Strawberry tart

Strawberry Cream Tart: A Delight for Guests

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

On a sunny spring day, I decided to prepare a delicious tart to welcome dear guests. This recipe for strawberry cream tart not only looks spectacular but is also a true feast for the taste buds. The delicate cream and fresh strawberries blend perfectly, offering an explosion of flavors. Let's see how we can recreate this wonder in our own kitchen!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 110 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla
- Zest of one lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- 2 tablespoons of milk or liqueur
- 250 g flour 00 (sifted)
- 1 heaping teaspoon of baking powder
- 80 ml sunflower oil

*For the Chantilly cream:*
- 200 ml milk
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 60 g cornstarch
- 75 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest from one lemon (well washed)
- 150 g whipped cream with powdered sugar and stabilizer
- Half a bottle of lemon flavoring
- 250 g strawberries (washed and sliced)
- 1 packet of powdered gelatin

Preparing the Dough

1. Start by mixing all the ingredients for the dough in a large bowl, in the specified order. Add the sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon zest, milk (or liqueur), and oil. Mix well until you get a smooth composition.
2. Add the flour and baking powder, continuing to mix. Finally, knead the dough for about a minute until you form a ball.
3. Cover the dough ball with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, which will lead to a flakier dough.

Baking the Dough

4. After the dough has rested in the refrigerator, remove it and roll it out between two sheets of plastic to prevent sticking. Then, arrange it in the tart pan, which you will pre-grease with oil and flour to prevent sticking.
5. Use a fork to make small holes in the dough so that it does not puff up during baking. Brush the edges with a little water to help with even cooking.
6. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 30 minutes, or until the dough becomes golden and crispy.

Preparing the Chantilly Cream

7. In a saucepan, add the milk, liquid cream, lemon zest, and let it infuse for 10 minutes. This step will enhance the lemon flavor in the cream.
8. In a bowl, mix the sugar with the egg yolks and sifted cornstarch. This combination will create a crumbly base that will be enriched with the warm milk.
9. Slowly add the warm milk while constantly stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Put the mixture back in the saucepan and, over low heat, stir well with a spatula or wooden spoon until the cream thickens.
10. Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming and let it cool.

Finishing the Tart

11. Whip the cream with the powdered sugar and stabilizer until it becomes firm. Add the lemon flavoring and mix gently.
12. Once the cream has completely cooled, combine it with the whipped cream, gently folding from the bottom up to achieve an airy and creamy texture.
13. Pour the pastry cream into the baked crust and smooth the surface. Arrange the strawberry slices beautifully on top.
14. Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and pour it evenly over the strawberries to keep them fresh and appealing.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry tart is best served chilled and can be accompanied by a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. It is a dessert that fits perfectly for special occasions or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.

Practical Tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for a uniform texture.
- You can substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the flavor.
- If you want to make the tart even more special, you can add a chocolate glaze on top or toasted almond flakes for extra crunch.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this tart contains about 230 calories, offering a delicious combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins from eggs and cream. It is a dessert that, despite its sweetness, can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.

3. What else can I add to the cream?
You can add vanilla or almond essences, or even a little cocoa for a chocolatey version.

Once you have followed these steps, you will have a strawberry tart that will surely impress anyone. The fresh taste and fine texture of the cream will make you return to this recipe time and time again. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let's enjoy cooking!