Strawberry Tart

This Strawberry Tart is a delightful dessert that impresses with its vibrant colors and fresh flavors. Perfect for celebrations, picnics, or simple family dinners, this tart combines a buttery crust with a creamy filling and luscious strawberries. With just ten ingredients, this recipe is accessible yet feels special enough for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re not an expert baker, this Strawberry Tart is simple to prepare.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and strawberries creates a deliciously refreshing taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because – this tart fits all occasions.
• Stunning Presentation: With its colorful topping and elegant appearance, it looks like it came from a fancy bakery.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the fruits or add your favorite jams for variety.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making this Strawberry Tart, gather the necessary tools. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Speeds up mixing the dough, ensuring even consistency.
• Tart pan with removable bottom: Makes it easy to remove the tart without damaging its shape.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in the dough for a perfectly baked crust.

Ingredients

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

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Tart

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar, and salt until combined.
2. Add the butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs, about 30 seconds.
3. Drizzle in the ice water and pulse a few times until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

1. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Shape it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 2 days.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 13-inch circle.
2. Transfer it to a 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
3. Press it into the bottom and sides of the pan; trim off any excess hanging over.

Step 5: Bake Crust

1. Poke the bottom of the crust all over with a fork.
2. Line with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights.
3. Bake for 20 minutes until edges are dry and lightly golden brown.
4. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until dry; let cool completely in the pan before removing.

Now that you have your delicious Strawberry Tart ready, get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Tart

Serving a Strawberry Tart can elevate any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. This dessert not only looks stunning but also brings delightful flavors that pair well with various accompaniments.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the rich cream cheese filling of the tart.

Add Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast, enhancing the sweetness of the strawberries while adding a refreshing chill.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce offers a decadent touch, enriching each bite with a rich and smooth flavor that contrasts the tartness of the strawberries.

Serve with Fresh Mint Leaves

• Garnishing with fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness that brightens the overall taste experience.

Include Seasonal Berries

• Offering additional seasonal berries on the side not only enhances presentation but also adds variety in texture and flavor, making each serving unique.

Accompany with Coffee or Tea

• Serving your Strawberry Tart with a cup of coffee or tea creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a meal while enjoying dessert.

How to Perfect Strawberry Tart

Making the perfect Strawberry Tart requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tart is irresistible.

• Use cold ingredients: Start with cold butter and cream cheese; this helps achieve a flaky crust and creamy filling.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerate your tart dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This prevents shrinkage during baking.
• Don’t skip blind baking: Blind bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Weigh it down with pie weights or dried beans for even cooking.
• Choose ripe strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Look for bright red berries without any soft spots.
• Spread jam evenly: When applying red currant jam on top, spread it evenly to enhance both flavor and shine.
• Serve chilled: For optimal taste and texture, refrigerate your completed tart for at least an hour before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Tart

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Tart can create a delightful dining experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a healthy contrast that balances sweetness.
2. Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of dessert, offering a zesty finish.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese brings savory notes that complement sweet tarts beautifully.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring melon, kiwi, and berries enhances freshness while providing vibrant colors on your table.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an extra layer of indulgence while tying in the strawberry theme seamlessly.
6. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche serves as a hearty counterpart to your tart, providing protein and richness that balance sweetness.
7. Pistachio Crumble: A pistachio crumble offers crunch and nutty flavors, adding complexity alongside your dessert’s texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Tart can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can lead to disappointment. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to refrigerate the dough can result in a crust that shrinks during baking. Always chill your dough for at least an hour to maintain its shape.
• Overmixing the crust: Mixing the dough too much can lead to a tough texture. Pulse just until combined for a tender crust.
• Skipping the pie weights: Not using pie weights can cause the crust to puff up. Always line your tart with parchment paper and fill it with weights during baking.
• Using warm strawberries: Adding warm strawberries can make the cream filling melt. Ensure your strawberries are completely cooled before assembling your tart.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into your tart before it has cooled fully can lead to a messy presentation. Allow it ample time to cool in the pan before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Strawberry Tart in an airtight container.
• It lasts for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor absorption.

Freezing Strawberry Tart

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months, but for best quality, consume within 1 month.

Reheating Strawberry Tart

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tart on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this may cause the filling to become runny.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Strawberry Tart crust flaky?

To achieve a flaky crust, make sure your butter is very cold and avoid overmixing when combining ingredients. Chill your dough thoroughly before rolling it out.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Tart?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but it’s best to thaw and drain them well beforehand. This prevents excess moisture from making your tart soggy.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Tart?

Serve your Strawberry Tart chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with mint leaves or whipped cream for an extra touch!

How long does Strawberry Tart last?

When stored properly, a fresh Strawberry Tart lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I customize my Strawberry Tart?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even mix in chocolate ganache for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Final Thoughts

This beautiful Strawberry Tart is not only visually appealing but also versatile enough for various occasions. With just ten ingredients, you can impress friends and family alike. Feel free to customize it with different fruits or flavors. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!