A signature sweet tart from Lyon, France, featuring a buttery shortbread crust filled with a luscious, candy-like mixture of pink pralines melted with cream and butter. The filling sets into a glossy, vivid pink layer with a delightful crunch from crushed praline bits.
Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time65 mins
Servings8
Yield8 slices
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 480 kcalCalories
- 28 gFat
- 15 gSaturated Fat
- 52 gCarbs
- 2 gFiber
- 38 gSugar
- 6 gProtein
- 85 mgSodium
- 160 mgPotassium
- 70 mgCalcium
- 1.5 mgIron
- 0 mgVitamin C
- 180 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Sweet Shortbread Crust
- 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the Pink Praline Filling
- 1 1/2 cups (220 g) pink pralines (pralines roses)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
For Finishing
- 2 tablespoons pink pralines, lightly crushed, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sliced almonds, toasted
Directions
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
- Stir the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water into the flour mixture with a fork until the dough just comes together; add the remaining water if needed. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch round and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Trim the edges, prick the base all over with a fork, and chill for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 5 minutes until pale golden. Set aside and reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the filling: Combine the pink pralines, heavy cream, and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until the pralines are mostly melted into a thick, glossy pink sauce; keep a few small chunks for texture.
- Whisk the flour into the warm praline mixture until smooth, then slowly whisk in the beaten egg and almond extract. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until slightly thickened.
- Pour the warm filling into the pre-baked tart shell, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Scatter the crushed pink pralines and toasted sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake the tart at 325°F (165°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center; it will firm up as it cools.
- Let the tart cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before unmolding. Slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts and serve at room temperature.
Cook’s Notes
- Pink pralines (pralines roses) are available from French specialty shops and online; do not substitute regular pralines as the distinctive pink color and flavor are essential.
- The filling should look slightly underdone when you remove it from the oven; it sets beautifully into a sliceable, fudgy texture as it cools.
- For an extra-glossy finish, brush the warm tart very lightly with a thin layer of warmed apricot jam.
- Serve with a dollop of crème fraîche or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweetness.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days; the flavor deepens and the texture improves on day two.










