Healthy Raspberry-Kiwifruit Tart Recipe

Introduction

Indulging in desserts that are both delicious and nutritious is a delightful experience, especially when they are visually stunning and packed with vibrant flavors. The Healthy Raspberry-Kiwifruit Tart, as featured in Fitness magazine back in July 2003 and proudly shared on Love With Recipes, embodies this balance perfectly. This tart is a celebration of fresh, seasonal fruits, combined with a unique crust that elevates the entire dessert to new heights of flavor and texture. Its appeal lies not only in its eye-catching presentation but also in its health-conscious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a guilt-free treat that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a light afternoon snack, or a wholesome dessert to finish a meal, this recipe offers an elegant and nutritious option that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth in a wholesome manner.

Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 40 minutes
• Baking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: approximately 1 hour 18 minutes

Needed Equipment

• 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom
• Food processor or blender for crust crust preparation
• Mixing bowls of various sizes
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan for glazing
• Silicone brush for applying glaze
• Cooling rack
• Plastic wrap or airtight container for chilling
• Sharp knife for fruit slicing
• Cutting board
• Spatula or offset spatula for spreading filling

Tags

Healthy, Fruit Tart, Low-fat, Gluten-Free Option, Diet-Friendly, No-Bake, Summer Dessert, Vegetarian, Low Sugar

Serving Size

Serves 8 generous slices

Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Allergen Information

• Contains dairy (cream cheese)
• May contain gluten (graham crackers, if not gluten-free version used)
• Contains fruit allergens (kiwi, raspberry)

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian, optionally gluten-free if gluten-free crackers are used, low sugar with sugar substitutes

Course

Dessert

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

Instructions

Preparation of the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the crust will bake evenly and develop a golden, crisp texture. While the oven heats, prepare your crust base. Take the reduced-fat honey graham crackers and crush them in a food processor or blender until they reach a fine, uniform consistency. If you do not have a food processor, you can place the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground. The goal is to achieve a crumbly texture that will bind well when combined with the other ingredients.

Once you have the graham cracker crumbs ready, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of Splenda sugar substitute to the crumbs. The sugar adds subtle sweetness, while the Splenda offers a low-calorie alternative for sweetness, making this tart suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Next, incorporate the melted unsalted butter into the dry mixture. Pour the butter slowly while stirring with a spatula or spoon, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. This mixture will bind together when pressed, forming the base of your tart crust.

Add the egg white to the mixture, which acts as a natural binder. Stir gently until the mixture is moist enough to hold together when pressed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough rather than tender.

Forming and Baking the Crust

Prepare your tart pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Using your fingers or a small spatula, press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the tart pan, ensuring an even layer throughout. Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust firmly and evenly, which will help prevent cracks during baking.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until its edges turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-baking or burning. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool on a cooling rack. This cooling step is vital for setting the crust and preventing it from becoming soggy when filled.

Preparing the Filling

While the crust cools, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. The vanilla enhances the flavor, adding a subtle aromatic note that complements the fruits.

Once the filling reaches a smooth consistency, spread it evenly across the cooled crust. Use a spatula or offset spatula to smooth the surface, creating an even layer that will serve as the base for the fruit topping.

Arranging the Fruits

Prepare the kiwi by peeling and slicing into thin, uniform rounds. Arrange the kiwi slices around the edge of the tart, slightly overlapping each slice to create a beautiful, flower-like border. This arrangement not only enhances visual appeal but also ensures each slice gets a balanced amount of fruit.

Fill the center of the tart with fresh raspberries, spreading them evenly. The vibrant color and juicy texture of the raspberries add a delightful contrast to the smooth cream cheese and the crisp kiwi border.

Applying the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the red currant jelly and 1 tablespoon of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The heat will melt the jelly, transforming it into a glossy glaze that will give the fruit a shiny, appetizing finish.

