Vanilla cream and strawberry tart

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Tart - a delicacy that will delight any dessert lover! This recipe is perfect for special occasions, but it can also become a favorite dessert for any day. I treated my guests last year, on the feast of Saints Constantine and Elena, with this superb tart, and their reactions reinforced my belief that it is worth repeating this year! Let's discover together how to prepare this wonder step by step.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 2-4 hours (or overnight)
Total: 3-4 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 125 g sugar
- 150 g butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 eggs
- Zest of half a lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the vanilla cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 5 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50 g butter
- 1 vanilla pod

For decoration:
- 500 g strawberries (fresh, washed, and sliced)

A bit of history

The vanilla cream and strawberry tart is a classic combination in the world of desserts, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. The vanilla cream, known for its intense flavor and velvety texture, pairs perfectly with the sweetness of strawberries, creating an ideal balance of tastes. This recipe is not only a symbol of summer but also a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal ingredients.

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the crust
The first step is to take care of the delicious crust. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. This zest adds a note of freshness and flavor. Then, add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a food processor, start mixing the ingredients. It is essential to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting; a crumbly crust is what we want, not an elastic one.

2. Forming the dough
Once the butter is fully incorporated, add the two eggs and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make the rolling process much easier.

3. Baking the crust
After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface, then place it in a buttered tart pan. Make sure the crust fits perfectly in the pan by gently pressing the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough, preventing it from puffing up during baking. Place a piece of parchment paper on top and fill with rice or beans to maintain shape. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, until golden.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream
Meanwhile, let's take care of the delicious cream. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored mixture. Then, add the cornstarch and mix well. In a saucepan, heat the milk with the split vanilla pod. When the milk is hot but not boiling, gradually add it to the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously to prevent coagulation.

5. Cooking the cream
Put the mixture back on low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. When the cream reaches a consistency similar to pudding, turn off the heat and add the butter, stirring until completely melted. Let the cream cool, then pour it into the baked crust, leveling it evenly.

6. Decorating with strawberries
After the cream has cooled, arrange the sliced strawberries on top. They not only add an attractive appearance but also a note of freshness. If desired, you can drizzle with a little honey or gelatin for a glossy finish, but I prefer to leave them simple to savor the natural taste of the strawberries.

7. Cooling the tart
Cover the tart with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This waiting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Practical tips

- For a perfect crust: Make sure all ingredients are at the correct temperature. The butter should be cold, and the eggs at room temperature.
- Variations: You can test this recipe with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches, raspberries, or blueberries, to change the flavor of the tart.
- Serving: The tart can be served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of flavor.
- Nutrition: This tart contains healthy ingredients, with strawberries being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while the vanilla cream provides a dose of calcium from milk.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use salted butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter to better control the final taste of the tart.
- What if the crust cracks? Don't worry! It can be easily repaired with a small amount of cream or with the strawberry slices, which will mask imperfections.
- How can I store the tart? It can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to start cooking! The vanilla cream and strawberry tart is not just a special dessert, but it will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!