Banoffee European Tart

Ingredients

• For the shortbread crust:
•  3/4-pound unsalted butter softened at room temperature
•  1/2 cup granulated sugar
•  1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
•  1/2 teaspoon salt
•  2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
•  3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 3-4 bananas
• 3-4 strawberries (optional)
• For the whipped cream:
• • 1 pint (473 ml) heavy whipping cream
• • 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (4-ounce) bar semisweet or bittersweet baking chocolate
• Garnish:
• • Chocolate shavings
• • Cocoa powder
• • Crushed pistachios
• • Toffee bits

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 °F, 200 °C.

2. 2

   Make the dulce de leche:

3. 3

   Pour the 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk...: Pour the 2 cans of sweetened condensed milk in a loaf pan or baking dish and loosely cover with foil.

4. 4

   Place the loaf pan in a larger roasting...: Place the loaf pan in a larger roasting pan and fill it halfway up with steaming hot water. Carefully transfer the roasting pan into the oven and bake for 2 and ½ hours or until the condensed milk has thickened and caramelized. It will be darker in color. Remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool.

5. 5

   Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight...: Transfer the dulce de leche to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

6. 6

   Make the crust:

7. 7

   Combine the butter, salt, both sugars, and vanilla...: Combine the butter, salt, both sugars, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a tabletop mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. This can also be done with a hand blender and a large mixing bowl.

8. 8

   Beat beginning on low speed until all of...: Beat beginning on low speed until all of the sugar is incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once in between mixing so everything is evenly incorporated.

9. 9

   Add the flour in 2-3 batches mixing at...: Add the flour in 2-3 batches mixing at low speed. Beat until a dough begins to form. Some crumbled dough may remain at the bottom of the bowl. This will all come together when the dough is formed into a ball on the counter.

10. 10

    Remove all of the dough from the mixer...: Remove all of the dough from the mixer on a clean work surface (counter) and press it together to form a disk. A ball can be formed first and then press it down with your palm to form the disc.

11. 11

    Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.

12. 12

    Press each portion of dough into a 9...: Press each portion of dough into a 9 and ½ - 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Chill in the freezer at least 1 hour or until the dough is very firm. This can be wrapped in plastic and kept frozen up to 1 month. Chilling it well is required so that the tart keeps its shape during baking.

13. 13

    Bake the tart at 350 °F, 170 °C...: Bake the tart at 350 °F, 170 °C for 25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Halfway through baking pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork so that the steam can escape. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

14. 14

    Transfer the cookie crust onto a serving platter/pedestal.

15. 15

    Melt the chocolate over a Bain Marie or...: Melt the chocolate over a Bain Marie or in the microwave. Pour the chocolate onto the bottom of the cookie crust and spread it.

16. 16

    Slice the bananas and strawberries.

17. 17

    Make the whipped cream: Combine all of the...: Make the whipped cream: Combine all of the whipped cream ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk on high speed until thickened.

18. 18

    Pour the cooled dulce de leche over the...: Pour the cooled dulce de leche over the chocolate and top with the sliced fruit. The fruit may alternatively be placed under the dulce de leche.

19. 19

    Top with the whipped cream. You can pipe...: Top with the whipped cream. You can pipe cream cheese rosettes or stars or just dollop it on top.

20. 20

    Garnish with chocolate shavings or nuts and chill...: Garnish with chocolate shavings or nuts and chill for 1-2 hours. Serve!!