This Strawberry Tart is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of strawberry season, featuring a crispy shortbread crust, a lusciously thick berry filling, and a topping of delicate cream. The combination of fresh, juicy strawberries with a homemade crust and a light, creamy topping makes this dessert a festive and flavorful treat. Each component is crafted to enhance the natural sweetness and texture of the strawberries, making this tart a must-try for berry lovers and dessert aficionados alike.
Why You'll Love This:
You'll adore this strawberry tart for its harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The crust, made from scratch, offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich berry filling. The cream topping adds a luxurious smoothness that complements the tart's freshness. This dessert is not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, with its vibrant red filling and elegant cream swirls, making each slice a work of art.
Perfect Occasion:
This Strawberry Tart is ideal for any spring or summer celebration where a fresh, fruity dessert is desired. It’s perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or as a special treat to enjoy after a light meal. The tart is also great for holiday celebrations like Mother's Day or Easter, where its bright, cheerful appearance and exquisite taste can truly shine. It's a show-stopper that promises to be as impressive as it is delicious.
Decoration Tips:
For a stunning presentation, arrange some whole strawberries on top of the cream for a burst of color and texture. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the tart just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and a sophisticated look. If you're feeling creative, add some edible flowers or mint leaves as garnish to enhance the tart's visual appeal and introduce a hint of freshness that complements the strawberries.
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 90 grams of cold butter
- 180 grams of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons of cold water
- Berry Filling:
- 400 grams of strawberries
- 60-100 grams of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of corn starch, mixed with a little water
- Cream:
- 200 grams of cream cheese
- 100 grams of cream (33% fat)
- 50 grams of powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract, to taste
Instructions:
- Begin with the dough by combining cold butter, flour, and salt. Work these into fine crumbs manually or with a blender. Incorporate the yolk and water to form a dough. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- For the filling, chop the strawberries and combine with sugar and diluted starch. Over low heat, stir constantly and bring to a brief boil, just until thickened—about 2 minutes. Aim to keep the berries nearly fresh.
- Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into your baking dish. Trim the edges and dock with a fork. Cover with parchment and weigh down with baking weights or dried beans. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes, remove the weights, and let the crust brown for another 10 minutes.
- Cool the crust, then add the berry filling and let it set in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
- For the cream, whip cream cheese, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick. Decoratively apply the cream using a spatula or pipe into swirls.
Enjoy this incredibly fragrant and delicious strawberry tart!