Summer tart with cream cheese

Summer Cheesecake Tart: The Perfect Treat for Warm Days

Who doesn’t love a fruit tart on hot summer days? This easy-to-make summer cheesecake tart, bursting with flavors, is the ideal choice to celebrate special moments with loved ones. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of happiness and freshness in every slice, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overwhelmingly sweet.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

*For the Crust:*
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g cold butter, diced
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt

*For the Cream:*
- 400 g mascarpone cheese
- 200 ml heavy cream (ideally 36% fat)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- Juice of half a lemon

*For Topping:*
- Fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches)
- 20 g gelatin powder
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar

Making the Crust:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C (390°F). This step ensures that the tart bakes evenly and achieves a golden, crispy crust.

2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the cold diced butter and egg yolk. Using your fingertips or a food processor, incorporate the butter into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. It’s important to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.

3. Form the Dough: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, form it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to achieve a flakier crust.

4. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 0.3 cm thick. You can also use parchment paper to make transferring it to the tart pan easier. Place the dough in the tart pan, making sure to press it well against the edges.

5. Bake the Crust: Meanwhile, use a fork to poke holes in the dough to prevent bubbling. Cover it with parchment paper and add baking beans or corn to keep it down. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden. Let it cool in the pan.

Making the Cream:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add the lemon juice gradually, as it helps stabilize the cream, but too much can cause it to curdle.

2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn into butter. Once the cream is ready, gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula.

3. Fill the Tart: Pour the mascarpone cream over the cooled crust, leveling it out evenly. This will create a rich and creamy layer that contrasts perfectly with the fresh fruits.

Topping and Finishing:

1. Prepare the Fruits: Wash the fruits and slice them, or leave them whole if they are small. Choose your favorite combination to add a vibrant and appealing look to your tart.

2. Make the Jelly: Boil 200 ml of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar until fully dissolved. Add the hydrated gelatin and mix well until completely dissolved. Let the mixture cool slightly, then carefully pour it over the fruits arranged on the cream.

3. Chill: Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the jelly is fully set. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the tart easier to slice.

Serving and Recommendations:

The summer cheesecake tart is delicious served plain, but you can also drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cold lemonade or fruit tea, making it a perfect dessert for a refreshing afternoon or a garden party.

Practical Tips:

- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or flavored mascarpone, to add a personal touch.
- For a vegan version, you can use tofu or a vegan cheese substitute instead of mascarpone.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Why should I use cold butter? Cold butter helps achieve a flaky texture in the crust, as it melts during baking and creates air pockets.

- What fruits can I use? Each fruit brings a unique flavor. You can use strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, or peaches, depending on your preferences and the season.

- How can I keep the tart fresh? It’s best to store it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, and consume it within 2-3 days.

Nutritional Benefits:

This tart is an excellent source of vitamins thanks to the fresh fruits, while mascarpone cheese provides calcium and protein. Additionally, with a moderate sugar content, it’s a healthier choice compared to other overly sweet desserts.

Conclusion:

The summer cheesecake tart is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that brings joy and refreshment. Use this recipe as a guide and don’t hesitate to put your personal stamp on it. Whether it’s your favorite fruits or a splash of exotic flavor, this tart will surely become a family favorite!