Strawberry tart with vanilla cream

Strawberry tart with vanilla cream is a dessert that brings a touch of sunshine to every day. This simple yet elegant recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also add a refined touch to your table. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this tart will surely become one of your favorite recipes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 220 g flour
- 100 g melted butter (make sure it's of good quality for superb taste)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

For the vanilla cream:
- 5 egg yolks
- 500 ml milk (whole milk is ideal for a rich cream)
- 40 g flour
- 40 g cornstarch
- 60 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

For the topping:
- 300 g fresh strawberries (or fewer, depending on preferences)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- A cup of juice from a compote (cherries or sour cherries)

A brief history of the recipe

Strawberry tart is a classic dessert that combines the flavors of fresh fruits with the delicacy of a fine cream. Over time, various cultures have adapted the recipe, adding their local ingredients, but the base has remained constant: a crispy crust, a sweet cream, and fresh fruits. This is a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation, perfect for any time of the year.

Step by step: Preparing the tart

1. Preparing the crust

Begin your culinary adventure by preparing the crust. If you have a food processor, it will make the job much easier, but don't worry if you don't – you can do it by hand.

1. Mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the butter. Pour the melted butter over the flour mixture and mix until a homogeneous composition is obtained.
3. Incorporate the egg. Add the egg and continue to mix until the composition forms a ball of dough.
4. Shape the crust. Roll out the dough in a non-stick pan, ensuring it is even and has a slight border to hold the cream. If you don't like rolling out the dough with a rolling pin, you can press it with your hands.
5. Chill. Cover the pan with foil and let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the dough from puffing up during baking.

2. Preparing the vanilla cream

Meanwhile, we'll take care of the vanilla cream. This cream is the key to your tart's success, giving it a fine texture and unmistakable flavor.

1. Prepare the ingredients. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the flour and cornstarch, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Add the milk and sugar. Gradually start adding the milk while stirring constantly. Then, add the sugar and mix well.
3. Infuse the vanilla. Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape the seeds with a knife. Add the seeds and the pod to the milk mixture.
4. Cook the cream. Put the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. It's important not to leave it unattended, as it can stick to the bottom of the pot. When the cream begins to thicken and pulls away from the bottom of the pot, it is ready.
5. Cool the cream. Pour the cream into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the cream (this prevents a skin from forming). Let it reach room temperature.

3. Baking the crust

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. While the oven is heating, prepare the crust:

1. Prick the crust. Use a fork to prick the crust all over. This step will help prevent the dough from puffing up.
2. Bake the crust. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden.

4. Preparing the strawberries

Now let's focus on the delicious strawberry topping, which will add a fresh taste to your tart.

1. Prepare the strawberries. Wash the strawberries and cut them in half or into small cubes, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the strawberries. Place them in a pot with sugar and compote juice. Mix well and let them cook until the sugar melts and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Thicken the mixture. Add the cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoons of water and stir until the mixture thickens. Turn off the heat and let it cool.

5. Assembling the tart

It's time to assemble all the elements to create your masterpiece.

1. Add the cream. When the crust is completely cooled, pour the vanilla cream evenly over it.
2. Add the strawberries. Place the strawberries on top of the cream, making sure to distribute them evenly. For a more rustic look, you can leave the raw strawberries on the vanilla cream.
3. Garnish. If desired, you can add whipped cream on top for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions

Strawberry tart with vanilla cream is a versatile dessert. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. You can also enhance it with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. It is recommended to add the strawberries just before serving to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile, and other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches are just as delicious.

Nutritional benefits

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while the vanilla cream, although delicious, provides calcium due to the milk. This tart is not just a treat, but also a way to enjoy fresh fruits.

Conclusion

Strawberry tart with vanilla cream is a perfect choice for any occasion, bringing a balance between the sweetness of the fruits and the creaminess of the cream. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can create a dessert that will surely impress. Give it a try and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: For the crust: 220 g flour, 100 g melted butter, 1 egg, a pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar. For the cream: 5 egg yolks, 500 ml milk, 40 g flour, 40 g corn starch, 60 g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla essence. For decoration: 300 g strawberries (I had fewer), 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons sugar, a cup of juice from a compote (cherries/sour cherries).