This easy peach tart features a light, flaky crust topped with juicy, sweet peaches. It’s the perfect dessert for warm days when you want something fresh and fruity!
I love how simple this tart is to make! Just bake the crust, arrange the peaches, and drizzle a bit of honey on top. Your friends will think you’re a pastry chef! 🍑✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your flaky crust. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix, but be aware that texture may vary a bit.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Peaches: Using ripe peaches is key for sweetness. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches (drain them well) or even frozen peaches—just thaw and pat dry before using.
Granulated Sugar: This helps to sweeten the peaches. If you prefer less sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup instead, adjusting to taste.
How Do I Get a Flaky Crust?
Achieving a flaky crust mainly comes down to keeping your ingredients cold and not overworking the dough! Here’s how:
- Start with really cold butter. The colder it is, the flakier your crust will be.
- Mix the dough until just combined. You want to see some butter pieces in the mixture; this helps create flakiness during baking.
- Chill the dough. Letting it rest in the fridge allows the gluten to relax and helps maintain that flaky texture.
Remember, it’s okay if your dough isn’t perfect—baking is about enjoyment, and rustic looks are part of a homemade charm!
Easy Peach Tart with Flaky Crust
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3-4 tbsp ice water
- 3-4 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing peaches)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (for drizzling)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach tart will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 35-40 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to chill the dough for about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including chilling and cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend them together until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This process is essential for a flaky crust!
2. Bringing the Dough Together:
Now, it’s time to add the ice water. Do this slowly, adding a tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough just comes together. Once it’s ready, form it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.
3. Rolling and Preparing the Tart:
Once chilled, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Make sure it’s even, so it bakes nicely. Next, transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this will help with easy cleanup later!
4. Tossing the Peaches:
In a separate bowl, toss your sliced peaches with the sugar, flour, and lemon juice. This mixture will balance out the sweetness of the peaches and help thicken the juices when baked.
5. Assembling the Tart:
Arrange the peach slices beautifully in the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving about a 2-inch border around the edges. Now, carefully fold the edges of the dough over the peaches, creating pleats as you go. This rustic touch is not only charming, but it helps hold in the filling too!
6. Egg Wash and Baking:
In a small bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the crust edges to give it a golden shine while baking. Place your tart in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbly.
7. Finishing Touches:
After baking, carefully remove the tart from the oven. Drizzle honey over the warm peach tart for a sweet finishing touch. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
8. Serving Suggestions:
This peach tart is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Consider dusting with powdered sugar just before serving for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your homemade peach tart with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
FAQs for Easy Peach Tart with Flaky Crust
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Tart?
Absolutely! This tart is versatile, so feel free to swap out peaches for other fruits like plums, nectarines, or apples. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it up while maintaining the crust’s flakiness.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it out.
Why Is My Crust Not Flaky?
If your crust isn’t flaky, it could be due to overmixing or using warm butter. Make sure to keep your ingredients cold and mix the dough just until combined, so the butter remains in small pieces.
