Mascarpone and Peach Tart

Mascarpone and Peach Tart - A Deliciously Easy Dessert

This mascarpone and peach tart is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, ideal for any occasion! With a flaky crust and a delicious mascarpone cream, plus the sweetness of peaches, it's a dessert that will impress everyone. Follow the steps below to create this culinary delight.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 125 g butter (from the fridge)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cold milk (or water)
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Canned peaches (or other fruits of your choice)

Necessary utensils
- Food processor (or powerful mixer)
- Tart pan
- Plastic wrap
- Fork
- Knife

A Brief History
The tart is a classic dessert with deep roots in culinary tradition. Over the centuries, the tart has evolved from a simple dough filled with various refined forms, becoming a symbol of elegance in gastronomy. This recipe combines modern influences with traditional flavors, turning each slice into a unique experience.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the tart dough
1. Start by adding the cold butter, powdered sugar, and salt to the food processor. Mix until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. It is important that the butter is cold to obtain a flaky texture.
2. Add the flour and egg yolks, mixing again until the mixture resembles crumbs. Do not overmix, otherwise the dough will become too elastic and lose the desired consistency.
3. Add the two tablespoons of cold milk and continue mixing until a dough forms. It is crucial to stop as soon as the dough comes together to avoid toughening it.

Step 2: Chilling the dough
1. Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap.
2. Place it in the fridge for an hour. This will allow the butter to harden, which will help achieve a flaky crust.

Step 3: Forming the tart crust
1. After an hour, take the dough out of the fridge and cut it into slices about 5 mm thick.
2. Lay the slices of dough on the bottom and sides of the tart pan, gently pressing with your fingers to avoid leaving gaps. Ensure the crust is even.

Step 4: Freezing the crust
1. Place the tart in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the dough from deforming during baking.

Step 5: Baking the crust
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Take the tart out of the freezer and prick the bottom with a fork several times. This will allow steam to escape and prevent bubbling.
3. Bake the crust for about 15-20 minutes, or until it turns golden. Be careful not to let it brown too much.

Step 6: Preparing the mascarpone cream
1. In a bowl, combine mascarpone with powdered sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to blend until you achieve a smooth cream. This cream will add a touch of elegance and a rich taste to your tart.

Step 7: Assembling the tart
1. Once the crust has completely cooled, fill it with the mascarpone cream.
2. Arrange the slices of canned peaches (or other fruits) on top. The peaches add a sweet-tart flavor and a juicy texture, but you can experiment with other seasonal fruits.

Serving Suggestions
Serve the mascarpone and peach tart chilled, as an elegant dessert at the end of a meal. You can pair it with a glass of sweet wine or a fruit tea infusion to enhance the flavors. Additionally, you can add some fresh mint leaves for a more sophisticated look.

Helpful Tips
- Variations: You can replace the peaches with other fruits, such as raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries, depending on your preferences. You can also add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the mascarpone cream for extra flavor.
- Care: Make sure not to overmix the dough; otherwise, the tart will become denser and less pleasant. Ideally, aim for a light and airy dough.

Nutritional Information
This mascarpone and peach tart offers a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to its ingredients. Mascarpone is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins, while peaches provide antioxidants and fiber. A serving of tart has about 350 calories, but the value may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can replace mascarpone with fine cottage cheese or ricotta, but the texture will be different.
- Is it possible to make the dough a day in advance? Absolutely! The dough can be prepared a day in advance and chilled in the fridge. Make sure it is well wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge.
- How can I make the tart less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or opt for less sweet fruits.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started! This mascarpone and peach tart will surely become a favorite in your home, bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!