Vanilla cream tart with berries

Vanilla Cream and Berry Tart

When it comes to desserts, a vanilla cream and berry tart is undoubtedly a crowd favorite. This sweet and tangy recipe not only delights the taste buds but also adds an elegant touch to any festive table or casual gathering with friends. Whether you use fresh berries or opt for frozen ones, the result will always be delicious. I will guide you through the steps to achieve a perfect tart, full of flavors and colors!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 130 g softened butter (at room temperature)
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- Zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 500 ml milk
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g flour
- 1 vial vanilla essence

For decoration:
- 2 packets red gelatin
- 300 ml water (or juice from the berries)
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 350-500 g frozen berries
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Ingredient details
- Flour: Choose a good quality flour to achieve a uniform and tasty crust.
- Butter: Make sure it is softened by leaving it at room temperature for a few hours.
- Berries: You can use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. If using frozen berries, let them thaw in a sieve to remove excess water.

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the crust
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, softened butter, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients by hand until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. It’s important not to over-knead the dough to prevent gluten development, which would make the tart less flaky.

Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

2. Baking the crust
After the dough has chilled, remove it and roll it out on a floured surface until you have a thin sheet. Then, transfer the dough to a greased and floured tart pan. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places. This will help prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 25 minutes, or until the tart is golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the vanilla cream
While the tart cools, you can prepare the cream. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until creamy. Add the flour and mix well, then gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Place the mixture over medium heat and stir continuously until the cream thickens. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cooled tart base.

4. Preparing the gelatin
To give the tart a glossy and appetizing look, prepare the gelatin. In a small saucepan, combine the gelatin powder with sugar and add the water or berry juice. Mix well, then heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it begins to boil; turn off the heat before it reaches a full boil.

Let the gelatin cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the vanilla cream. Now it's time to add the berries: you can either spread them evenly over the surface or place them in the center, dusting them with powdered sugar for added sweetness.

5. Decorating
If desired, you can decorate the tart with whipped cream. It is recommended to use whipped liquid cream, but if you're in a hurry, whipped cream from a can is a quick solution. Add a few edible flowers for a special touch and refrigerate the tart for a few hours to set properly.

Useful tips
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, to give your tart a tropical twist.
- Serving: The tart is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea.
- Calories: One serving has approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fresh fruit? Absolutely! Fresh fruit is ideal, but make sure it is well washed and cleaned.
- What can I do if I don't have gelatin? You can omit the gelatin, but the tart won't have the same glossy appearance. Another option is to use a topping of fresh fruit.
- How can I store the tart? The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days.

This vanilla cream and berry tart is an excellent choice for any occasion, and each bite will take you on a journey of divine flavors. Whether you make it for a special meal or enjoy it on a weekend afternoon, success is guaranteed! I invite you to try it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!