If you would like to learn how to make a plum tart, this page will be outlining the steps you will need to take to prepare your own plum tart at home. The thought of making plum pastry yourself may be overwhelming, but it can be done easily if you follow your recipe carefully and have the proper ingredients.

A plum tart consists of a thin, baked pie crust and sliced fresh plums on top. Some recipes add a layer of fruit preserves or cream between the two, but if you are using plums that have been picked in-season, you may not need to. A plum tart is a quick dessert that can be put together with very few ingredients. It can also be served at room temperature, so it is a good option for picnics, tea parties, or barbecues.

The kind of plums you use in your recipe are up to you. You can mix different varieties or you can stick to one kind for a more consistent flavor. Once you master making a plum tart, however, you may want to move on to other fruits. If so, see our pages on how to make a raspberry tart, how to make a blueberry tart, or how to make a fruit tart.

A plum tart is a simple dessert in that it requires very few ingredients. You may choose to add in some of the optional ingredients if you want to add more flavor to the tart. You'll need the following baking equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• A wooden spoon
• A food processor (optional)
• A tart pan with a removable bottom - or - a rimmed baking sheethttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rustic-Plum-Tart-105191

To complete the recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups of flour
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup of chilled butter
• ice waterhttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rustic-Plum-Tart-105191
• 3/4 cup of walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 pounds of fresh, ripe plumshttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/plum-tart-recipe/index.html

If you will be adding a topping, you will also need the following:

• 6 tablespoons of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 1 egg yolk, beatenhttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rustic-Plum-Tart-105191

When you have the necessary ingredients, you can start preparing your plum tart. Begin by mixing the ingredients for the dough together.

1. Combine the flour, sugar and chilled butter in your mixing bowl with a wooden spoon or in a food processor. If you mix the ingredients by hand, you can use your hands to mix the ingredients together. This will help you to tell when the mixture has reached a crumbly consistency. Add a tablespoon or two of ice water if necessary. If you choose, add in the chopped nuts and mix well.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/plum-tart-recipe/index.html
2. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rustic-Plum-Tart-105191
3. Wash the plums and cut them in half. Remove the pits and then slice the fruit into quarters.
4. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then mix the plums with any topping ingredients you will be using, such as cinnamon, sugar or preserves.
5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out using a rolling pin. Place the dough onto a baking sheet or press it into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/plum-tart-recipe/index.html
6. Add the plums in an attractive pattern on top of the dough. For a glazed look, brush the top of the plums with the beaten egg yolk.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Rustic-Plum-Tart-105191
7. Bake the tart for about 45 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned and the fruit is tender.
8. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then run a long knife under the tart to loosen it from the pan. Serve.

If you'd like to serve your plum tart with a sweet cream on top, try making the following sour cream topping. You'll need the following:

• A saucepan
• A pastry brush
• A wire whisk or an electric mixer
• A medium mixing bowl
• 1/3 cup plum preserves
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/2 cup of cold whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1/4 cup of sour creamhttp://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fresh-Plum-Tart-with-Sour-Cream-Topping-2299

1. After the tart is finished baking, place the preserves and the water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat until it is syrupy and then use a pastry brush to apply it to the plums on top.
2. Combine the whipping cream, sour cream and the sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a whisk or an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
3. Serve the tart warm with the sweet cream topping.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fresh-Plum-Tart-with-Sour-Cream-Topping-2299