Delicious and Easy Greek Jam Tart Recipe
As you take your first bite of Pasta Flora, the sweet jam will take you on a trip to Greece. This dessert, also known as Greek Jam Tart, is both simple and divine. Don’t be fooled by its rustic appearance; every bite of this pastry will transport you to your happy place.
The name Pasta Flora comes from Italian and Spanish origins, but this recipe has Greek roots. What makes the Greek version stand out is the type of sweet jam that is used to cover the shortcrust pastry. You’ll find that different regions in Greece use a variety of jams like apricot and strawberry, making it easy to add a personal touch.
As a baker, I have spent countless afternoons perfecting my recipe for Pasta Flora. It was during one particular summer in Thessaloniki that I first tasted this sweet tart in all its glory. After experiencing both the taste and culture, I knew I had to bring this dessert back home with me.
With ingredients like vanilla, lemon zest, brandy or cognac, sugar, butter, baking powder and flour, this recipe will make everyone’s taste buds sing. The combination between the buttery tart crumble and the sweetness of the jam creates unforgettable explosions of flavor in your mouth.
I promise that you won’t be able to resist the charm of this authentic Greek dessert once you’ve tasted its unique flavors. This is a recipe we should all have on hand for those moments when we need something both quick and fulfilling. Get ready to indulge your senses with every single bite of Pasta Flora!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a dessert to win the hearts of everyone? Look no further than this Greek Jam Tart, also known as Pasta Flora. It’s so good that it will have you dreaming of being in a Greek bakery, sipping coffee and relishing in the goodness.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It calls for easy-to-find ingredients like butter, sugar, baking powder, and flour to create a shortcrust pastry base that melts in your mouth. The pastry is then covered with jam that is flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, giving it a delicate sweetness that complements the crumbly texture of the tart.
One of this recipe’s many advantages is that it’s not overly sweet. Here’s where you can unleash your creativity: choose different types of sweet jams based on your preference, such as apricot, raspberry or strawberry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different jam combinations! The final product will be an explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Moreover, this recipe can serve as either a weekday treat or something to bring out when entertaining guests. The dough can be made ahead of time and frozen until needed, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to save time.
It doesn’t get much better than when eating a slice of this delicious dessert with friends and family. Each bite is bursting with fragrance and unique Greek flavors.
So why not try something new? Get ready to impress yourself (and others) with this scrumptious Pasta Flora Greek Jam Tart recipe.
Ingredient List
To make this Pasta Flora recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Dough
- 3 cups of plain flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup of sugar
Filling
- 2 cups of your preferred jam (We suggest Greek Strawberry Jam or Apricot Jam for an authentic touch)
- 2 tablespoons Brandy, Cognac or Vanilla to flavour your chosen jam (optional)
The shortcrust pastry, a key component to the Pasta Flora, is made with flour, sugar and butter. We recommend using the correct measuring tools to ensure the ideal balance of each seasoning. It’s also important to use room temperature butter for a smooth blend. The Egg helps bind the dough while the Lemon zest adds a rich flavour lift. Boldly named after Flora, the Roman goddess of spring growth and flowers, this dessert recipe is very versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferred tastes. You can use pretty much any type of sweet jarred jam but we do recommend versions that have a simple ingredient list with no artificial colours or flavours. You can also switch your alcohol preferences based on your palate – go for vanilla if you’re looking for something sweeter, cognac if you prefer it more intense. This way, each Pasta Flora can turn into a unique experience!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s proceed with the recipe. This Pasta Flora is a type of sweet tart covered with jam, and it is a traditional Greek dessert. It consists of a buttery shortcrust pastry that is filled with your favorite jam flavor. It is effortless to make and looks impressive. Read on to find out how to make this Greek Jam Tart.
Steps:
Step 1: Preheat oven and prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch (23cm) tart pan.
Step 2: Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix 3 cups (360g) of flour, 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter, and 1/3 cup (75g) of sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 egg and mix until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Roll the dough
Put aside a quarter of the dough, which will be used later for the lattice top. Take three-quarters of the dough and roll it to fit your tart pan’s base and sides. Prick the base with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare the jam
In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups (450g) of your favorite jam, such as apricot or strawberry jam, depending on preference, with the zest of one lemon, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of brandy or cognac, and 1 teaspoon (5g) of baking powder.
