Vanilla and blackberry tart

Vanilla and Blackberry Tart - a refined and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

The vanilla and blackberry tart is a dessert that harmoniously combines the delicate flavors of vanilla with the freshness of berries. This simple and quick recipe is sure to become one of your favorites, whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. Before we start cooking, let’s discover some details about the ingredients used and prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg
- Milk (as needed, for homogenization)
- A pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:
To complement the tart, we recommend using a fine vanilla cream. You can find a simple recipe for vanilla cream that fits perfectly for this tart.

For decoration:
- Fresh blackberries (or other berries like raspberries or strawberries)

A bit of history

The tart is a dessert with deep roots in culinary traditions, being associated with festive occasions and family meals. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is known for its versatility, being able to be filled with a variety of creams, fruits, or chocolate. The combination of vanilla with berries adds a touch of elegance and refinement, turning this dessert into a true culinary masterpiece.

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the sugar well with the soft butter, using a spatula or mixer. This step is essential for obtaining a well-aerated dough, which will give a perfect texture to your tart.

2. Adding the egg:
Once the butter and sugar are homogenized, add the beaten egg. Continue mixing until the composition becomes uniform. The egg will help bind the ingredients and bring moisture to the dough.

3. Incorporating the flour:
Sift the flour and salt over the butter and sugar mixture. Gently mix until all the flour is incorporated. It is important not to overmix to prevent gluten development, which could make the dough too elastic.

4. Adding the milk:
If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you achieve a suitable consistency that allows for easy rolling out of the dough.

5. Chilling the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to firm up the butter, resulting in a flakier texture.

Assembling the tart

1. Rolling out the dough:
Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out with a rolling pin into a thin sheet. Make sure the sheet is large enough to cover the bottom and edges of the tart pan.

2. Preparing the pan:
Place parchment paper in the tart pan and carefully transfer the dough into the pan. Trim the excess dough from the edges. It is important that the dough is evenly distributed to bake evenly.

3. Baking the tart:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the tart filling into the pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it turns golden and browned at the edges.

4. Cooling:
After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool completely before adding the vanilla cream.

Preparing the vanilla cream

To achieve a perfect vanilla cream, make sure to use natural vanilla, either in pod form or extract. This will add an intense and deep flavor.

Decoration

Once the cream has cooled, spread it evenly over the tart base. Then, decorate with fresh blackberries or other berries. These not only add an attractive look but also a note of acidity that will balance the sweetness of the vanilla cream.

Serving

The vanilla and blackberry tart can be served plain, but you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, a cup of green tea or an espresso will perfectly complement this refined dessert.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches, depending on the season. Each variation will bring a new note of freshness.
- Storing the tart: The vanilla and blackberry tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of tart contains approximately 250 calories, providing carbohydrates from flour and sugar, healthy fats from butter, and protein from egg. Blackberries add vitamins and antioxidants, beneficial for your health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option.

2. How can I make the vanilla cream less sweet?
You can adjust the amount of sugar in the vanilla cream recipe according to your preferences.

3. What other fruits can I use?
Besides blackberries, you can use raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, or even pineapple to add an exotic touch.

In conclusion, the vanilla and blackberry tart is an easy-to-make dessert full of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Listen to your creativity and don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to find the combination you like best. Cooking is an art and a passion, so enjoy every step of this process!