Decadent Strawberry Cream Tart with Crisp Pastry Crust

Strawberry Devonshire Tart: A Quintessential Dessert Delight

Introduction

The Strawberry Devonshire Tart is a luscious dessert, delighting with its vibrant strawberries set atop a smooth, creamy filling within a perfectly flaky pastry crust. This dessert, a harmonious blend of rich creaminess and the refreshing tang of strawberries, epitomizes the quintessence of a summer fruit tart. Crafted meticulously with layers of delicate flavors, this tart not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also stands as an elegant centerpiece for any gathering. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore each aspect of creating this delectable tart, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last.

Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Contemporary
• Servings: 1 Tart
• Keywords: Strawberry, Cheese, Berries, Fruit, Low Protein, Weeknight, Refrigerator, Easy, < 4 Hours

Nutritional Information (Per Tart)

• Calories: 3533.4
• Fat Content: 174.8g
• Saturated Fat Content: 81.6g
• Cholesterol Content: 461.6mg
• Sodium Content: 1906.4mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 467.1g
• Fiber Content: 18.8g
• Sugar Content: 246.7g
• Protein Content: 37.5g

Ingredients

Pastry

1. All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120g)
2. Sugar: 3 tablespoons
3. Butter: 6 tablespoons, cold and cubed
4. Egg yolk: 1
5. Ice water: 1 tablespoon

Filling

1. Cream cheese: 8 oz (1 package), softened
2. Sour cream: 1 cup
3. Strawberries: 1 quart, fresh
4. Sugar: 1 – 1 1/2 cups (adjust according to sweetness preference)
5. Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
6. Water: 1/2 cup
7. Optional: Red food coloring

Instructions

Pastry Preparation

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir to distribute evenly.
2. Incorporate butter: Add 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add egg yolk and water: Stir in 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Continue mixing with your fingertips until the dough begins to hold together. Be cautious not to overwork the dough.
4. Form and chill dough: Pat the dough into a flat round disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until it is firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes.
5. Roll and fit dough: Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of wax paper until it is large enough to fit a 9-inch loose-bottomed tart pan. Remove the top layer of wax paper and carefully invert the dough over the tart pan, centering it. Allow the pastry to slip down into the pan and gently remove the wax paper.
6. Press and chill crust: Using your fingertips, press the dough evenly into the pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough along the rim. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
7. Bake crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.

Filling Preparation

1. Prepare the cream mixture: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add 1 cup of sour cream and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Spread cream mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pastry shell. Refrigerate while you prepare the strawberry topping.
3. Prepare strawberries: Wash and hull 1 quart of fresh strawberries. Set aside the best-looking strawberries for decorating the top. Mash enough of the remaining strawberries to make 1 cup of mashed berries.
4. Cook strawberry mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 1 – 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir in 1/2 cup of water and the mashed strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. This should take about 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute to ensure it thickens properly.
5. Cool and color: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir to cool slightly. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the color.
6. Assemble tart: Arrange the reserved whole strawberries, tips facing up, on top of the cream cheese layer in the tart shell. Pour the cooked strawberry mixture over the top, ensuring it covers the berries evenly.
7. Chill tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to set before serving.

Tips for Success

1. Dough Handling: Ensure the butter is very cold when making the pastry dough. This helps achieve a flakier crust. Work quickly to avoid melting the butter.
2. Rolling Dough: Rolling between wax paper prevents sticking and ensures an even thickness. Chilling the dough before rolling and baking is crucial for a firm, non-shrinking crust.
3. Cream Filling: Beat the cream cheese until it’s very fluffy before adding the sour cream. This creates a light and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the strawberries.
4. Strawberry Mixture: When cooking the strawberry mixture, ensure it becomes clear and thick before boiling. This step ensures the filling sets properly when chilled.
5. Chilling: Allow ample chilling time at each stage. This helps the tart hold its shape and makes slicing easier.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Fruit Variations: Substitute strawberries with other fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or a mix for a delightful berry medley.
2. Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra flavor dimension.
3. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the pastry crust to make the tart gluten-free.
4. Low-Sugar: Reduce the sugar content in the strawberry topping if you prefer a less sweet tart or are monitoring sugar intake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Devonshire Tart chilled, either as a standalone dessert or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with a bit of dark chocolate or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Storage: Store the tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to protect it from absorbing fridge odors.
• Make-Ahead: The tart can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Assemble the tart, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Devonshire Tart, with its sumptuous layers of creamy filling and juicy strawberries, is an exquisite dessert that combines simplicity and elegance. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, this tart brings the freshness of strawberries to the forefront, complemented by a rich cream base and a delicately crisp crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this tart is a straightforward yet impressive recipe that promises to delight and impress. Indulge in the delightful contrast of textures and flavors, and enjoy every bite of this classic dessert!