Step 5: Put it all together
Pour the jam mixture into your pastry-lined pan, smoothing its surface with a spatula. Take your reserved dough ball, roll it out onto your floured work surface thinly, trimming it square. Cut it into even strips using a pizza cutter or knife.
Step 6: Create lattice topping
Create a lattice top over the jam by carefully stripping toppings across in one direction so they’re slightly spaced out lengthways across whole tart.
Lift up every second strip in turn in one direction on each half centre line while crossing alternate strips from other direction diagonally across so that each strip only reaches about halfway across tart.
Continue until entire surface has been covered with woven pattern.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and crust is cooked through. Check occasionally not to overcook and keep an eye that tarts are bubbling.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow cooling before carefully removing from your baking dish onto separate tray for serving.
Now you have made this classic Greek dessert, dust some powdered sugar over it before serving it to your guests! Enjoy your delicious Pasta Flora!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about cooking is that you can make a recipe your own by trying out different substitutions and variations. Here are some ideas to give this Pasta Flora recipe some personal flair.
– If you don’t have brandy or cognac, you can use another type of sweet liqueur or omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.
– Any type of jam can be used for this tart: strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blueberry – you name it! The key to success is to use a jam with a thick and firm consistency that will hold well when baked.
– If you prefer a less sweet tart, reduce the sugar quantity in the shortcrust pastry and/or the jam filling.
– Add a tablespoon of vanilla essence or almond extract to any part of the recipe for extra flavor depth.
– Want to give this Greek dessert an exotic twist? Use lemon zest instead of vanilla and replace the jam with homemade mango chutney or passionfruit curd.
– For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
– Don’t hesitate to experiment with other types of pastry dough such as puff pastry or phyllo pastry for different textures and flavors.
Whatever changes you make, remember that cooking is an art form that welcomes creativity and imagination. These variations will make your Pasta Flora unique and original – just like you!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delectable pasta flora, my recommendation would be to serve it with a nice hot cup of coffee or tea. The buttery shortcrust pastry and the sweet jam filling are perfect for savoring alongside a warm drink, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch.
However, this dessert doesn’t have to be limited to just breakfast – it’s versatile enough to serve for dessert after dinner as well. For a more elevated experience, consider pairing it with a creamy dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, which will offset the sweetness of the jam perfectly.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of jam for the filling. Apricot jam is a time-honored favorite, but greek strawberry pasta frola is also an excellent option that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this delicious Greek jam tart is bound to become a crowd favorite at your next gathering. So make sure you have plenty on hand – once people start sampling these mouthwatering tarts, they’re sure to come back for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to desserts, we often want to make them ahead of time so that they are ready when needed. The good news is that Pasta Flora is a great dessert to make ahead and store. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a moment of indulgence, this Greek Jam Tart can be prepared in advance without loss of texture or flavor. Here are some tips:
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the shortcrust pastry up to 2 days in advance and store it tightly covered in plastic wrap in the fridge until ready to use. You can also make the jam filling up to 1 week before baking the tart. Simply keep the covered jam in an airtight container in the fridge until needed.
Storing: Once baked, let the Pasta Flora cool completely before storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Keep the dessert at room temperature for 3-4 days, or for even longer life, store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Reheating: If you prefer your Pasta Flora warm, gently reheat a slice of it (covered with foil to prevent further browning) in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 20-30 seconds on medium power setting.
It’s always wise to remember the kind of ingredients that go into making a dish while reheating them. Overheating can change the taste and texture drastically. With Pasta Flora being such a wonderful greek dessert recipe, storing and reheating them can be less daunting when done right!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a baker, I know that even the smallest details can make a big difference when it comes to baking a perfect pasta flora. Here are my tips for achieving the best possible results:
1. Work with Cold Ingredients: A key factor in creating perfect shortcrust pastry is to work with cold ingredients. Make sure your butter and egg are chilled before starting.
