How to Make a Tarte Soleil

Martha Stewart Living

If you're looking for a statement-making dessert to serve at your next holiday gathering or dinner party, we urge you to consider a tarte soleil, which is also known as a sunburst tart. Though it looks complicated, it's a dessert anyone can make at home. Our step-by-step guide breaks it all down.

Related: Try This Technique with Our Chocolate-Sesame Tarte Soleil Recipe

Bryan Gardner

The key to this design is to divide the dough evenly into the rays. After filling and sealing the crusts together, put a glass upside-down in the center. (This is merely to make an impression; don't let it cut through the dough.) With the glass still in place, cut the tart into four equal sections. Then cut each in half to make eight. Finally, cut each eighth evenly into thirds to create 24 sections total.

Bryan Gardner

Lift a section; twist it three times.

Bryan Gardner

Repeat with the remaining sections, making sure you twist all of them in the same direction, with the same tightness of coil. Freezing the dough solid before baking will help it keep its shape in the oven.