Strawberry Tart with Meringue
Strawberry meringue tart is a spring dessert that brings joy and flavor in every bite. This delicate cake, with a soft vanilla base and a light, airy meringue, is perfect for celebrating sunny days, gatherings with friends, or simply indulging yourself. I will guide you step by step through this recipe, providing useful details, practical tips, and information about the ingredients. Let's get started!
Preparation time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 90 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 400-500 g strawberries, cleaned and halved
For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- A pinch of cream of tartar (or white vinegar)
Short history of the recipe
Strawberry meringue tart is a dessert that blends tradition and innovation. Its origins are deeply rooted in European cuisine, where tarts have been popular for centuries. Meringue, an airy preparation made from egg whites and sugar, was developed to add a light texture and a pleasant contrast to fresh fruits. This dessert brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of strawberries, and the combination with crunchy meringue creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
Preparation techniques
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix the ingredients for about 5 minutes until creamy and fluffy. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, resulting in a light texture.
2. Incorporating the egg yolks: Gradually add the egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the whole egg and continue mixing on low speed.
3. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg composition, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed until well incorporated.
4. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a 27 cm (diagonal) pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
5. Assembling the tarts: Pour the dough mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the dough, distributing them evenly.
6. Baking the tarts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the dough is golden and firm to the touch. It is very important not to open the oven door in the first 25 minutes to avoid affecting the baking process.
7. Preparing the meringue: About 5 minutes before removing the tart from the oven, start preparing the meringue. In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the egg whites start to become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy and firm foam. Add the cream of tartar or vinegar to stabilize the meringue.
8. Finishing the tarts: Remove the pan from the oven and, using a spoon, place dollops of meringue on top of the strawberries. Make sure the meringue covers the fruits evenly. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden and crispy.
9. Cooling and serving: Once the meringue has turned golden, remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. When cooled, cut the slices with a lightly dampened knife for clean portions.
Practical tips
- Choosing strawberries: Use fresh, ripe, and flavorful strawberries for the best taste. You can also opt for other seasonal fruits, like raspberries or blackberries, to experiment with new flavor combinations.
- Meringue texture: If you want a crunchier meringue, you can bake the tart longer, but be careful not to burn it.
- Variations: Instead of vanilla sugar, you can use almond extract for a different flavor. Additionally, for a citrus note, add lemon or orange zest to the dough mixture.
- Serving: Strawberry meringue tart pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. A refreshing drink, like mint tea or a fruit cocktail, will perfectly complement this dessert.
Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, low in calories. They contribute to skin health and help strengthen the immune system. Meringue, on the other hand, is a source of protein from egg whites but also contains sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can use any berries, peaches, or even apples, depending on your preferences.
2. How do I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. The meringue may lose its texture, so it is best enjoyed fresh.
3. Why should I use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue, giving it a firm and silky texture. If you don't have it on hand, you can use white vinegar.
Conclusion
Strawberry meringue tart is not only a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to bring the magic of spring into your kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe is sure to delight. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with a dessert that will be remembered by your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
We mix the butter together with the sugar and vanilla sugar for about 5 minutes, after which we gradually add the egg yolks and finally the whole egg. We continue to mix on low speed and incorporate the flour previously mixed with the baking powder. We pour the mixture into a baking tray (27 cm diagonal) lined with butter and flour, place the halved strawberries on top, and put it in the preheated oven (180 degrees) for about 35 minutes. Five minutes before the baking time is up, we start mixing the egg whites with a pinch of salt, and when it begins to stiffen, we gradually add the sugar and cream of tartar. We mix on high speed until it becomes a stiff and glossy meringue. We take the tray out of the oven and, using a spoon, place peaks of meringue over the strawberries. We return it to the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the meringue turns golden. This delicious strawberry tart recipe comes from the Delicious Flavours kitchen. Enjoy your meal! We slice the strawberry tart with meringue using a lightly dampened knife and only after it has completely cooled.
Ingredients: - 150 g butter (at room temperature) - 90 g sugar - 1 vanilla sugar - 1 egg - 3 egg yolks - 200 g flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 400-500 g strawberries Ingredients for meringue: - 3 egg whites - 150 g sugar - 1 pinch of cream of tartar
