Strawberry tart with cream

Strawberry and cream tart is a dessert that brings a touch of sunshine to every plate. With a crispy crust and a creamy filling, this tart is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, with useful tips and information that will enrich your culinary experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Crust:
- 150 g butter (make sure it’s high quality for a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup flour (use a standard 250 ml cup)
- 1 tablespoon flour for dusting
- 1 cup sour cream (125 ml, preferably with a higher fat content for a richer texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the Filling:
- 500 g fresh strawberries, sliced (about 2-3 cups)
- 250 ml sour cream (1 cup)
- 200 g sugar (1 cup, adjust the amount to taste)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 3 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch, for a finer texture)
- 1 tablespoon semolina (to absorb excess moisture)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar (for extra flavor)

Optional for decoration:
- 8-10 fresh strawberries
- powdered sugar (for an elegant look)
- mint leaves (for a fresh contrast)

Brief History

The strawberry and cream tart has its roots in the pastry traditions of many cultures, being a refreshing and popular dessert in the warm season. The combination of fresh fruits and cream has been cherished over time, bringing joy to festive meals and beyond. It is the perfect dessert to celebrate sunny days, gather family, or impress guests.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Crust

Start by melting the butter. You can do this either in the microwave or over very low heat in a saucepan. Let it cool slightly.

In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the baking powder, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed.

Over the flour mixture, add the melted and cooled butter, then the sour cream. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until they start to come together. This is an important step, as a well-mixed dough will form a delicious and crispy crust.

Then, knead the dough by hand for 3-4 minutes on a lightly floured work surface or directly in the mixing bowl, adding a tablespoon of flour if necessary to achieve a soft dough that doesn't stick.

Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

2. Preparing the Filling

Wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and slice them not too thinly. It’s ideal to use fresh, seasonal strawberries to benefit from their intense flavors.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, sour cream, eggs, flour, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you achieve a smooth composition, using a whisk or mixer to ensure a fine texture. This filling will create a wonderful contrast with the crispy crust.

3. Assembling the Tarts

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out either by hand directly in the tart pan (ideally, use one with a removable bottom) or with a rolling pin on the work surface. Make sure the dough covers the edges of the pan.

Sprinkle a tablespoon of semolina over the rolled-out dough. This will help absorb excess moisture from the filling.

Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the entire surface of the crust. Pour the filling mixture over the strawberries, leveling it with a spatula for an even appearance. If desired, you can decorate with slices of strawberries on top.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the tart is lightly browned on top.

4. Cooling and Serving

Once the tart is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 1-2 hours. This step is essential as it allows the filling to set.

After it has cooled, remove the tart from the pan. If you used a removable-bottom pan, simply remove the edges. If not, you can use the double flip method: place a plate on top of the pan, flip it over, and then flip the tart onto the plate.

Let the tart rest on the plate for 2-3 hours to set perfectly. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and decorate with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for an elegant look.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality strawberries: Buy fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Check the consistency of the filling: If the filling seems too runny, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
- Storage: The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a different but equally delicious tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches can be used instead of strawberries.

2. How can I make the tart less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use tarter strawberries.

3. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a healthier version.

4. How can I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to sprinkle semolina on the dough before adding the filling, and baking should be done at the correct temperature.

Delicious Combinations

Enjoy this tart with a fruit tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a glass of prosecco or a semi-dry white wine could perfectly complement the sweetness of the strawberries.

The strawberry and cream tart is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience, a reason for joy, and a recipe that you and your loved ones will enjoy. Treat yourself and those around you to the pleasure of savoring this delight!