Berry tart

Delicious Berry Tart: A Summer Indulgence

The berry tart is an elegant, versatile, and fresh dessert, perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines a crispy crust with a delicious vanilla cream and juicy berries, creating an explosion of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it at a party, a family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, this tart will surely become the star of your table.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes (in the fridge)
Number of servings: 8

The Story of Berry Tarts

Berry tarts are a dessert with deep roots in culinary tradition. Over time, people have experimented with various types of dough and fillings, and berries, with their sweet-tart flavor, have become a staple ingredient. It is a dessert that brings together nature and creativity, serving as an excellent way to utilize fresh fruits.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 100 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 250 g flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the cream:
- 400 ml cold milk
- 1 packet vanilla cream (about 40 g)
- 500 g berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the berries)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Crust

Start by preparing the tart crust. In a large bowl, combine the soft butter with the sugar and salt, mixing them with a spatula or mixer until you achieve a creamy consistency. This is an important step, as well-incorporated butter will provide a lighter crust.

Add the egg and mix well, then gradually incorporate the flour. Use a spatula or your hands to quickly form a dough. It is important not to overmix, just enough to combine the ingredients.

Once you have a homogeneous dough, shape it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for 15 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.

2. Baking the Crust

Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Once the dough has cooled, remove it from the freezer and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 5 mm thick. Place the dough in a tart pan, ensuring to cover the edges as well. Trim the excess dough and use it to create a decorative edge if desired.

Use a fork to prick the bottom of the dough, then cover it with baking paper and place beans or ceramic weights on top to prevent puffing. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Allow it to cool completely.

3. Preparing the Vanilla Cream

While the crust is baking, you can prepare the vanilla cream. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cream with the cold milk. Mix on medium speed for about 4 minutes until it becomes creamy and airy. This cream will add a rich and delicious layer to your tarts.

4. Preparing the Berries

In a small saucepan, add the berries along with the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Cook them over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the berries release their juices. It is important not to cook them too much so that the berries remain whole and juicy.

Once cooked, strain the berries through a sieve to remove excess juice. This step will prevent the tart from becoming too wet.

5. Assembling the Tarts

Once the crust has cooled completely, spread the vanilla cream evenly over the entire surface. Then, carefully arrange the berries on top of the cream, creating an attractive display.

6. Chilling the Tarts

Place the tart in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so that all the flavors meld and the cream firms up slightly. This is an important step to achieve the perfect texture.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the fruits: Use fresh berries when they are in season for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh berries, you can also use frozen ones, but make sure to let them thaw before using.
- Flavor variations: You can add lemon or orange zest to the vanilla cream for an extra flavor boost. You can also try adding a few drops of almond extract for a more refined taste.
- Serving: The berry tart is best served cold, and a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream alongside will perfectly complement the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like peaches, kiwi, or strawberries. Each variant will offer a unique taste to your tarts.

2. How do I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

3. Is it possible to make the tart dairy-free?
Yes, you can use plant-based butter and milk to create a vegan version of this tart.

Nutritional Information

One serving of berry tart (1/8 of the tart) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g

The berry tart is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Conclusion

The berry tart is a dessert that combines tradition with freshness, bringing a touch of joy to every bite. With each step of the recipe, you will feel increasingly inspired to experiment and create. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen. Enjoy!