Strawberry tart

The summer fruit season is here, and nothing compares to the fresh aroma of strawberries, cherries, and elderflowers! I propose a simple yet delicious recipe for a strawberry tart that will impress anyone. This recipe is perfect for those who want to bring a touch of sweetness and freshness to warm days without complicating things too much. The tart is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are simple and accessible. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 300 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 120 g starch
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 400 g fresh strawberries
- 2-3 teaspoons strawberry jam (optional)
- 1 packet of fruit tart gelatin (like Tortenklar)
- 3 tablespoons sugar for the gelatin

Step by step:

1. Preparing the sponge cake:
Start by preparing a large bowl and a mixer. Beat the eggs with the sugar for about 10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. If you have a food processor, the process will be much quicker!

2. Mixing the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the flour, starch, and baking powder. It is essential to sift them to avoid lumps and achieve a fine texture.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid deflating the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy and airy sponge cake.

4. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into a detachable cake pan (28 cm), making sure the pan is well-greased or lined with baking paper. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Once baked, let it cool completely.

5. Meanwhile, prepare the strawberries:
Clean the strawberries and slice them. Choose the most beautiful and ripe strawberries to use as decoration.

6. Assembling the tart:
Once the sponge has cooled, cut it in half. You now have two layers that you can use to create two separate desserts or keep one in the freezer for later. Place one layer on a serving platter and spread a thin layer of strawberry jam on top, mixed with a little water to make it easier to spread. Arrange the strawberry slices over the jam, overlapping them as desired for an attractive look.

7. Preparing the jelly:
Follow the instructions on the gelatin package to achieve perfect jelly. Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar with the gelatin and follow the indicated steps for preparation. This will add a delicious glossy layer and keep the strawberries in place.

8. Finishing:
Pour the jelly over the strawberries, ensuring you cover the entire tart evenly. Let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to set.

Serving:
The tart is served cold, ideal for a summer afternoon. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside for a flavor contrast. Another idea is to pair it with a fruit tea or a white wine to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional information:
This tart has a moderate calorie content due to the eggs and sugar, but the strawberries provide a significant supply of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It is an excellent choice for those who want a delicious yet healthy dessert.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries. You can also add a splash of vanilla essence or lemon zest to the egg mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of jam? Yes, any fruit jam is suitable, but strawberry jam pairs best with fresh strawberries.
- How can I store the tart? The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is recommended to consume it within 2-3 days to enjoy the freshness of the strawberries.
- Can I freeze the tart? It is a good idea to freeze a sponge layer for later use, but the jelly and fresh strawberries should not be frozen.

This strawberry tart is a dessert that will bring a touch of joy to your tables, and each slice will be an explosion of flavors and freshness. So, don't hesitate to try it and share the joy of this dessert with your loved ones! Enjoy!