Strawberry Tart

This delightful Strawberry Tart is not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home, this tart combines fresh strawberries with a creamy filling nestled in a buttery crust, making it a favorite among dessert lovers. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a showstopper on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 10 ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Fresh and Delicious: Using ripe strawberries ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dessert: This Strawberry Tart is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy family dinner.
• Stunning Presentation: Its beautiful appearance will impress your guests, making it look like it came straight from a bakery.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap strawberries for other fruits or adjust the filling to your liking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Strawberry Tart, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom
• Parchment paper
• Baking weights (beans or pie weights)

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Speeds up the mixing process for the tart dough, ensuring a uniform texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for a perfectly shaped crust.
• Tart pan with removable bottom: Allows for easy removal of the tart without damaging its shape.

Ingredients

This gorgeous Strawberry Tart looks like it belongs in a pâtisserie window, but is easy to make with just 10 ingredients.

For the Crust

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed) (113g)
• 6 tablespoons ice water (90ml)

For the Filling

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (120mL)
• 2 (8-ounce/226g) blocks cream cheese (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar (66g)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced) (450g)
• 1 tablespoon red currant jam (or apricot, or strawberry)
• ½ teaspoon water

How to Make Strawberry Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
2. Add the cold butter and pulse until very crumbly, about 30 seconds.
3. Drizzle in ice water and pulse until mixture holds together when pressed. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 2 days.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 13-inch circle.
2. Transfer dough to a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press into the bottom and sides of the pan; trim excess overhang.
3. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper and add dried beans or pie weights to fill.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are dry and lightly golden brown. Remove pie weights and continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes until bottom is dry and crust pulls away from sides of pan. Let cool completely before removing from pan.

Now that you have prepared your crust, you can move on to creating that delicious filling!

How to Serve Strawberry Tart

Serving a Strawberry Tart is all about presentation and pairing. This elegant dessert can be enjoyed on its own or enhanced with various accompaniments to elevate the experience.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy cream adds richness, balancing the tartness of strawberries.

Accompanied by Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast, making each bite even more delightful.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A warm chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Topped with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a refreshing flavor.

Served Alongside Fresh Berries

• Additional berries like raspberries or blueberries can complement the strawberries beautifully.

How to Perfect Strawberry Tart

Creating the perfect Strawberry Tart takes some practice. Here are tips to ensure your tart turns out beautifully every time.

• Use cold ingredients: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter and water are very cold before mixing.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps it relax, preventing shrinkage during baking.
• Pre-bake the crust: Blind baking ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy from the filling.
• Select ripe strawberries: Choose fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness in your tart.
• Experiment with flavors: Consider adding lemon zest or a splash of liqueur to the cream cheese filling for an extra layer of taste.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Tart

While the Strawberry Tart is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
2. A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can add freshness and variety to your dessert spread.
3. Cheese Platter
4. Pairing your tart with cheeses like brie or goat cheese creates a harmonious balance of flavors.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
6. These sweet treats echo the flavors in your tart while adding an indulgent touch.
7. Lemon Sorbet
8. A chilled lemon sorbet offers a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs well with rich desserts.
9. Panna Cotta
10. This creamy Italian dessert complements the tart’s texture and adds sophistication to your table.
11. Shortbread Cookies
12. Crisp shortbread cookies provide a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft tart.
13. Almond Biscotti
14. Crunchy almond biscotti not only enhances texture but also adds nutty flavors that work well with strawberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Tart can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that you can easily avoid to ensure your tart turns out perfectly.

• Ignoring the dough chill time: Skipping the chilling step can lead to a tough crust. Always refrigerate the dough for at least an hour for the best texture.
• Overworking the dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in a dense crust. Handle it gently and stop as soon as it comes together.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can affect the taste and texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Failing to line your tart with parchment paper can make it difficult to remove. Always use parchment and pie weights to ensure even baking.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Baking at too high or too low temperatures can ruin your crust. Ensure your oven is preheated correctly before placing your tart inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Strawberry Tart in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• If possible, store the filling and crust separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing Strawberry Tart

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• You can freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Tart

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

When making a Strawberry Tart, you might have some questions. Here are answers to help guide you through the process.

How long does it take to make a Strawberry Tart?

The total time required is about 180 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Tart?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh ones yield the best flavor and texture. Thaw them completely before using.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in a Strawberry Tart?

You may use mascarpone cheese or ricotta as alternatives, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I prevent my tart from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake your crust until golden brown before adding any filling, which helps create a barrier against moisture.

Final Thoughts

This gorgeous Strawberry Tart not only looks stunning but also offers delicious flavor and versatility. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors based on what’s available. Try making this recipe at home; it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

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Strawberry Tart

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Strawberry Tart, a delightful dessert that marries fresh strawberries with a luscious cream cheese filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy-to-make treat that impresses both in taste and appearance. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or cozy family dinners, this tart is sure to become a favorite. With just 10 simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this stunning masterpiece. Serve it on its own or elevate it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of decadence.

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 blocks cream cheese
• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust by pulsing flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until crumbly. Mix in ice water until the dough holds together.
2. Chill the dough for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Roll out the dough to fit a 10-inch tart pan and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
4. For the filling, whip cream and blend with cream cheese, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Once the crust cools, fill with the creamy mixture and top with sliced strawberries.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (104g)
• Calories: 302
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 57mg

Keywords: Use cold ingredients for a flaky crust. Chill your dough properly to avoid shrinkage. Ripe strawberries will yield the best flavor—opt for seasonal fresh fruit when possible.