Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
Description
Imagine a dessert so divine that just the title makes your mouth water. This Strawberry Mascarpone Tart was a stunning centerpiece at our Easter dinner this year, and though I regrettably didn’t manage to savor a slice myself, the rave reviews from guests left me beaming with pride. This tart is light yet creamy, rich in flavor without being cloyingly sweet, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. While the original recipe included liqueur for the filling and glaze, I opted to leave it out, but for those who wish to elevate the tart with that extra touch, I’ve included the liqueur as an optional addition below.
Recipe Details
- Category: Tarts
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 302.4
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 302.4 |
| Total Fat | 12.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 54.1 mg |
| Sodium | 157.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 22.8 g |
| Protein | 3.7 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Orange zest | 2 tsp |
| Sugar | ¼ cup |
| Butter | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 lb |
| Mascarpone cheese | 2 cups |
| Confectioners’ sugar | 3 tbsp + 1 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Cold water | 2 tbsp |
| Optional: Liqueur (e.g., Amaretto) | 1-2 tbsp |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange zest with the sugar, mixing well to release the aromatic oils from the zest.
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Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Add the butter, salt, and all-purpose flour to the bowl, then use your fingertips to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly combined.
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Form the Dough: Introduce the egg yolk to the mixture, using your hands to combine until the dough turns a pale yellow hue. This step is crucial for achieving that rich flavor profile.
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Add Flavor and Moisture: Incorporate the vanilla extract, kneading the dough gently until it comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of ice water gradually until it holds its shape.
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Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential for a flaky tart crust.
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Preheat the Oven: As the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake.
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Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 10-inch pie plate. Be sure to roll it evenly to maintain a uniform thickness.
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Fit into the Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled dough into the pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and crimping the edges for a beautiful presentation. Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom of the crust to prevent bubbling during baking.
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Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crust turns light golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
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Cool the Crust: Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Filling: While the crust cools, chop the fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar and the orange juice concentrate (or liqueur, if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold half of the chopped strawberries into the mascarpone mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will add fresh flavor and texture to the filling.
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Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water. Combine this with the remaining orange juice concentrate and 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar. Heat over medium until it bubbles, then reduce to low heat, stirring for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens into a syrup. Allow the glaze to cool to room temperature, then stir in the amaretto if using.
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Assemble the Tart: Spread the mascarpone filling evenly across the cooled tart shell. Arrange the remaining chopped strawberries in a circular pattern around the edge of the tart, reserving four large halves for the center. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the arranged strawberries for a glossy finish.
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Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled tart until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Enjoying Your Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
When ready to serve, slice the tart into wedges, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and a buttery crust that is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply a special treat at home, this Strawberry Mascarpone Tart will become a beloved favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Keywords
Dessert, Strawberry, Cheese, Berries, Fruit, < 60 Mins
