Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

Introduction

This Strawberry Mascarpone Tart elegant yet simple dessert perfectly balances creamy, rich mascarpone with the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries. The buttery, crisp tart crust provides the ideal foundation for a luscious mascarpone filling, lightly sweetened and infused with vanilla for a smooth, velvety texture.

I still remember the first time I made this tart—it looked almost too beautiful to eat! The glossy glaze over the vibrant strawberries added the perfect finishing touch, making it a true showstopper. Despite its impressive appearance, it’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it a great choice for both special occasions and casual indulgence.

With its blend of textures and flavors, this tart is a delightful treat that’s as delicious as it is stunning. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress!

Perfect for:

• Spring and summer gatherings
• Dinner parties
• Afternoon tea
• Holiday desserts
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

Here’s why Strawberry Mascarpone Tart will become your go-to dessert:

• Buttery and Crisp Crust: The tart shell is perfectly crisp, providing a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.
• Luscious Mascarpone Filling: Lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese makes for a rich yet airy filling.
• Fresh and Juicy Strawberries: The natural sweetness of fresh strawberries shines in this dessert.
• Elegant but Easy to Make: Though it looks fancy, this tart is simple to prepare with just a few key ingredients.
• Customizable: You can switch up the toppings with different fruits or add a drizzle of chocolate for variation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Mascarpone Tart:

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Mascarpone Filling:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam or apricot jam
• 1 teaspoon water

Ingredient Highlights

• Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian cheese adds a creamy, velvety texture to the filling without being too heavy.
• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
• Tart Crust: A buttery, crisp crust that holds up perfectly to the filling and fruit topping.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the mascarpone filling a delicate sweetness without being overpowering.
• Jam Glaze: A light glaze made with jam adds shine and enhances the strawberry flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust:

1. Make the Dough: In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt to combine. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, ice water, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the flour mixture and pulse until the dough starts to come together.
3. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 10-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing it into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
5. Blind Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Mascarpone Filling:

6. Whip the Cream: In a bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
7. Mix the Mascarpone: In another bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
8. Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Tart:

9. Fill the Crust: Spread the mascarpone filling evenly into the cooled tart shell.
10. Arrange the Strawberries: Layer the sliced strawberries in a decorative pattern over the filling.
11. Glaze the Berries: In a small saucepan, heat the jam and water over low heat until melted. Brush the glaze over the strawberries for a glossy finish.

How to Serve Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is best served chilled and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

• Classic & Simple – Serve chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
• Whipped Cream & Mint – Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
• Drizzle of Honey or Balsamic Glaze – Enhance the tart’s flavors with a light drizzle of honey or a balsamic reduction for a gourmet twist.
• Chocolate Elegance – Add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the tart for a rich contrast.
• Almond Crunch – Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for added crunch and nuttiness.
• Berry Medley – Serve with a mix of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for extra color and flavor.
• With Ice Cream – Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean or strawberry ice cream for a creamy and indulgent dessert.
• Lemon Zest & Citrus Burst – Grate some lemon or orange zest over the tart before serving to enhance the fruity notes.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

• Chill Before Serving: Let the tart chill for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: The best flavor comes from sweet, in-season strawberries.
• Prevent a Soggy Crust: Brush the baked crust with melted white chocolate before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
• Make Ahead: The crust can be baked a day ahead, and the filling can be prepared in advance for easy assembly.
• Alternative Fruits: Try topping the tart with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days for the best texture and freshness.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

Here are 10 ways to customize your Strawberry Mascarpone Tart:

• Berry Mascarpone Tart: Use a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful tart.
• Lemon Mascarpone Tart: Add extra lemon zest and a drizzle of lemon curd for a citrusy variation.
• Chocolate Mascarpone Tart: Mix melted chocolate into the mascarpone filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Almond Mascarpone Tart: Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a nutty crunch.
• Caramelized Strawberry Tart: Lightly caramelize the strawberries in sugar before placing them on the tart.
• Honey Glazed Tart: Swap the jam glaze for a drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
• Mini Tartlets: Make individual tartlets using a muffin tin for single-serving portions.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
• Savory-Sweet Tart: Add a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an unexpected twist.
• Vegan Strawberry Tart: Use a dairy-free mascarpone alternative and a plant-based crust.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

• Freezing: This tart is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the baked crust for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

• Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easy to unmold.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the crust evenly.
• Electric Mixer: To whip the cream and mascarpone filling.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the jam glaze onto the strawberries.
• Wire Rack: To cool the tart crust evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Mascarpone Tart

1. Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
   • Yes! You can bake the crust a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
2. What type of strawberries work best for this tart?
   • Fresh, ripe strawberries with a firm texture and natural sweetness work best. Avoid overly soft or watery berries.
3. Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with something else?
   • Yes, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream or Greek yogurt for a similar texture and flavor.
4. Do I need to refrigerate the tart before serving?
   • Yes, chilling the tart for at least an hour helps the filling set and enhances the flavors.
5. How long does a strawberry mascarpone tart last?
   • It’s best eaten the same day, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. The crust may soften over time.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is a beautifully simple dessert that perfectly balances flavor and texture. A buttery crust, rich mascarpone filling, and sweet, juicy strawberries come together for a treat that’s both elegant and irresistible.

Light, fresh, and effortlessly delicious, this tart is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice for yourself, every bite is pure delight.

I’d love to see your Strawberry Mascarpone Tart! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking!