Delightful Ricotta Tart with Biscuit Base

Delight in this exquisite ricotta tart, a combination of buttery biscuit base and creamy ricotta cheese filling. The unique crust offers a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the ricotta filling is light and flavorful. This recipe is a perfect balance of textures - the base is crumbly yet soft, and the filling is silky smooth. Infused with the subtle sweetness of vanilla and topped with fresh berries, this tart is a feast for the senses. An excellent choice for any occasion, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. The preparation is straightforward, making it suitable even for beginner bakers. This tart can be easily adapted with your choice of berries or other toppings. With each bite, you'll appreciate the harmonious blend of flavors and simplicity of its preparation. Enjoy creating this delightful dessert with family or friends, and make every occasion more special.

Ingredients

Biscuit Base:

• 300 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g unsalted butter
• 100 g granulated sugar

Ricotta Filling:

• 400 g ricotta cheese (or substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese)
• 150 g sour cream (preferably Crème Fraîche)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Vanilla sugar
• Sugar, to taste
• Fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes (including both prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: Begin by mixing the sugar with softened butter until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

2. Add Flour: Gradually add in the flour, mixing well with your hands until a uniform dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water, sour cream, or an egg yolk to bind the mixture.

3. Chill the Dough: You'll end up with approximately 600 g of biscuit dough. Use half for this recipe and freeze the rest in a food-safe bag for future use.

4. Prepare the Ricotta Filling: For the filling, blend the ricotta cheese (or your substitute choice), sour cream, eggs, and sugar together until smooth. Incorporate the flour to slightly thicken the mixture.

5. Flavor the Filling: Add vanilla sugar and adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more sugar if necessary.

6. Assemble the Tart: Press approximately half of the biscuit dough into a 22 cm diameter tart tin to form an even base.

7. Pour the Ricotta Mixture: Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the biscuit base.

8. Add Berries: Scatter your chosen berries over the top of the filling for a pop of color and additional flavor.

9. Bake the Tart: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake the tart for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.

10. Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool slightly before serving. The filling's flavors really develop once it has cooled.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for varied textures.
• Binding Ingredients: If the dough is too crumbly, an additional egg yolk can improve consistency.
• Storage: The leftover dough can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 450 per slice
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 37g

Variations

• Fruit Options: Experiment with different fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or sliced peaches.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a hint of lemon or orange zest to the ricotta mixture for a citrusy punch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy with a fresh cup of coffee or black tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Best Places

1. Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris - Known for its exquisite pastries and tarts. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.

2. The Cheesecake Factory - Offers a variety of tarts and desserts. Location: 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, USA.

3. Quince - An upscale restaurant with a focus on modern Italian cuisine. Location: 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, USA.

4. Bourke Street Bakery - A haven for all lovers of baked goods. Location: 633 Bourke St, Sydney, Australia.

5. Ladurée - Famous for French sweets and tarts. Location: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.

6. Tartine Bakery - Renowned for its rich and varied tart offerings. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.

7. Dominique Ansel Bakery - Innovator in the pastry field, known for delicious desserts. Location: 189 Spring St, New York City, USA.

8. Els Quatre Gats - A historical spot with great dessert selections. Location: Carrer de Montsió 3, Barcelona, Spain.

9. Café Sacher - Top choice for classic Austrian pastries. Location: Philharmoniker Str., Vienna, Austria.

10. Bibelot - Offers artisanal tart creations. Location: 285-287 Coventry St, South Melbourne, Australia.