Rambutan and rosewater tart, close-up

Fruit tart

rambutan and rosewater tart

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

24 Sept 2025

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I still remember the first time I tried rambutan. It was during a trip to Southeast Asia, and I was instantly captivated by its spiky exterior and sweet, juicy flesh. Back home, I wanted to find a way to incorporate this unique fruit into a dessert that would capture its essence. That’s how this tart came to be, a labor of love and a celebration of flavors. Rosewater seemed like a natural pairing, its delicate floral notes complementing the rambutan's sweetness perfectly. Now, i'm not going to lie, i almost forgot the eggs when I did the first batch!! Thankfully I caught myself, but imagine the disaster!
Close-up of fresh rambutans
The buttery, crumbly crust provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy rosewater-infused filling, while the rambutan adds a burst of tropical flavor. This tart is not only visually stunning but also a delight to the taste buds. Seriously, it's like a party in your mouth! Its worth making, its a bit time consuming, but totally worth it! Plus, it makes you look super fancy, and who doesn't want that?
Slice of rambutan and rosewater tart on a plate

Required Equipments

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Rolling Pin
  • Tart Pan (9-inch)
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Rambutan and Rosewater Tart: Frequently Asked Questions

Rambutan and Rosewater Tart

This Rambutan & Rosewater Tart combines the exotic sweetness of rambutan with the floral aroma of rosewater, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It's a showstopper perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the crust bakes evenly.
  2. Prepare the tart crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50g) powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Add cold butter: Cut 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the butter pieces, the flakier the crust will be.
  4. Incorporate egg yolk: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tough crust.
  5. Form the dough: Gently gather the dough into a ball. Flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender crust.
  6. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
  7. Pre-bake the crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  8. Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120ml) milk, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch. Whisk together until smooth.
  9. Cook the filling: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon rosewater, and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly.
  10. Assemble the tart: Pour the rosewater filling into the pre-baked tart crust. Arrange 1 1/2 cups (about 200g) peeled and pitted rambutans on top of the filling in a decorative pattern. I almost forgot to remove the seed from a couple of them! be sure to check!
  11. Chill the tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is set. This chilling time is essential for the tart to hold its shape when sliced.
  12. Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the tart with fresh rose petals or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use European-style butter in the crust.
  • If you can't find rambutan, lychees make a good substitute.
  • Feel free to experiment with other floral extracts like orange blossom water.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 4g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 1g

Calcium: 50mg

A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. Okay, maybe not, but a little indulgence is good for the soul!

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