Allow the glaze to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent it from melting the fruit when brushed on. Using a silicone brush, gently apply the glaze over the arranged fruit, focusing on the kiwi slices and raspberries to enhance their appearance and preserve freshness.

Chilling and Serving

Wrap the tart in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the glaze to set and the flavors to meld, resulting in a cohesive, visually appealing dessert.

Serve chilled, slicing carefully with a sharp knife. For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing with additional fresh berries or mint leaves just before serving. This tart is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Preparation Tips

• Fruit selection: Use in-season, ripe fruits for maximum flavor and color vibrancy. Adjust fruit choices based on availability and preference.
• Crust alternatives: For gluten-free options, substitute honey graham crackers with gluten-free digestive biscuits or almond flour-based crusts.
• Sweetness adjustment: Customize sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar or sugar substitutes based on your taste and dietary needs.
• Make ahead: Prepare the crust and filling the day before to streamline assembly on the day of serving.
• Presentation: Use a decorative tart pan or ring for a more refined look. Garnish with fresh mint or edible flowers for added elegance.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Fruit freshness: Always use fresh, ripe fruits to ensure the best flavor and vibrant color. Slightly underripe kiwi provides a firmer texture that holds up well during assembly.
• Crust control: Do not overbake the crust; it should be golden but not dark, to prevent a bitter taste.
• Glaze application: Applying the glaze when slightly cooled prevents melting and creates a beautiful shine.
• Chilling: Adequate chilling not only sets the glaze but also firms up the filling, making slicing cleaner and easier.
• Presentation: For a professional look, use a piping bag to add decorative cream or fruit accents.

Add-ons

• Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) sprinkled on top for added crunch
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• Additional fruit like blueberries, strawberries, or mango slices for variation
• Light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for finishing touches
• Vegan or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for dairy-sensitive diets

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad
• Light Greek yogurt with honey and nuts
• Herbal iced tea or fruit-infused water to complement the tart
• Low-fat whipped cream or coconut cream for added indulgence

Improvements

• Incorporate a thin layer of fruit preserves beneath the cream cheese filling for extra flavor complexity.
• Use flavored or infused glaze (e.g., balsamic reduction or citrus glaze) for a different taste profile.
• Enhance the crust with crushed nuts or oats for added texture.
• Add a layer of mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a richer filling.
• Experiment with different fruits to match seasonal availability and taste preferences.

Save and Store

This tart is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the fruit from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly, but note that the texture of the fruit may change slightly upon thawing. To preserve freshness and visual appeal, always add the glaze just before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the honey graham crackers with gluten-free digestive biscuits or almond flour-based crusts. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?

While fresh berries provide the best texture and flavor, frozen berries can be used. Thaw and drain excess moisture thoroughly before using to prevent sogginess.

Is there a vegan version of this tart?

Absolutely. Replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative (such as cashew or coconut-based cream cheese), and use agave syrup or maple syrup instead of sugar. Also, ensure the crust ingredients are vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Thoroughly cool the baked crust before adding the filling, and avoid adding moist fruits directly on the crust without glazing or a protective layer. Chilling the assembled tart also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, prepare the crust and filling a day ahead. Assemble the tart and apply the glaze just before serving to maintain freshness and visual appeal.

Conclusion

The Healthy Raspberry-Kiwifruit Tart exemplifies the art of combining health-conscious ingredients with aesthetic presentation. Its crisp, subtly sweet crust provides a perfect foundation for the luscious, colorful fruit topping, making it a captivating addition to any meal or celebration. Perfect for summer gatherings, brunches, or a light dessert after dinner, this tart offers a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and visual delight. By choosing fresh, seasonal fruits and wholesome ingredients, you create a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also nourishes your body. Remember, the key to an impressive tart is patience—allowing it to chill and set fully ensures the best taste and presentation. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and indulge in this guilt-free, vibrant treat that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

References

• Fitness Magazine, July 2003 edition: “Healthy Fruit Tart Recipes”
• Love With Recipes Official Website