Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Tart

This **Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Tart** is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of mascarpone cheese with the fresh flavor of strawberries. The tart features a flaky puff pastry crust, making it both aesthetically pleasing and deliciously crisp. The sweet cream filling is enhanced with a hint of amaretto, rum, or brandy, giving it a subtle depth of flavor. Meanwhile, the vibrant strawberries on top not only add a pop of color but a fresh tang that perfectly balances the creamy sweetness underneath. Preparing this tart may take some time, as you'll need to allow it to chill, but the end result is worth every minute. Whether you're an experienced home baker or a beginner, this recipe is detailed enough to guide you through each step with ease. It's perfect for special occasions or simply for treating yourself to a slice of something sweet. Serve it chilled for the freshest taste and watch as your guests are wowed by both its taste and presentation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g puff pastry
• 250 g strawberries
• 150 g heavy cream
• 200 g mascarpone cheese

Spices and Sauces:

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp amaretto (or rum, brandy)

Preparation Time

180 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Pastry Base: Roll out the puff pastry into a circular shape, ensuring it's thin enough to cover your tart form with some overhang.
2. Line the Tart Pan: Place the rolled dough in a lightly greased tart pan, leaving a border of about 2 cm above the edges then trim the excess pastry that hangs over.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust: To prevent the crust from shrinking, cover it with a sheet of baking paper and fill with dried beans or baking weights.
4. Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Bake the pastry for about 15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
5. Remove the Weights: Once baked, take out the baking paper and weights, use a fork to prick the pastry base, and continue baking until fully cooked through.
6. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and your choice of liqueur until smooth.
7. Incorporate Gelatin: If using gelatin, bloom and dissolve it in warm water, then stir into the mascarpone mixture.
8. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold it into the mascarpone mix.
9. Compose the Tart: Pour this creamy filling into the baked pastry shell, spreading evenly.
10. Arranging the Strawberries: Slice larger strawberries and arrange them over the top of the cream filling.
11. Chill the Tart: Allow the tart to set in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to firm up.
12. Serve Chilled: Once set, slice and serve.

Tips

• Substitute Liqueur: If preferred, vanilla extract can replace the liqueur for a non-alcoholic option.
• Keep the Pastry Crunchy: Ensure the pastry is sealed with baking paper to maintain shape.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for variety.

Nutrition

• Calories: 370 per serving
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 26g
• Carbs: 28g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free puff pastry.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace mascarpone with cashew cream and heavy cream with coconut cream, ensure puff pastry is vegan.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with mint leaves for added color.
• Pair with a chilled dessert wine or champagne for a festive touch.

Best Places

• Pâtisserie Pierre Hermé - Renowned for its exquisite pastries. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Ladurée - Famous for its luxurious desserts and delightful environment. Location: 16-18 Rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Café Sacher - Home to original Sacher-Torte but also offers a variety of tarts. Location: Philharmonikerstraße 4, Vienna, Austria.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers a rich Italian pastry experience. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/A, Milan, Italy.
• Konditorei Demel - Classic Viennese desserts are prepared with care. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Maison Bertaux - Offers a unique touch on classic pastries. Location: 28 Greek St, Soho, London, UK.
• Bageri Petrus - Known for its Scandinavian pastry innovations. Location: Swedenborgsgatan 4B, Stockholm, Sweden.
• Conditorei Schober - A picturesque spot for artisanal sweets. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
• The Cheese Cake Factory - While American, offers a variety of global dessert flavors. Location: Various locations, USA.
• Patisserie Valerie - A British delight with European influences. Location: Various locations in the UK.