- Why did the gelatin soak into the cake?
- You likely poured it while too hot, or didn't have a barrier layer like custard. (In this simple recipe, it goes on the cake, so the cake must be dense).
- Can I use fresh kiwi or pineapple?
- Fresh kiwi and pineapple contain enzymes (bromelain) that dissolve gelatin, so it won't set. Use cooked or canned versions of these fruits!
Classic Fresh Fruit Tart
The classic fruit tart base is a 'butter sponge' or 'cakey pastry', denser than a traditional sponge so it doesn't immediately get soggy from the fruit juices. The clear gelatin glaze (tortenguss) on top serves a dual purpose: it adds an aesthetic shine and hermetically seals the fruit, protecting it from oxidation (browning) and drying out.
Ingredients
1 2/3
cups
All-Purpose Flour
3.5
oz
Butter (cold)
1/2
cup
Granulated Sugar
2
large
Eggs
1/2
cup
Milk
2
tsp
Vanilla Extract
1
pack
Baking Powder (approx 2 tsp)
1
pinch
Salt
1
lb
Mixed Fresh Fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches)
1
packet
Clear Cake Glaze (Tortenguss) or Gelatin
3/4
cup
Water or Fruit Juice
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Flan Pan (Tart Pan with raised bottom)
- Hand Mixer
- Pastry Brush
Allergen Information
Wheat
Egg
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Thoroughly grease and flour the flan pan, especially the indentations.
Tip: Batter sticks easily in the grooves; flouring helps release it.
2
✓
Mix flour with baking powder, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly, then add eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix quickly to combine.
Tip: Cutting in cold butter makes the base tender, similar to a shortbread.
3
✓
Pour into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Turn out onto a wire rack while still warm and let cool.
Tip: If you try to remove it when fully cold, the butter solidifies and it may crack.
4
✓
Arrange the fruit beautifully in the indentation of the cooled cake base.
Tip: Play with colors and shapes!
5
✓
Prepare the cake glaze (Tortenguss) with water/juice according to package instructions (usually requires boiling). If using regular gelatin, dissolve in warm liquid but do not boil. Spoon over the fruit when lukewarm.
Tip: Start from the center and work outward to ensure coverage.
6
✓
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Tip: Chilling also softens the cake slightly.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 3.5 oz Butter (cold)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 pack Baking Powder (approx 2 tsp)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 lb Mixed Fresh Fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches)
- 1 packet Clear Cake Glaze (Tortenguss) or Gelatin
- 3/4 cup Water or Fruit Juice