically, cheese was often paired with fruit and honey, either as a simple dessert or a light meal. The practice of using a rustic, pressed-crust base for tarts is also a classic technique seen across many European baking traditions.
This particular recipe for the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart is a beautiful example of how chefs and home bakers are taking these timeless foundations and giving them a contemporary twist. The use of plumcots, a relatively recent hybrid fruit, along with the sophisticated pairing of thyme and goat cheese, elevates a simple fruit tart into something truly special. It’s a recipe born from a love for seasonal, fresh ingredients and the art of balancing different flavor profiles to create a memorable experience. It’s a dish that celebrates the bounty of late summer and the joy of creating something both beautiful and delicious from scratch.
A Deliciously Simple Recipe with Elegant Results
Don’t be intimidated by how elegant this tart looks. The beauty of the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart is that it’s surprisingly easy to make. Each step is straightforward, and the result is a dessert that looks like you spent hours perfecting it. The process is broken down into three main stages: making the brown sugar crust, preparing the whipped goat cheese filling, and finally, assembling and topping the tart.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness, the tanginess, or the type of fruit you use. While the combination of apricot and plumcot is a match made in heaven, you could just as easily use plums, peaches, or even nectarines. The key is to use fresh, ripe fruit that will release its juices and sweetness into the tart as it sits.
Ingredients for the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this showstopper. For best results, use high-quality ingredients. The flavor of the butter, goat cheese, and fruit will truly come through in the finished product.
For the Brown Sugar Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the crust.
- ½ cup brown sugar. This gives the crust a rich, deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour.
- ½ tsp fine sea salt.
Goat Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup goat cheese, at room temperature. Using soft, log-style goat cheese works best.
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional, but highly recommended for extra creaminess).
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt. Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt will give the filling a smooth, tangy texture.
- ⅓ cup honey, plus extra for drizzling.
- Zest of ½ orange (or ¼ cup Grand Marnier for a boozy twist). The orange zest brightens the flavor of the cheese.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract.
For the Topping:
- 4 ripe plumcots, sliced.
- 6 fresh apricots, sliced.
- Fresh thyme sprigs. This is a secret ingredient that adds a sophisticated, herbal note.
- Extra honey for drizzling.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of this magnificent tart in no time. The secret to a perfect tart is letting each component cool and set properly before moving to the next step. This is especially important for the crust and filling.
1: Make the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand.
- Pour the crumbly mixture into a 9-inch tart pan. Press the crust evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Remove the tart pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. Do not try to fill the crust until it is fully cooled, as the heat will cause the filling to melt.
2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the room temperature goat cheese (and cream cheese, if using) until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, and orange zest. Continue to whip the mixture until it is completely smooth, with no lumps of cheese remaining.
- Carefully spread the smooth filling into the cooled tart crust. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
- Place the tart in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm and set. This is a crucial step to ensure the tart holds its shape when you slice it.
3: Top and Serve
- Once the tart filling has set, it’s time for the final, artistic touch.
- Arrange the sliced plumcots and apricots in a beautiful pattern over the top of the filling. You can arrange them in concentric circles or create a more rustic, scattered design.
- Drizzle generously with extra honey.
- Garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs.
- Keep the finished Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart chilled until you are ready to serve it. This tart is best served cold or at room temperature.
Variations on a Theme
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Once you’ve mastered the basic Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart, you can start to experiment with different flavor combinations.
- Fruit Variations: Don’t have plumcots or apricots? This recipe works beautifully with other seasonal fruits like peaches, nectarines, plums, or a mix of berries. A fig and goat cheese tart with a honey drizzle is also a classic and delicious alternative.
- Nutty Crust: For an added layer of texture and flavor, try adding finely chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the brown sugar crust mixture.
- Herbal Touches: While thyme is a perfect pairing, you could also experiment with other herbs. A touch of finely chopped rosemary or a few fresh mint leaves could also work, depending on the fruit you choose.
- Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the filling for a warmer, spicier flavor profile. This works especially well with stone fruits in the fall.
The possibilities are endless, and each variation of the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart offers a unique and delightful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making the Tart
Got questions? We’ve got answers. This section addresses some of the most common queries about making the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart.
Q: Can I make the tart a day ahead?
A: Yes! This tart is actually a great make-ahead dessert. You can make the crust and the filling and assemble them the day before. Add the fruit and a final drizzle of honey right before serving to keep the fruit looking fresh and vibrant.
Q: My goat cheese filling is not smooth. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens if the goat cheese (and cream cheese) are not at room temperature. Make sure to let them sit out for at least 30 minutes to an hour before you start mixing. You need them to be soft enough to whip into a creamy consistency.
Q: Can I use frozen fruit?
A: It’s best to use fresh fruit for this recipe. Frozen fruit can release a lot of water as it thaws, which can make the tart watery. If you must use frozen fruit, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry with a paper towel before arranging it on the tart.
Q: What is the best way to slice the tart?
A: For clean slices, use a sharp chef’s knife and wipe the blade clean between each slice. Since the filling is soft, a gentle, downward motion is best.
Q: What if I can’t find plumcots?
A: No problem! You can simply use all apricots, or a combination of apricots and another stone fruit like plums or peaches. The beautiful contrast of the two fruits is part of what makes the Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart so visually stunning, but the flavor will still be fantastic with just one type of fruit.
Conclusion: Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart
The Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor the simple, beautiful things in life. It’s a testament to how fresh, seasonal ingredients, when combined with a little creativity, can produce something truly remarkable. The sweet-savory balance, the variety of textures, and the stunning visual appeal make it a dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a quiet family brunch, or simply to treat yourself, this tart is a fantastic choice. The deep flavor of the brown sugar crust, the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese filling, and the juicy sweetness of the fruit come together in a way that is both comforting and sophisticated. This is a recipe to save, share, and come back to whenever you’re looking for a seasonal showstopper that tastes as good as it looks.
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The Apricot Plumcot Goat Cheese Tart: A Recipe for Sweet-Savory Perfection
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star of the show. Many people are familiar with apricots and plums, but what exactly is a plumcot? A plumcot is a hybrid fruit, a cross between a plum and an apricot. The name itself is a portmanteau, blending the two names. You might also hear them called pluots, which is a registered brand name for a similar hybrid.
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temp
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
Goat Cheese Filling
- 1 cup goat cheese, room temp
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- ⅔ cup Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup honey (plus more for drizzling)
- Zest of ½ orange (or ¼ cup Grand Marnier for a boozy twist)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 4 ripe plumcots, sliced
- 6 fresh apricots, sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Extra honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Make the crust Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla. Mix in flour and salt until crumbly. Press into a 9″ tart pan. Prick with a fork and bake for 25 mins until golden. Cool completely.
- Prepare the filling Whip goat cheese (and cream cheese if using) until light. Add yogurt, honey, vanilla, and orange zest. Whip until smooth. Spread into cooled crust and chill for 2+ hours until set.
- Top & serve Arrange sliced plumcots and apricots in a pattern. Drizzle with honey and garnish with thyme. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
This tart is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it ideal as a summer appetizer, brunch dish, or light dessert. For added flavor, drizzle with a touch of honey before serving or sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling rosé.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: Apricot plumcot tart, Goat cheese tart recipe, Sweet and savory tart
