Cheese tart with wild berries

Cheese and Mulberry Tart: a sweet indulgence that combines tradition with the natural flavor of fresh ingredients. This recipe, with a flaky crust and creamy filling, is perfect for sweetening any meal. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 2 eggs
- 150 g sugar (preferably powdered for a fine texture)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 250 g flour
- 100 g margarine or butter, at room temperature

For the filling:
- 150 g cheese (or cottage cheese, if you prefer)
- 200 g sour cream (3 tablespoons or more, depending on preference)
- 2 egg yolks
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the meringue:
- 2 egg whites
- A pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- Fresh juice from 1/2 lemon

For decoration:
- 250 g mulberries, washed and cleaned
- A few ripe strawberries, for added color
- 150 g sugar (for the mulberry syrup)

Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the crust
In a large bowl, mix the margarine (or butter) at room temperature with the eggs and powdered sugar until the mixture is homogeneous and fluffy. Add the vanilla sugar, then gradually incorporate the flour. Mix well until you obtain a fine dough.
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in a plastic bag and let it chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough and make preparing the tart easier.

2. Preparing the mulberry filling
While the dough is cooling, clean the mulberries of stems and wash them well. In a thick-bottomed pot, add the mulberries, a few chopped strawberries (for added flavor), and the sugar. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Let it boil for a few minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Once the syrup is ready, allow the mixture to cool.

3. Preparing the cheese filling
In another bowl, mix the cheese with the sour cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla sugar until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. This filling will give the tart a slightly soft texture and a delicious taste.

4. Assembling the tart
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out between two sheets of plastic wrap, so that you obtain a sheet suitable for the tart pan. Turn the dough into the greased pan, then smooth it out with your fingers. Prick the base of the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10 minutes.

5. Adding the filling
After 10 minutes, remove the tart from the oven and pour the cheese mixture on top. Bake again for 30 minutes or until the filling is firm and slightly browned.

6. Preparing the meringue
While the tart is in the oven, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy, then gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a stiff meringue. Add the lemon juice for a fresh taste and to stabilize the meringue.

7. Finalizing the tart
After 30 minutes, remove the tart from the oven and decorate the edges with meringue. Put the tart back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden.

8. Serving the tart
Allow the tart to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Once completely cooled, pour the mulberries with syrup on top. The tart can be served plain or with vanilla ice cream to complement the sweet-sour flavor.

Tips and variations

- Fresh ingredients: Use quality ingredients, especially for cheese and sour cream, as they significantly influence the final taste of the tart.
- Fruit variations: You can experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, instead of mulberries, for a different flavor.
- Meringue: If you want to add an even more intense flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract to the meringue for an extra aroma.

Nutritional benefits

- Cheese: It is an excellent source of protein and calcium, being a nutritious ingredient that helps maintain bone health.
- Mulberries: These fruits are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, having beneficial effects on the immune system and contributing to skin health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese if you want a creamier version. Make sure to drain the cheese well before using.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

3. What drinks can I serve alongside the cheese and mulberry tart?
Fresh lemonade or a lemon grass tea pairs perfectly with the tart's sweetness. Also, a light white wine could add an elegant touch to the meal.

Conclusion

This cheese and mulberry tart is not just a dessert but also a flavorful experience that deserves to be savored with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to sweeten your day, you are on your way to creating a delicious memory. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base; 2 eggs, 150 g sugar, vanilla sugar, 250 g flour, 100 g margarine or butter filling; 150 g cottage cheese, 200 g sour cream (I added 3 tablespoons), 2 egg yolks, 100 g sugar, vanilla sugar meringue; 2 egg whites, a pinch of salt, 6 tablespoons of sugar, fresh juice from 1/2 lemon decoration; 250 g mulberries, a few ripe strawberries (for color), 150 g sugar