Cherry tart with vanilla mascarpone cream
Cherry Tart with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream: A Sweet Indulgence for All Ages
Who doesn't love a fruit tart? This cherry tart with vanilla mascarpone cream is a true delicacy, perfect for any occasion or simply to treat your taste buds. The fresh aroma of cherries, combined with the creamy texture of mascarpone cheese, makes this recipe an unforgettable dessert, ideal for a gathering with friends or a family dinner.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 120 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 240 g flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the cherry filling:
- 800 g fresh cherries
- 2 heaping tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the vanilla cream:
- 300 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 250 g mascarpone
- 150 g thick country cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Cherries and pistachios for decoration
A Brief History
Cherry tart has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a beloved dessert in many cultures. It originates from the practice of using seasonal fruits to create sweet delights that can be enjoyed both warm and cold. The tart symbolizes summer and the joy of finding fresh fruit, while the combination with vanilla cream adds an extra touch of refinement and delicacy.
Preparation Steps
1. Making the Crust:
- Start by placing the cold, cubed butter in a large bowl. Add the sugar, a pinch of salt, and half of the flour.
- Mix all the ingredients with your hands until the mixture becomes sandy and homogeneous.
- Add the egg and the remaining flour. Begin kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. It is important not to over-knead it to avoid a tough texture.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
2. Preparing the Cherry Filling:
- Meanwhile, wash the cherries, remove the stems and pits. This step is essential for enjoying a tart without unpleasant surprises.
- Place the cherries in a pot, add the sugar, and cook them over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in 5-6 tablespoons of cold water. When the cherries have softened, reduce the heat and add the dissolved cornstarch, stirring quickly to prevent lumps from forming.
- When the mixture thickens, add the lemon zest, mix well, and let it cool.
3. Baking the Tart:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a tart pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you get a thin sheet.
- Place the dough sheet in the prepared tart pan, pressing it with your fingers on the edges and trimming the excess.
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared tart and level it with a spatula.
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and crispy.
4. Preparing the Vanilla Cream:
- In a separate pot, mix the milk with the sugar and cornstarch. Place the mixture over heat, stirring continuously until it thickens.
- Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool covered with plastic wrap.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the thick cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip well until you achieve a smooth cream.
- Add the cooked and cooled cream to the mascarpone mixture and mix everything for 1 minute.
5. Assembling and Serving:
- Once the tart has completely cooled, place it on a serving platter. Spread the vanilla cream evenly over the tart.
- Decorate with fresh cherries and pieces of pistachio for a refreshing and attractive look.
- Refrigerate the tart for 2-3 hours before serving. If you can't resist, you can serve it earlier, but the cooling time enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
The cherry tart with vanilla cream pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for added flavor. Additionally, a cup of coffee or tea is the ideal accompaniment to complete this culinary experience.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This tart is a source of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, but cherries provide a significant amount of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to immune system health. Mascarpone cheese adds a creamy touch, but it's best to enjoy this tart in moderation, considering its caloric content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This recipe can be easily adapted. You can use peaches, raspberries, or even strawberries. Each variation will bring a different and delicious note.
2. How can I store the tart?
The cherry tart stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. However, you will have the best taste experience in the first 2 days.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Although this recipe contains animal-derived ingredients, you can try vegan alternatives for mascarpone and eggs to adapt the dessert.
This cherry tart with vanilla mascarpone cream is certainly a dessert that will delight your senses and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to experiment and add a personal touch to your recipe! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 120 g butter, 1 egg, 240 g flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, a pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Cherry filling: 800 g cherries, 2 heaping tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, grated lemon zest. Vanilla cream: 300 ml milk, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 250 g mascarpone, 150 g thick country sour cream, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, cherries for decoration, pistachios for decoration.
