Strawberry tart with cream cheese

Strawberry cheesecake tart is a delicacy that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of cheese, offering not only a unique taste but also an attractive presentation that will delight any table. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or a get-together with friends. Let's embark together on a delicious journey into the world of tarts!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2-3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

*For the tart dough:*
- 1 and 1/3 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 8 tablespoons of softened butter (or margarine), taken out of the fridge in advance
- 3 tablespoons of cold water

*For the cream cheese filling:*
- 200 grams of cream cheese
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of liquid cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1/4 cup of crushed almonds

*For decoration:*
- 4 cups of strawberries, halved
- 1 packet of red cake glaze Dr.Oetker
- 250 ml of water (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

Preparing the dough:

1. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. It is important to mix these dry ingredients well to achieve a uniform dough without lumps.

2. Adding butter: Add the softened butter to the flour mixture and, using a mixer or your fingertips, knead until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. If using margarine, ensure it is of good quality for a pleasant taste.

3. Incorporating water: Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously until you obtain a smooth dough. Do not knead too much to avoid making the dough tough.

4. Resting the dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps firm up the butter, giving the tart a perfect texture.

5. Rolling out the dough: After resting, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Transfer this sheet to a 23 cm round tart pan, ensuring that you cover the edges well.

6. Preparing for baking: Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent puffing during baking. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius and bake the tart for about 15 minutes or until golden. Once baked, allow it to cool completely.

Preparing the cream cheese filling:

1. Mixing the cheese: In a bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend the mixture until it becomes creamy and lump-free.

2. Adding flavors: Incorporate the vanilla and almond extracts into the cream cheese, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.

3. Incorporating whipped cream: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and gradually add it to the cream cheese, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air. This step will give the cream a light and airy texture.

4. Finalizing the cream: Add the crushed almonds to the cream cheese, mixing gently to distribute them evenly. Then, pour the prepared cream over the cooled tart dough.

5. Cooling: Cover the tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the cream sets.

Preparing the glaze:

1. Making the glaze: In a small saucepan, mix the packet of glaze with 250 ml of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place over low heat, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

2. Boiling the glaze: Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool for a minute. It will have a slightly viscous consistency, perfect for pouring over the strawberries.

Decorating the tart:

1. Adding strawberries: Remove the tart from the fridge and decorate it with the halved strawberries, placing them evenly on the cream surface.

2. Applying the glaze: Using a spoon, pour the red glaze over the strawberries, starting from the center of the tart and allowing it to flow gently towards the edges. This detail will not only enhance the appearance of the tart but also add a touch of sweetness.

3. Final cooling: Leave the tart in the fridge for another 30 minutes so that the glaze sets.

My personal tip: This tart can be customized according to the season. Instead of strawberries, try using raspberries or blueberries for a delicious and colorful variation. Also, a wonderful idea is to add a splash of lemon juice to the cream for a fresher taste and a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of cheese?: You can try ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture. Make sure to adjust the sugar quantity as some cheeses can be sweeter than others.

2. How can I store the tart?: The tart keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. It is best enjoyed fresh to benefit from its optimal texture.

3. What drinks pair well with this tart?: A fresh lemonade or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the taste of the tarts. If you want something more sophisticated, a sweet white wine would go wonderfully.

Nutritional benefits: This strawberry cheesecake tart is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while cream cheese provides quality protein. Of course, moderate consumption is essential, considering the sugar content.

Let’s enjoy every slice of this strawberry cheesecake tart, savoring not only the taste but also the beautiful moments we create around the table! Enjoy your meal!