Strawberry Tart

This stunning Strawberry Tart is the perfect dessert to impress your guests or treat yourself. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s suitable for any occasion, from birthdays to summer picnics. The creamy filling paired with fresh strawberries creates a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. Best of all, you can easily make this show-stopping tart with just 10 ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this Strawberry Tart is simple enough for beginners.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of cream cheese and fresh strawberries offers a refreshing taste that embodies summer.
• Versatile: This tart can be customized with different fruits or jams, making it perfect for any season.
• Impressive Presentation: It looks like something from a bakery, sure to wow your friends and family.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings, it’s great for gatherings or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Strawberry Tart even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Rolling pin
• Tart pan (10-inch with removable bottom)
• Parchment paper
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Helps quickly mix the dough, saving time and effort.
• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness in your tart crust for consistent baking.
• Tart pan: The removable bottom makes it easy to serve and display your beautiful tart.

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 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 very crumbly, about 30 seconds.
3. Drizzle in the ice water, pulsing a few times until the mixture holds together when pressed between your fingers.
4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 2 days.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 3: Roll Out Dough

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

Step 4: Bake the Crust

1. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with dried beans or pie weights.
2. Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are dry and golden brown.
3. Remove pie weights and continue baking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until dry and slightly pulling away from sides.
4. Let cool completely before removing from pan.

Enjoy creating your delicious Strawberry Tart, perfect for sharing or savoring alone!

How to Serve Strawberry Tart

Serving a Strawberry Tart is an art that enhances its appeal and taste. Here are some delightful ways to present this stunning dessert.

Classic Presentation

• Serve slices of the tart on individual dessert plates for a traditional look.
• Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Seasonal Fruit Accompaniment

• Pair with fresh strawberries or mixed berries for a colorful display.
• Drizzle with a light berry sauce to elevate the flavor profile.

Ice Cream Delight

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each slice for a creamy contrast.
• Consider using strawberry or lemon sorbet for a refreshing twist.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the tart for an elegant touch.
• Use a piping bag to create beautiful designs on the plate.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a warm complement.
• Consider herbal teas like chamomile for a calming effect.

How to Perfect Strawberry Tart

Creating the perfect Strawberry Tart involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

• Chill your dough: Ensure that your tart dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This prevents shrinkage during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing cream cheese and other ingredients to room temperature helps them blend smoothly, giving your filling the right texture.
• Don’t overfill: When adding strawberries, aim for an even layer without overcrowding. This maintains structural integrity and appearance.
• Allow cooling time: Let the tart cool completely after baking. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.
• Choose ripe strawberries: Select fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and sweetness. Their vibrant color will also enhance your tart’s visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Tart

To complement your Strawberry Tart, consider serving it with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Minted Yogurt: A refreshing yogurt mixed with mint adds a cool contrast to the sweet tart.
2. Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens provide a crisp texture that balances the dessert’s richness.
3. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits can be both colorful and palate-cleansing after enjoying the tart.
4. Cheese Plate: Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for a savory counterpoint.
5. Chocolate Mousse: This indulgent treat pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors of the tart, creating an elegant duo.
6. Lemon Sorbet: A citrusy sorbet not only refreshes but also enhances the strawberry flavor in your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Tart can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Ignoring Dough Temperature: If the dough is too warm when rolling out, it can become sticky and hard to work with. Always keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter, to achieve a flaky crust.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in a tough crust. Pulse the ingredients just until combined, and stop as soon as the dough holds together.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling the dough is crucial for texture. Don’t rush this step; refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to ensure it holds its shape during baking.
• Not Pre-baking the Crust: Failing to pre-bake can lead to a soggy base. Always bake your crust with weights before adding filling to ensure it cooks through properly.
• Using Overripe Strawberries: Overripe strawberries can be mushy and less flavorful. Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best taste and presentation in your tart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Strawberry Tart in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices to avoid sticking.

Freezing Strawberry Tart

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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: Use medium power and heat slices for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious not to overheat as this may make the crust soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture without making it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make a Strawberry Tart?

The total time for making a Strawberry Tart is approximately 3 hours, including prep and cooling time.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my Strawberry Tart?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh ones are preferred for their flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before topping your tart.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Tart?

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

How can I customize my Strawberry Tart?

You can customize your tart by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or by infusing flavors into your cream cheese mixture with extracts like almond or orange.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Strawberry Tart is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or indulge yourself on a quiet evening, this recipe delivers. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or flavors and enjoy creating your own unique version!