Blood Orange Earl Grey Tarts are a delightful blend of buttery pâte brisée tart shells filled with earl grey-infused pastry cream. Topped with vibrant blood orange segments and crushed pistachios, these tarts offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They make an elegant dessert for any special occasion or gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Tart Shell:

½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg yolk
1 ½ cups cake flour

Earl Grey Pastry Cream:

2 cups whole milk
3 Earl Grey tea bags or 6 grams loose tea
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pinch of fine sea salt

Toppings:

5 small blood oranges, segmented
⅓ cup roasted pistachios, chopped

Directions

For the Tart Shells:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cream butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla using a stand mixer until smooth. Add egg yolk and mix until incorporated.
Add flour and mix until crumbly. Press dough together on a clean surface to form a cohesive dough. Chill wrapped in plastic for 30 minutes.
Divide dough into 6 parts and roll each out to ¼-inch thickness. Press into 5-inch tart pans and trim excess. Dock bottoms with a fork.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before filling.

For the Pastry Cream:

Heat milk in a saucepan and steep Earl Grey tea for 30 minutes. Strain tea and reheat milk until almost boiling.
In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Slowly add hot milk to the mixture while whisking to temper the eggs.
Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened. Let bubble for 15 seconds to remove cornstarch taste.
Remove from heat, stir in butter until smooth, and cool completely.

To Assemble:

Whisk chilled pastry cream and distribute evenly among tart shells.
Arrange blood orange segments over the cream and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Approximate per tart)

Calories: 607
Carbohydrates: 80g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 29g
Sugar: 48g
Fiber: 4g
Vitamin C: 58mg

Enjoy these stunning tarts as a sophisticated and flavorful dessert!

The Allure of Blood Oranges

Blood oranges are the crown jewel of citrus fruits, known for their striking ruby-red hue and tangy-sweet flavor. Unlike regular oranges, blood oranges have a hint of raspberry or cherry undertones, which adds a unique complexity to desserts.

Seasonality: Blood oranges are typically in season during the winter months, making them an ideal choice for desserts during this time.
Aesthetic Appeal: Their vibrant color elevates the visual appeal of any dish, making these tarts a showstopper.
Health Benefits: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, blood oranges not only enhance the flavor but also provide a healthy twist to your dessert.

Earl Grey: A Tea Lover’s Dream in Dessert Form

Earl Grey tea, with its signature bergamot-infused aroma, is the star ingredient in the pastry cream. Its subtle floral and citrus notes complement the blood orange segments beautifully, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile.

Infusion Technique: Steeping the tea in warm milk allows the bergamot and tea flavors to infuse fully, ensuring the pastry cream carries the essence of Earl Grey without overpowering the dessert.
Refined Touch: Earl Grey adds a layer of sophistication to the tarts, making them suitable for upscale gatherings or tea parties.

The Perfect Tart Shell: A Buttery Base

The pâte brisée tart shell provides the foundation for this dessert. With its tender, crumbly texture and buttery flavor, it’s the perfect vessel for the creamy and citrusy filling.

Flaky Texture: Made with high-fat butter and cake flour, the tart shell melts in your mouth, providing a delicate contrast to the rich pastry cream.
Docking Technique: Piercing the dough with a fork prevents it from puffing up during baking, ensuring an even base for the filling.
Golden Finish: Baking the shells until golden brown adds a slight nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

The Art of Pastry Cream

The Earl Grey-infused pastry cream is the heart of these tarts. Silky, smooth, and richly flavored, it ties the tart together with its luxurious texture.

Tempering Eggs: Gradually adding hot milk to the egg mixture prevents curdling, ensuring a smooth consistency.
Cornstarch Thickening: Cooking the cream until it bubbles eliminates the raw taste of cornstarch and guarantees a firm set.
Cooling Technique: Allowing the pastry cream to cool completely before filling the tart shells ensures a stable and cohesive dessert.

Toppings That Elevate the Dessert

The finishing touches on these tarts—blood orange segments and crushed pistachios—add both flavor and texture.

Blood Orange Segments: Their tanginess balances the sweetness of the pastry cream, while their vibrant color adds an eye-catching element.
Crushed Pistachios: These provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the filling. Additionally, their green hue contrasts beautifully with the red and orange tones of the blood oranges.

Optional garnishes like edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can further enhance the tarts’ presentation.

A Dessert for Every Occasion

These tarts are versatile enough to suit a variety of occasions:

Tea Parties: Their sophisticated flavors and aesthetic appeal make them a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.
Celebrations: Serve these as an elegant dessert for weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays.
Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with individual tarts that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Seasonal Treat: Celebrate the winter citrus season by showcasing blood oranges in this standout dessert.

Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: Resting the dough in the refrigerator ensures it is easier to handle and results in a flakier tart shell.
Steep the Tea Properly: Allowing the Earl Grey to steep in warm milk for at least 30 minutes ensures a pronounced yet balanced flavor.
Avoid Overmixing: When making the pastry cream, whisk gently to avoid introducing air bubbles, which can affect the cream’s texture.
Segment Oranges Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut away the pith and membrane for clean, juicy segments.
Assemble Before Serving: Fill and garnish the tarts just before serving to maintain the crispness of the shell and the freshness of the toppings.

Creative Variations

While the traditional Blood Orange Earl Grey Tarts are exquisite, you can experiment with variations to suit your preferences:

Citrus Medley: Combine blood oranges with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines for a diverse flavor profile.
Nut Crust: Replace part of the flour in the tart shell with ground almonds or hazelnuts for added nuttiness.
Flavored Cream: Infuse the pastry cream with lavender or vanilla for a floral or sweet twist.
Chocolate Base: Brush the tart shells with melted dark chocolate before adding the cream for a decadent touch.

These variations allow you to customize the tarts for different occasions or to highlight your favorite flavors.

Why Homemade Tarts?

Making Blood Orange Earl Grey Tarts from scratch is a rewarding experience that elevates the dessert to a personal masterpiece:

Quality Control: You can select high-quality ingredients and avoid artificial flavors or preservatives.
Customization: Tailor the recipe to your preferences, from the tart shell to the toppings.
Impress Guests: The effort and artistry involved in crafting these tarts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Conclusion

Blood Orange Earl Grey Tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors, textures, and aesthetics. The buttery tart shell, creamy Earl Grey pastry filling, and vibrant blood orange topping create a symphony of taste that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Whether you’re hosting a formal event or enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, these tarts are guaranteed to elevate the occasion. Their combination of bold citrus notes and subtle tea-infused cream makes them a unique and memorable treat.

By mastering this recipe, you’ll have a go-to dessert that impresses with its elegance and delights with its flavor—a true testament to the art of baking.