Strawberry tart

Decadent Strawberry and White Chocolate Tart: An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Servings: 10

Who doesn’t love a delicious tart with enticing flavors and a velvety texture? This strawberry and white chocolate tart is undoubtedly a dessert that will impress any guest. It’s the perfect combination of sweet fresh strawberries and the delicacy of white chocolate, all resting on a layer of soaked ladyfingers. It’s ideal for any occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, a party, or simply a quiet evening at home. Let’s embark on this culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 1 package of ladyfingers (about 400 g)
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 200 ml water
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 vial of rum (optional, for extra flavor)

For the cream:
- 5 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 500 g mascarpone
- 150 g white chocolate
- 2 packets of gelatin
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 300 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- 250 ml heavy cream
- a few fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- 1 packet of red jelly

Step by step: How to make the strawberry tart

1. Preparing the syrup

Let’s start by making the syrup that will give the ladyfingers a special flavor.

1. In a small saucepan, combine 200 ml of water with 5 tablespoons of sugar and 50 g of cocoa. Place the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Once the syrup starts to boil, add 50 g of butter and let it melt. After it has boiled for a few minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vial of rum, if you choose to use it. Allow the syrup to cool completely.

2. Preparing the cream

Now let’s focus on the delicious cream!

1. In a small bowl, soak the gelatin in a few tablespoons of cold water. Follow the instructions on the package to ensure it activates correctly.
2. Break the white chocolate into small pieces and place it in another bowl. Add 200 ml of heavy cream and set the bowl over a double boiler. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Make sure not to boil the chocolate; just let it melt slowly.
3. Once the chocolate has melted, add the soaked gelatin and mix well until smooth. Allow the cream to cool.

3. Mascarpone cream

1. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 5 tablespoons of sugar until they become a pale cream and double in volume.
2. Gradually add the mascarpone, mixing gently to avoid lumps.
3. Separately, whip the 500 ml of heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Carefully fold the white chocolate cream and gelatin into the whipped cream, mixing gently to avoid deflating the foam.
5. Finally, add the mashed strawberries along with the vanilla sugar and mix well.

4. Assembling the tart

1. Prepare a detachable cake pan by lining it with greased parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Dip the ladyfingers in the chocolate syrup, ensuring they are moist but not overly soggy.
3. Arrange the ladyfingers along the sides of the pan to create an even crust.
4. Pour the strawberry chocolate cream into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

5. Chilling and decorating

1. Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until the cream is well set.
2. Once set, carefully remove the ring from the pan and peel away the parchment paper.
3. Whip the 250 ml of cream for decoration until stiff peaks form and decorate the tart with it, adding a few fresh strawberries on top.
4. For a more sophisticated look, you can add prepared red jelly according to the package instructions, pouring it carefully over the strawberries.

Useful tips

- Use fresh strawberries for a more intense flavor, but you can also opt for frozen strawberries, especially out of season.
- If you want to personalize the tart, you can replace strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- Make sure the cream is well chilled before whipping, as it will whip up more easily.
- The tart can be made a day in advance, and the flavor will become even more intense as it chills in the fridge.

Pairings and variations

This tart pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sorbet. Additionally, a cup of green tea or fresh lemonade will complement this refined dessert beautifully.

Nutritional benefits

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, offering benefits for the immune system and skin health. Mascarpone provides a source of calcium and protein, while white chocolate, although higher in calories, adds an unmistakable flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use ricotta or cream cheese, but the texture and flavor will be different.

2. How can I make the tart less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup, or you can use white chocolate with less sugar.

3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
It is not recommended, as the texture of the cream may change. It’s better to enjoy it fresh.

I invite you to enjoy this delicious tart and share your experience with loved ones! Bon appétit!