Blueberry Citrus Tart
This Blueberry Citrus Tart is a fun and tasty way to highlight fresh summer blueberries!
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I have big news! I hired a coworker. He’s been asking me for months for a job, and I finally decided to give him a chance. On the plus side, he’s a quick learner, and (most of the time) he’s rather agreeable…sometimes even funny. Oh, and he works for dirt cheap. The pay: graham crackers. On the down side (for me), he negotiated a 2-hour afternoon nap as part of his standard work day. Yes, I hired Robbie (my 2-year old) to help with this Blueberry Citrus Tart. And I have to say it worked out pretty well all things considered!
Laura was on a work trip to Montreal recently, and it just so happened that Robbie’s daycare was closed for a teacher training day. So that meant a whole day of just Robbie-Daddy time. A whole day. Let’s just say that I have a newfound respect for any single parents out there! In addition to watching the first 10 minutes of Pets about 14 times and building a train track around the entire living room, Robbie and I also spent some time together making this Blueberry Citrus Tart.
Oh, and as luck would have it, Ethel was out getting her haircut, so I was able to set Robbie up a work station right there on the kitchen floor. First up: the graham cracker crust. I chopped all the grahams, but then I had Robbie help me push ’em into the tart pan. Of course, I think he ate one graham cracker for every one that went into the crust. He’s a toddler. A toddler who loves graham crackers.
Robbie’s measuring skills were on par, too. (To be fair, Dad pre-measured all of the ingredients into a bowl first, and then Robbie helped me re-measure them into the mixing bowl.) And he might have stopped mid-stir to have a mid-morning blueberry snack…and watch the first 10 minutes of The Secret Life of Pets. (On a side note, that movie is great! I love kids’ cartoon movies that still have jokes built in for us parents.) I think it took us about 3 times as long as normal to make this Blueberry Citrus Tart, but that’s ok. We spent quality time together, and that’s what counts! And we also managed not to burn the house down in the process.
A couple months ago, I made a Lemon Cream Tart that was super delicious. We’ve had a bunch of blueberries in our fridge lately as Robbie is addicted to them, and that led to a wacky idea. Can you make blueberry curd? Turns out you can! So I grabbed some of those blueberries to make this Blueberry Citrus Tart. I used a bit of lime juice to balance out the sweetness from the berries here. (If you’ve never tried the blueberry-lime combo before, then put it on your list…it’s delicious!) Cook up that blueberry curd, pour it into the baked crust and then just let the tart rest in the fridge for a bit. Nice and easy!
By the time the evening rolled around (and I had the first 10 minutes of Pets memorized), I had honestly forgotten that this tart was in the fridge. Oops. So I snapped a couple of quick photos while Robbie was reading some books. I would’ve liked to grab more, but oh well. Such is life with a toddler, right? This Blueberry Citrus Tart was a fun twist on a classic, and it really highlights fresh summer fruit. And since it’s served chilled, it makes a great dessert for a warm summer evening! Cheers, friends!
Blueberry Citrus Tart
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 7 full-sized graham crackers
- 3 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Blueberry Citrus Filling
- 2 cups blueberries fresh or frozen and thawed
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice ~2 limes
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 whole large egg
- 4 additional large egg yolks
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- {Optional} whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- Using a food processor or mini-chopper, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter. Stir until fully combined.
- Lightly butter or grease a 9” tart pan with removable bottom. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. (Tip: A flat-bottomed glass helps pack the crust mixture down evenly.)
- Bake crust at 350°F for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
For the Blueberry Citrus Filling
- Using a medium saucepan, add blueberries and lime juice; place over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until blueberries are very soft.
- Press mixture through a fine-meshed sieve into a separate saucepan. (Note: Goal here is to get all of the pulp while removing the skins from the blueberries.)
- Using a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, egg yolks and sugar. Transfer this mixture into the saucepan with the blueberry puree.
- Place pan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring often, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. (Tip: If you have a kitchen thermometer, cook mixture until it reaches 170°F.)
- Remove from heat and add butter several pieces at a time, stirring after each addition until butter has completely melted and is well combined.
- Transfer mixture into cooled crust. Place in refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
- {Optional} Garnish with fresh whipped cream before serving.
Hooray! You’ve hired one amazing worker!!! This tart he created is truly amazing! Now don’t be skimping on his wages – keep a few extra boxes of graham crackers around in case he needs a bonus! Good job, Robby!!!
Haha, I have to agree with you about having an amazing employee, Kathy! I mean he works a bit slower than I’d like, but he’s the best. 🙂 Also, I’m cracking up at the thought of his holiday bonus (i.e. extra boxes of grahams)! Thanks so much!