2. Use Room Temperature Flour: While the rest of your ingredients should be cold, having your flour at room temperature can help it combine well with the other ingredients.
3. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing and kneading the dough, it’s important not to overwork it. This can lead to a tough and chewy crust instead of a tender one.
4. Keep the Dough Thick: When rolling out the dough, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will allow for enough pastry to hold the jam filling without becoming too thin or brittle.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: To give your tart that beautiful golden-brown shine, brush it with an egg wash before baking.
6. Let it Cool Completely: It’s tempting to cut into your jam tart as soon as it comes out of the oven, but allowing it to cool completely will improve both the texture and flavor.
7. Experiment with Different Flavors: While traditional pasta flora calls for apricot jam, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors such as strawberry or raspberry.
8. Use High-Quality Ingredients: As with any recipe, using high-quality ingredients will give you the best final product. Opt for good quality jams, butter, and flour for optimal results.
By following these tips and recommendations, you’ll be able to make a perfectly delicious pasta flora every time!
FAQ
As you prepare to make your jam tart, you may have some questions or concerns that need addressing. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers that can help you navigate the process with ease.
How do you keep jam tarts from bubbling?
If you’re having trouble with your jam tarts boiling over in the oven, I have a simple solution. Just make sure to fill your shortcrust pastry shells only halfway with jam. This way, you’ll avoid any spills and ensure your tarts come out perfectly baked. But, if you feel like you need more of a jammy filling, you can always add extra once they’re baked and cooled.
What is pasta flora?
Pasta frola is a delightful dessert that is enjoyed in various countries including Italy, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Egypt, and Greece. This sweet tart is made using a shortcrust pastry base, which is then filled with jam or fruit preserves and covered with another layer of pastry. The ingredients used to make pasta frola include flour, sugar, and eggs.
Where do jam tarts originate from?
If you’re looking for a classic teatime snack from across the pond, you can’t go wrong with jam tarts. These miniature pastries are baked to a crispy perfection, before being filled with an array of fruity jams – think strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blackcurrant and lemon curd.
Bottom Line
As I wrap up this article on how to make Pasta Flora (Greek Jam Tart), I hope that you are feeling inspired to try making this sweet and delicious treat in your own kitchen.
With its tender and flaky shortcrust pastry base, combined with a layer of sweet jam featuring the bright flavors of lemon zest, vanilla, and brandy or cognac, Pasta Flora is a true delight for the taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that will impress your guests, or simply a way to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with this Greek classic. Its versatility allows for many possible variations by using different types of jam or switching the cognac with another type of liquor.
So why not give it a try today? I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with this recipe’s simplicity and deliciousness all at once. Make sure to share it with your friends and family too!
Thank you for reading and happy baking!
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons brandy or 2 tablespoons cognac
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon, zest of
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups sour cherry jam or 1 1/2 cups apricot jam
- 1/4 cup blanched slivered almond
Instructions
- Sift together the flour and the baking powder into a bowl.
- Cream the butter with an electric mixer.
- Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is pale and light-coloured (about 5 minutes), scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula from time to time.
- Add the egg yolks one by one.
- Then add the brandy and the flavorings.
- Stop beating, and fold in the flour a little at a time, with a wooden spoon, blending it evenly into the mixture.
- When the dough becomes too stiff to stir, mix the flour in by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic (you may need to add a little water or milk to your dough to achieve this consistency - just a little at a time).
- Avoid overworking the dough.
- Cover dough in plastic wrap and allow to rest for 20 minutes before proceeding with recipe.
- On a floured surface roll out 2/3s of the dough into a round and line a buttered 10" pie dish or tart pan.
- Spread the jam over the dough.
- Roll out the reserved dough to a thickness of 1/8" and cut it into strips 1/2" wide.
- Lay them across the filling in a lattice pattern.
- Decorate with the almonds and bake the tart in a 350F degree oven for 30-35 minutes until light-golden.
- Store the tart uncovered, in a dry, cool place to prevent it from getting soggy.
- It can be kept one week at room temperature.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.