Why You Should Make This Balsamic Strawberry Tart
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy dessert that will impress your guests, this balsamic strawberry tart is the perfect choice. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar is a match made in heaven, and the creamy mascarpone cheese adds just the right amount of richness. Plus, the golden crust and vibrant red strawberries make for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 75g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp ice water
For the filling:
- 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat together egg yolk and ice water; add to flour mixture, mixing until dough comes together.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Trim edges and prick bottom with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until mixture has reduced by half and is thick and syrupy. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Spread mascarpone mixture over cooled crust.
- Arrange strawberries on top in a circular pattern.
- Drizzle balsamic reduction over strawberries.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Variations
- Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust.
- Other Berries: This recipe would work well with other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Simply substitute the strawberries with your berry of choice.
- Different Vinegars: If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you could use another vinegar such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
This balsamic strawberry tart is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy balsamic vinegar is sure to impress your guests, and the creamy mascarpone cheese adds just the right amount of richness. Plus, with the easy variations, you can customize this recipe to your liking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen strawberries as well. Just make sure to thaw the strawberries completely and pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
Can I use other types of fruit instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can use other types of fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of different fruits. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of fruit you use.
Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar adds a unique flavor to this recipe, but you can use other types of vinegar such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the tart may be slightly different.
Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the tart crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before using it. You can also freeze the crust for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, but you can use other types of flour such as whole wheat flour or almond flour if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the crust may be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
Granulated sugar is recommended for this recipe, but you can use other types of sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor of the crust and filling may be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone cheese?
Mascarpone cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor to this recipe, but you can use other types of cheese such as cream cheese or ricotta cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor of the filling may be slightly different.
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust instead of making your own crust. Just make sure to bake the crust according to the package instructions before adding the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter instead of regular butter, and by using a vegan cream cheese or a tofu-based cream cheese instead of mascarpone cheese.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check that all the ingredients you use are gluten-free.