This is gorgeous! That color is just so pretty. If I’m ever in the market for a job, I’m going to give you a call–I, too, work for graham crackers :). And any time Robbie gets the urge to help with baking you can just send him my way–he did a great job on this tart!
Wait, you’ll work for grahams, too? Oh boy, I’m going to have a whole staff…as long as I start ordering graham crackers by the truckload! 🙂 And be careful what you offer, Kelsie. You might have a toddler with a whisk showing up at your door soon! Hah!
Sooooooooo sweet : what an assistance it is 🙂
He really is a great helper! We had a blast making this tart…even if it did take about 3x longer than it should have. 🙂
Your new employee is adorable! I’m glad you can afford him! This blueberry tart the two of you made is amazing! I love the addition of lime to blueberry – perfect!
Hah! Yes, my new employee works for cheap. Just a box of grahams, and he’s good to go all day long. 🙂 Thanks so much, Laura!!
How cute, I would have loved to be the grandma helping for free. Your pie looks wonderful.
Wait…you work for free!? That’s even better than my new employee who works for graham crackers. Come on over, Gerlinde! 🙂
Oh my god, I think that’s the prettiest pie I’ve ever seen! Of course, I do love the color purple, but still…. Cute kiddo.
I love the royal colors, too, Mimi! Thanks so much! 🙂
I never would have thought to make blueberry curd, but that color is absolutely gorgeous! And of course, not burning down the house is always a bonus. Looks like you got yourself a great assistant!
I have no idea what made me think about blueberry curd. I was sitting there juicing lemons, and all of a sudden I was like…”wait, can I do this with other fruits, too?” Sure enough! And it helps when I’ve got an awesome assistant, too! 🙂 Thanks, Mara…can’t wait to read about your latest adventures cross-country!
Knowing Robbie’s love for blueberry, I’m wondering why didn’t you delegate him this job too? Were you afraid of having the tart with no filling at all? But you guys did an amazing job (You understand that Robbie did the most strenuous and important part, right?) This tart looks phenomenally good. And yes, you can make curd with many other fruit and berries. I can say more: you can even make delicious blueberry lavender curd!
Well, to be fair, Robbie did help me with the blueberry portion of this recipe…but it was a wee bit messy. I didn’t dare try to get a photo of that one! 🙂 And, yes, I completely understand that Robbie did the ‘heavy lifting’ portion of this recipe. But he did a great job with it! Wait. Did you see blueberry lavender curd? Mind blown! You might have to make a batch of that one and let me know how it is. Haha!
Tell me more…blueberry lavender?!???
Uh oh…looks like you have a second vote to make a blueberry lavender version of this one, Ben! Thanks, Debbie. 🙂
I am sure you had a great time baking with Robbie. I love it when my grandchildren are visiting and I can bake with them, so much fun. This blueberry tart looks wonderful. I would love to have a taste.
We really did have a fun time baking together, Dawn! At first, it was a bit like herding cats, but then he got on board and we had a blast. Thanks so much, my friend!
I’ll come and work for you for just a 1-hour afternoon nap David and slices of this blueberry citrus tart. But alongside Robbie though, as I wouldn’t want to take his job. In fact as a once keen model railway enthusiast I think me and young Robbie would get on well building that railway around your living room! So we’d both make perfect co-workers for you!
Wait, you’d work in exchange for just a 1-hour nap? Done! Well, that is as long as you don’t mind sharing a bedtime with a toddler. Haha! 🙂 (On a side note, shouldn’t all jobs come with a 1-hour nap?) You were a model railroad guy?? I used to be into model railroading in high school, and I’ve still got all of my tracks and trains packed away in bubble wrap. We have quite a bit in common, Neil! You’re hired!
HAHAHA – You’re too funny! And to pay in graham crackers? I think that’s a sweet deal for both sides, lol 😉 Ok, this tart is amazing, David!! That colour! That flavour! Can’t you tell I’m just a tad excited? I’ve made lemon curd, grapefruit curd and orange curd, but never anything outside the citrus realm. Gotta try this beauty out!
Paying a salary in graham crackers is indeed a sweet deal…great choice of words there, Dawn! 🙂 So I have no idea what grabbed me about making blueberry curd…probably the fact that I was making lemon curd as well as the crazy amount of blueberries we always have around. It totally works! Not only does it taste great, but the color is really fun, too. Thanks so much, my friend!
That looks soooooooooooooo flippin good. Oh my. I’ll take…two pieces, three pieces, maybe even four! Good to see you have a little chef in the making. Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about dinner!
