Fresh Fruit Flan (Christmas Flan)

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I only recently discovered the joy of fruit flans. A buttery homemade pastry base and rich custard centre covered in fresh fruit is simply divine! This recipe is SO easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. You can cover it in any toppings you would like - my personal favourite is fresh fruit to balance the sweetness of the tart, however a chocolate flake topping would also be lovely. I love taking my time to arrange the fruit prettily on top - it looks so stunning on a table, and you will not be able to stop at one piece!

Fresh Fruit Flan Recipe:

Pastry Custard Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided (100g)

• Pinch of salt

• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch

• 5 egg yolks

• 1 tbsp salted butter (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Pastry Crust Ingredients:

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 Tablespoon heavy cream

• 1 tsp teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (156g)

• ⅔ cup powdered sugar (65g)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 110g cold salted butter (8 tbsp) cut into chunks

Topping:

• Fruit of your choice for topping

• Sugar, jam syrup for glazing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Crust:

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.

   • Add flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

   • Add cold butter and mix until the dough comes together.

   • Press the dough into a 9-inch fluted tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

   • Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden. Let it cool.

2. Make the Pastry Custard:

   • In a saucepan, heat the whole milk, heavy cream, half of the sugar, and salt until simmering.

   • In a bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.

   • Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.

   • Remove from heat and stir in the butter (if using) and vanilla essence.

   • Let the custard cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Fruit Flan:

   • Pour the pastry custard into the cooled pastry crust.

   • Arrange your choice of fresh fruits on top of the custard.

   • Optional: Brush with sugar or jam syrup for a glaze.

   • Chill the flan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the fresh fruit flan and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy custard, buttery crust, and sweet fruits.

Note: Feel free to customize the fruit selection and glazing according to your preference. Enjoy your fresh fruit flan!


With love,
Tara x