Poppy Seed Tart

Mother Nature is really throwing the winter assaults on us now. And I’m not just talking about the Midwest anymore. The frigid temperatures, blowing snow, wintry mix, and ice storms across most of the country make for some pretty bad travel in the car and in the air. Here’s my suggestion– don’t go out. Just stay home, put on your cozy clothes, and make this tart☺.

There’s really not a whole lot to say about this recipe other than it is rather simple and wonderfully delicious. It is essentially a rich vanilla pudding filled tart with the addition of poppy seeds. I take it just one step further by adding a little whipped cream topping because, let’s face it–much like bacon, whipped cream makes everything better☺

Poppy Seed Tart

By Nicole Prep: 2 hrs 25 minsCook: 1 hr 10 minsTotal: 3 hrs 35 mins Servings: 10 A simple custard-filled tart with a delicate crunch and flavor from poppy seeds.

Equipment

• 9 x 1-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom
• Hand mixer with flex beaters
• Pastry bag and tip set
• Pastry bag and tip set

Ingredients 

For the Crust

• 1 recipe sweet pastry dough,, pre-baked in a 9-inch fluted tart pan with removable bottom

For the Filling

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 extra-large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ⅕ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup cold heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

For the Topping

• ½ cup cold heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Instructions 

For the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, yolks, cornstarch, and salt. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk (do not bring to a boil). Gradually whisk half of the hot milk mixture into the sugar mixture, then pour the sugar/milk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook, whisking constantly, until thick like pudding. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. Pour the filling through a fine-mesh sieve set over a large bowl. Let cool to room temperature, stirring frequently, about 30 minutes.
2. Using a whisk or hand-held mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream and the poppy seeds into the cooled filling. Spoon the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Loosely cover with a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least three hours or overnight.

For the Topping

1. When ready to serve, beat the cream and sugar in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, pipe cream around the perimeter of the tart. Enjoy!

Notes

Prep and cook time includes the time to make and pre-bake the tart dough. To store: Tart should be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 392kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 160mg, Sodium: 138mg, Potassium: 123mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 922IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 92mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.