Elegant French Strawberry Tart with Almond Cream and Velvety Custard

This French Strawberry Tart recipe encapsulates the essence of spring and sophistication. Crafted with a delicate sweet pastry base, enriched with almond flour for a subtle nutty flavor, it’s layered with a smooth almond cream and a rich vanilla custard. Crowned with fresh, juicy strawberries, this tart is not only a visual delight but also a symphony of flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This:

The combination of textures and flavors in this tart is irresistible. The buttery crust provides a perfect base for the creamy layers, and the fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. This dessert is perfect for those who appreciate the finesse of French baking and the natural sweetness of strawberries enhanced by the richness of almond and custard.

Perfect Occasion:

Ideal for high tea, spring and summer gatherings, or as a refined dessert at dinner parties. It’s also perfect for occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, or any celebration that calls for something beautifully crafted and delightfully tasty.

Decoration Tips:

For an extra touch of elegance, arrange the strawberry halves in concentric circles or a floral pattern. Dust the tart with powdered sugar just before serving, or drizzle with a light glaze for a glossy finish. To make it even more special, add a few edible flowers or mint leaves as garnish.

Ingredients:

• For the Sweet Pastry (Pâte Sucrée):
  • 8.8 oz (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 4.4 oz (125g) soft butter
  • 1 beaten egg
  • 2.65 oz (75g) powdered sugar
  • 1 oz (30g) almond flour
• For the Almond Cream:
  • 1.4 oz (40g) almond flour
  • 1.4 oz (40g) soft butter
  • 1.4 oz (40g) sugar
  • 1.4 oz (40g) egg
• For the Custard (Crème Pâtissière):
  • 1.4 oz (40g) sugar
  • 0.7 oz (20g) cornstarch
  • 1.75 oz (50g) egg yolks (about 3 yolks)
  • 1/2 vanilla bean
  • 8.5 fl oz (250ml) milk
  • 0.53 oz (15g) butter

1. Prepare the Sweet Pastry:
   • In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, flour, and almond flour. Add the soft butter and blend with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Mix in the beaten egg to form a dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for an hour.
2. Shape the Pastry:
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and fit it into a buttered and floured tart pan. Prick the base with a fork and freeze for 1 hour. Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) towards the end of this chilling time.
3. Bake the Tart Shell:
   • Bake the chilled tart shell for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Make the Almond Cream:
   • Cream together the soft butter and sugar. Mix in the egg, then fold in the almond flour. Spread this mixture over the pre-baked tart shell and bake for another 15-20 minutes until set.
5. Prepare the Custard:
   • Heat milk with the vanilla bean split in half until boiling. Whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch, then gradually pour in half of the hot milk while stirring. Return the mixture to the heat and cook until thickened. Spread onto a wide dish, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill.
6. Assemble the Tart:
   • Spread the cooled custard over the almond cream layer. Arrange halved strawberries on top.

Conclusion:

Serve this sumptuous French Strawberry Tart chilled, allowing every layer to meld beautifully for a truly exquisite dessert experience. Enjoy the blend of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors that make each bite memorable. Enjoy!