Soft Peach Tart

Preparation

Step 1: Blind bake the crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the shortcrust pastry into a buttered and floured 9-inch tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Line with parchment paper and baking weights, then bake for 12 minutes. Remove the weights and paper, then bake for 5 more minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make the vanilla cream

Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream with the vanilla pod and seeds over low heat without boiling. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with the sugar until pale and thick. Add the sifted cornstarch and mix well. Pour the warm cream in a steady stream over the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return everything to the saucepan and cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove the vanilla pod.

Step 3: Prepare the peaches

Wash the peaches, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Cut each half into 4 to 6 wedges depending on size. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a skillet, melt 30 g of butter over medium heat and sauté the peach wedges for 2 minutes on each side, sprinkled with a tablespoon of sugar. They should be lightly caramelized but still firm.

Step 4: Assemble the tart

Pour the vanilla cream onto the pre-baked crust and smooth with a spatula. Arrange the peach wedges in a rosette pattern over the cream, pressing them in slightly. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Bake at 335°F (170°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. The cream should be set and the crust edges golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Chill and serve

Let the tart cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The cream will firm up and the flavors will concentrate. Serve chilled, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This tart keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator, well covered with plastic wrap.