This Vegan Strawberry Tart combines a crisp, buttery vegan shortcrust pastry with a rich, creamy vegan pastry cream, all topped with juicy, fresh strawberries. The strawberries are enhanced by a sweet maceration process and a glossy jam glaze, making this tart not only visually stunning but also irresistibly tasty. It's a perfect dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries in a delightful and elegant way.
Why You'll Love This
This tart is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in baking. The vegan shortcrust pastry provides a perfect base that's flaky and tender, while the vegan pastry cream offers a lush, velvety contrast. The fresh strawberries, enhanced by their own juices and a touch of sugar, offer a burst of freshness with each bite. The jam glaze not only adds a brilliant sheen but also seals in the berries' flavors, making each slice a perfect blend of texture and taste.
Perfect Occasion
Ideal for spring and summer gatherings, this tart is a wonderful addition to any brunch, tea party, or dinner celebration. It’s particularly suited for occasions like Mother’s Day, Easter, or a garden party where a light, fruity dessert is desired. The tart's elegant appearance and refreshing taste make it a delightful end to any meal.
Decoration Tips
For an added touch of elegance, you can garnish the tart with mint leaves or edible flowers just before serving. If you prefer a bit more texture, sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds around the edges of the tart for a nutty contrast to the sweet, creamy filling and the tart berries.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch vegan shortcrust pastry
- 1 ½ batches vegan pastry cream
- 500g (3 ½ cups) fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 60g (3 tablespoons) strawberry preserves or apricot preserves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Make and blind-bake the vegan shortcrust pastry according to the recipe. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Macerate the Strawberries:
- Wash, hull, and halve the strawberries. Toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar. Cover and let them macerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Jam Glaze:
- Heat the strawberry preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the jam thins and becomes glossy.
- Brush the inside of the cooled pastry shell with a thin layer of this glaze. Reserve some glaze for later.
- Assemble the Tart:
- Whisk the vegan pastry cream until smooth and pour it into the pastry shell, smoothing the top with an offset spatula.
- Arrange the macerated strawberries in a circular pattern starting from the center of the tart.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the tart in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the pastry cream to firm up.
- Final Glaze:
- Before serving, brush the strawberries with the reserved jam mixture to enhance their shine and flavor.
- Storage:
- Store the tart covered in the refrigerator and serve within 3 days. For optimal freshness and texture, it is best enjoyed the day it is made.
Enjoy this Vegan Strawberry Tart as a showcase of summer's best flavors in a beautifully simple yet elegant dessert.