Fig and mascarpone tart

Fig and Mascarpone Tart – a refined delight

Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (20 minutes preparation + 50 minutes baking)
Number of servings: 8

In a world where desserts can quickly become monotonous, the fig and mascarpone tart proudly stands out, bringing a blend of flavors and textures that delight your senses. This cheerful and sophisticated recipe is perfect for both a festive meal and a simple indulgence. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together!

A brief history of the recipe

The fig tart has been appreciated across various cultures throughout time, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Figs, sweet and juicy fruits, have been cultivated since ancient times and have become a staple ingredient in many desserts. Mascarpone cream, on the other hand, adds a touch of Italian elegance, being a key ingredient in famous desserts like tiramisu. Combining these ingredients into a tart is a culinary journey that blends tradition with innovation.

Ingredients

- 1 sheet of puff pastry or sweet tart dough (approximately 250 g)
- 250 g of mascarpone
- 4 eggs
- 150 g of powdered sugar
- 50 g of coconut flakes or 50 g of almond flour
- 5-6 figs
- 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- 26 cm tart pan
- Knife for cutting figs
- Baking tray

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure that the figs are ripe but firm to maintain a pleasant texture. If you don’t have coconut flakes, you can use almond flour, which will add a subtle nutty flavor.

2. Preparing the cream: In a large bowl, add the eggs and powdered sugar. Use the electric mixer and beat the mixture for 4-5 minutes until you achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely to avoid graininess.

3. Adding the mascarpone: Add the mascarpone cheese to the bowl and continue mixing until everything becomes a smooth cream. This is where you can experiment; for example, you can replace part of the mascarpone with ricotta for a lighter texture.

4. Incorporating the flavors: Use a spatula to add the vanilla extract, grated orange zest, and coconut flakes (or almond flour). Gently mix, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

5. Preparing the figs: Trim the stems of the figs and then cut them in half. Each half should be sliced into 3-4 pieces, making them easy to arrange on the tart.

6. Preparing the tart pan: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a 26 cm tart pan, place the dough, ensuring it fits well along the edges. Trim any excess dough.

7. Assembling the tart: Pour the mascarpone cream over the dough and level it with a spatula. Then, arrange the fig slices on top for an attractive appearance.

8. Baking the tart: Place the tart in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50 minutes. Watch as the edges turn golden and the surface caramelizes slightly – this is the sign that it’s ready!

9. Cooling and serving: Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool. It can be served warm or cold, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Useful tips

- Variations of ingredients: You can replace figs with pears, peaches, or even caramelized apples to create a seasonal tart.
- Serving: The tart can be decorated with a few mint leaves for added freshness. A drizzle of caramel sauce or melted chocolate will transform the dessert into a true masterpiece.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it an indulgent choice, yet rich in nutrients thanks to the figs, which are high in fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I use instead of mascarpone?
- You can try cottage cheese or ricotta for a lighter alternative, although the taste will be different.

2. Is it possible to prepare the tart in advance?
- Absolutely! The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is recommended to be consumed cold or at room temperature.

3. Can I make the tart gluten-free?
- Use a gluten-free tart dough and check the ingredients of the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Conclusion

This fig and mascarpone tart is not only a delicious dessert but also a visual delight. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or prepare it for a quiet evening at home, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. The culinary journey it offers is a true feast of flavors, and you are at the helm of this experience. So, gather your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the magic of cooking!