The strawberry tart is one of those pastries that captures the very essence of summer. With its delicately golden crust and glossy top, it evokes the freshness of seasonal fruits and the sweetness of sunny days. This dessert is a true classic, pleasing both the eyes and the taste buds.
As soon as you set your eyes on this tart, the first thing that draws your attention is the beauty of the strawberries, carefully arranged in a shape, often in concentric circles or spirals. The bright red color of the fruit contrasts harmoniously with the light, golden pastry, creating a presentation that is as elegant as it is appetizing.
The texture is an invitation to indulge. The pastry, slightly crisp on the outside, gently melts in your mouth, revealing a delightful, tender sensation. The sweetness of the fresh strawberries blends perfectly with the subtlety of the crust, which adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the natural slight acidity of the fruit.
Each bite is a festival of flavors and textures. The strawberry tart is both light and rich, sweet and tangy, while being extraordinarily refreshing. This dessert is ideal for hot summer days, but its popularity makes it a favored choice all year round.
Preparing this tart is an art that requires patience and precision. It’s not just about assembling ingredients, but about creating a culinary masterpiece where every step counts. The carefully baked crust serves as the perfect backdrop for the juicy strawberries, which are the stars of the dessert. A light glaze, often applied to the fruit, gives them a brilliant shine while making them even more appetizing.
This simple yet refined dessert is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s an afternoon snack with family, a picnic lunch, or even a dinner with friends. The strawberry tart, with its sweetness and brilliance, is the perfect way to celebrate fresh produce and pay homage to the natural flavors of the season.
In short, the strawberry tart embodies the art of pastry in its purest form: a delicious simplicity, a neat presentation, and an unforgettable taste. A true moment of happiness with every bite.
Method: Strawberry Tart
Preparation: 1 hour
Refrigeration: 30 minutes
Freezing: 10 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes
Storage: 24 hours in the refrigerator
Required Equipment:
- Stand mixer
- Rolling pin
- 22 cm Ø tart ring
- Piping bag + plain 15 mm Ø nozzle
- Whisk
- Sieve
- Blender
- Thermometer
- Pastry brush
Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 500 g fresh strawberries
For the shortcrust pastry:
- 60 g butter
- 100 g flour
- 15 g almond powder
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 1 g fleur de sel
- 20 g egg
- 3 g vanilla extract
For the almond-pistachio cream:
- 60 g butter
- 60 g sugar
- 60 g almond powder
- 25 g pistachio paste
- 50 g egg
For the pastry cream:
- 125 g semi-skimmed milk
- 25 g sugar
- 25 g egg yolks
- 12 g cornstarch
- 20 g butter
For the strawberry jelly:
- 60 g strawberry pulp
- 30 g water
- 30 g strawberry syrup
- 30 g glucose
- 4 g gelatin sheets
For the finish:
- 20 g crushed pistachios
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the shortcrust pastry
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the butter, flour, almond powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
- “Fraser” the dough (a technique where you use the palm of your hand to press and flatten the dough to add texture). Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, roll the dough into the 22 cm Ø tart ring see thecnique step by step; https://briochechic.com/mastering-crumbly-doughs-techniques-for-perfect-tarts-and-pastries/. Freeze for 10 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Prepare the almond-pistachio cream:
- Cream the butter until soft and smooth. Add sugar, almond powder, pistachio paste, and egg.
- Mix with a spatula until smooth and homogeneous.
- Pipe the almond-pistachio cream into the cooled tart shell.
- Bake at 170°C (350°F, gas mark 5/6) for 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the pastry cream:
- Prepare the pastry cream according to your favorite recipe
- Ingredients:
- 125 g whole milk
- 25 g sugar
- 25 g egg yolks
- 12 g cornstarch (cornflour)
- 20 g butter
- 1 g vanilla extract (optional, or 1 vanilla bean)
- Prepare the strawberry jelly:
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberry pulp, water, strawberry syrup, and glucose. Heat until it reaches around 50°C.
- Add the pre-hydrated gelatin and mix until fully dissolved
- Assemble the tart:
- Pipe the pastry cream evenly over the surface of the tart.
- Arrange halved strawberries in rows on top of the cream, placing a whole strawberry in the center for a refined presentation.
- Brush the strawberries with the strawberry jelly to give them a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios to add a crunchy, flavorful touch.
Tips:
- You can customize this tart by adjusting the type of shortcrust pastry or adding other seasonal fruits to vary the flavors.
- Make sure the pastry cream and almond-pistachio cream are well chilled before using them to prevent the crust from becoming too soft.
- For a more impressive visual effect, you can dust the tart with a light veil of powdered sugar just before serving.
This strawberry tart combines the freshness of the fruit, the sweetness of the pastry cream, and the richness of the almond-pistachio cream, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. A true invitation to savor summer in every bite!
Conclusion: Strawberry Tart
The Strawberry Tart is the epitome of seasonal indulgence, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make every bite a true pleasure. From the buttery, crisp shortcrust pastry to the creamy almond-pistachio filling, all topped with the fresh, vibrant strawberries, this tart is a celebration of summer’s finest ingredients. The glossy strawberry jelly adds a beautiful sheen to the fruit, while the crushed pistachios bring a delightful crunch, elevating the overall experience.
This dessert is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. The thoughtful preparation and attention to detail in each step—whether it’s preparing the delicate pastry, creating the creamy filling, or arranging the fruit in a visually appealing way—ensure that this tart stands out as a stunning centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a sweet moment with loved ones, this Strawberry Tart is sure to impress and satisfy.
As much as this tart is simple in concept, its intricate layers of flavor and texture are a testament to the artistry of pastry. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of a well-crafted dessert, where each element complements the other seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart in advance. The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For the best presentation and texture, it’s recommended to assemble it the day you plan to serve it, but the individual components (such as the pastry, cream, and jelly) can be made ahead of time and stored separately. - Can I substitute the pistachio paste in the almond-pistachio cream?
Yes, if you’re not fond of pistachios, you can substitute the pistachio paste with another nut paste, such as hazelnut or almond paste. Keep in mind that the flavor will change, but it will still complement the strawberries nicely. - How do I prevent the tart shell from becoming soggy?
To prevent the tart shell from becoming soggy, make sure that the shortcrust pastry is fully chilled before baking, and bake it until golden and crisp. Also, allow the almond-pistachio cream and pastry cream to cool before filling the tart shell to prevent any excess moisture from making the crust soft. - Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for this recipe, as they have the best flavor and texture for presentation. However, if you must use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before using them in the tart. - What other fruits can I use in place of strawberries?
You can easily switch out the strawberries for other fresh, seasonal fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches. Just ensure that the fruits you choose are ripe and have a similar texture to strawberries for the best result.