Oh man, you’re talking my kinda language. After the photos were taken, the tart ended up in a container in the fridge. The bottom pieces got a little mangled when I stacked ’em (oops), so I just took a spoon straight to the container to eat those. haha! And wouldn’t that be the day when Robbie makes us dinner? Well, as long as I like nuts and bananas and cereal. 🙂
What a gorgeous tart. The color is phenomenal. The texture looks equally good. Since you’ve hired this new guy, your work has really gotten better.
Haha…thanks a lot, Jeff. I do think Robbie had upped my game a bit, and all for the cost of a box of graham crackers. 🙂
HAHAHA!!! This post is a gem, David! I adore your new coworker! Hahaha I need to find me a worker that works for peanuts …er, or should I say A graham cracker and blueberries… Oh wait – I have one… though she needs more than just one graham cracker and a bit of blueberries – she’ll negotiate eating all of this GORGEOUS tart except for a slice, which I could have! BTW – I would never ever have thought to make blueberry curd… dude, my hats off to ya! I cannot stop scrolling up to sneak a second and third glance at this gorgeous tart, David, today you should be glad am not your neighbor as I’d be over there in a jif to polish this off for ya! Happy Wednesday to the spiced clan – cannot wait to see what other hijinks you and your new coworker get upto! 🙂
Haha! I was totally thinking “wait, you already have an employee, Shashi!” And I’ve gotta say that your employee thinks up some mighty clever ideas, too. I’m just waiting until the day she pops up with her own food blog! Savory Spin Deux! And are you saying you want to move north? I think that can be arranged…I’ll even make you your very own blueberry tart! 🙂
You seriously had me until you got to the ‘working for graham crackers’ bit – love it!
And what a beautiful tart! Blueberries are just coming in to season here – this looks like a lovely way to use them!
Haha…I bet you were like “Now who in the world did he hire to get him to help in the kitchen?” 🙂 That’s right…I’ve turned Robbie into a little mini-me. He loved making this tart (although he wouldn’t really eat it later…go figure), and I loved the help!
I never would have thought about making “blueberry curd” Tart looks delicious and so pretty, though I have to admit, there would be more whipped cream involved !!!
Robbie is absolutely adorable, if we still lived in NY, you’d have a free babysitter and he’d be learning how to make Peanut butter cookies, the first thing my Gram taught me to make when I was 5
It’s a good thing Ethel was at the spa or you might have been short some blueberries, being as Robbie’s work surface is at her height 😉
Maybe you should have tried spreading some of the tart on a graham cracker for Robbie, might have eaten it that way, finger food at that age is a big thing !! In fact, making some of the BB curd and putting in fridge to spread on crackers sounds like a good idea, probably go really good on some vanilla ice cream too !!
Have a great weekend !
You and me both! I was pleasantly surprised at how well this blueberry curd turned out. I’m sure you could add more whipping cream as the flavor is rather sweet and intense…but I chalked that up to the berries. Like lemon tart, a small slice of this blueberry tart is all you need.
I haven’t thought about making peanut butter cookies with Robbie yet. I’ll have to try that one of these weekends! It’s been hot here lately, so we’ve been limiting his outside time…so maybe a cookie making round would be fun one of these weekends!
You know, that’s an interesting idea about spreading the tart on a graham cracker for Robbie. He’s such a picky eater. I wish I had thought of that! I might have to make some more. I imagine we’ll go blueberry picking soon, and we’ll have enough blueberries for weeks! Haha! Thanks, Mar!
Let me know when you make it again if Robbie eats it spread on a GC, interested to see if that makes a difference and for big people, you could make a pie crust, cut in in apx 1x 6″ pieces, spread with egg wash, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, bake and dip in the blueberry curd, Yummmm 🙂
Wow, I love the idea of using pie crust as ‘dippers’ for this blueberry curd. Excellent idea for a fun party dessert! And I bet Robbie might like that, too. We shall see!
Let me know if you try that David ! Back to my Fondue days in the 70’s, I bet that would be yummy warmed for dipping 😉
I’m off to make a blueberry pie, been promising to make one for D for weeks now, picked up some blueberries yesterday, hoping there are some left for another batch of muffins.
Hope you all are having a great timein Maryland !!!
Mar
Yum, blueberries are one of my favorite fruits! I love that you enlisted Robbie’s help to whip up this recipe. I’m sure you’ll be a great kitchen teacher to him once he gets a little older and gets interested in how to bake & cook well!
I had so much fun teaching Robbie how to make this tart, Nicole! I mean it’s not like he can do it by himself now, but we did have fun in the kitchen. I can’t wait to try other recipes with him as he gets older. 🙂 Thanks so much, my friend!
Your blueberry curd tart is gorgeous. Your new employee, priceless.
Thank you so much, Karen! And I go agree with you about my new employee. 🙂