Brown Butter Peach Tart

Brown Butter Peach Tart is a delightful treat that really captures the essence of summer! Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of buttery crust, filled with sweet, juicy peaches, all finished off with a drizzle of luscious brown butter icing. It’s the kind of dessert that brings back warm, sunny memories—the gatherings with friends, the laughter, and the joy of enjoying a homemade treat. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, this tart brings a comforting feel that makes sharing (or keeping all to yourself) absolutely worthwhile.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get into making this beautiful dessert together! I’ll guide you through the steps, sharing tips and ideas along the way. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on creating a Brown Butter Peach Tart that you’ll want to bake again and again!

Why This Recipe Works

Making a Brown Butter Peach Tart combines some incredible flavors and textures. First, the brown butter brings a nutty, rich taste that enhances both the peach filling and the shortbread crust. The buttery crust, which is simple to whip up, cradles the bright and juicy peaches. This kind of harmony between the components is essential for a delicious dessert. Each layer complements the other, making every bite a taste of bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Peach Tart

You’ll fall head over heels for this tart because it’s effortless, yet impressive. Imagine serving this at your next gathering; people will be amazed at how beautiful and delicious it looks! Not only is it a showstopper, but it also showcases seasonal peaches at their best. The dish balances sweetness with a hint of caramel-like flavor from the brown butter. You’ll love how versatile it is, too! Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream, or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, it caters to all preferences.

Ingredients

• 1⅓ cup (167 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (110 g) dark brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
• 10 tablespoons (140 g) salted butter, cold
• 1 lb (454 g) peaches, cut into chunks (thawed if frozen), about 3 cups
• ⅓ cup (73 g) dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (14 g) brown butter
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) brown butter
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) whole milk, plus more if needed
• ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract

The Perfect Shortbread Crust

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Ingredients

Before we start mixing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial, as a hot oven helps the crust bake evenly and turn golden brown.

Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and dark brown sugar until combined. It’s a simple step, but it sets the foundation for your crust!

Mix in the Cold Butter

Now, let’s bring in the cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and toss it into the dry mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles pea-sized clumps. This will give you that flaky texture we’re aiming for.

Shape the Crust

Take a moment to reserve ½ cup of the mixture and set it aside. Now, press the remaining dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for even baking.

Bake the Crust

Pop your tart crust into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-13 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once it’s done, let it cool before we add the filling.

Crafting the Brown Butter Peach Filling

Brown the Butter

Now for the star of the show—let’s brown some butter! In a light-colored saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. It’s done when it turns fragrant and golden. Once it’s ready, transfer it to a heatproof container to cool slightly.

Toss the Peaches with Flavor

In a large bowl, combine your peach chunks, cinnamon, brown sugar, cornstarch, remaining brown butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently; you want all those beautiful flavors to come together.

Simmer the Filling

Pour the peach mixture into a medium saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat. After it simmers, reduce the heat to low and keep it simmering for about 5 minutes until the filling thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end—it makes the aroma divine!

Assemble the Tart

Pour that luscious peach filling into the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top—it’ll add a nice crumbly texture!

Bake the Tart

Once assembled, bake it again in the same hot oven for about 30 to 35 minutes until the crumb topping is golden brown. After it’s done, let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Whipping Up the Brown Butter Icing

Combine Ingredients for the Icing

In a bowl, whisk together the reserved brown butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a little more milk until you achieve your desired consistency.

Drizzle the Icing

Once the tart has cooled completely, it’s time to add that delicious icing! Drizzle it over the top before you dig in.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Brown Butter Peach Tart warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect contrast of warmth and cold.
• Alternatively, pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added indulgence. Your taste buds will thank you!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is cold when making the crust. This small detail helps create that flaky texture we crave in a good tart.
• Use ripe peaches. They should feel slightly soft when pressed gently, giving you the best flavor and juiciness.

Variations

• If you’re short on fresh peaches, you can use canned peaches for a faster version. Just remember to drain them well.
• You could also swap peaches with other fruits, like nectarines or apples, for a yummy twist.
• Want some crunch in each bite? Incorporate some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, in the crust.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is always a sad possibility), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that crust nice and crisp, reheat gently in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, simply make sure to thaw them beforehand to maintain the right texture in your tart.

What if I can’t find brown butter?
No worries! You can create your own by melting butter and cooking it until it’s golden brown and has that nutty aroma.

Is this tart suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! Just substitute the butter for vegan butter and use an egg alternative in the crust.

How do I know when the tart is finished baking?
Check the crumb topping—if it’s a deep golden brown, you’re good! Also, look for bubbling in the peach filling.

Can I freeze this brown butter peach tart?
Yes, you can freeze it before icing. Just wrap it well and it’ll last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

This Brown Butter Peach Tart isn’t just a recipe; it’s a joyful experience of summer flavors, all wrapped up in a buttery crust. Each bite is a warm hug from your oven, making it the perfect showcase for good times and sweet moments with loved ones. Enjoy every slice!

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