Strawberry and meringue tart
Strawberry Meringue Tart - a delicious and elegant recipe
The strawberry meringue tart is a dessert that perfectly combines the fine texture of the dough with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the crunchiness of the meringue. This dish will not only delight the taste buds but will also add a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether it's a special occasion or simply an afternoon spent with family, this dessert is sure to please everyone.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10
Necessary 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, washed and halved
For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- A pinch of cream of tartar (or lemon juice)
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the dough
Start by mixing the soft butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer at medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. It is important that the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation.
2. Adding the egg yolks
Gradually add the egg yolks while continuing to mix at low speed. Then, add the whole egg and mix until well combined. This step will add moisture and flavor to the dough.
3. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sift the flour together with the baking powder into a separate bowl. This will eliminate any lumps and help with even distribution of the leavening agents. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air.
4. Baking the tart base
Grease a tart pan (27 cm diagonal) with butter and flour to prevent sticking. Pour the dough mixture into the pan and level the surface. Place the halved strawberries on top of the dough, cut side up. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the tart for about 35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
5. Preparing the meringue
About 5 minutes before the tart is done, start preparing the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean bowl using a mixer. When the egg whites begin to stiffen, gradually add the sugar and cream of tartar (or lemon juice), continuing to mix until the meringue becomes stiff and glossy. This step is essential for achieving perfect meringue.
6. Finishing the tart
Remove the tart from the oven and use a spoon to place dollops of meringue over the strawberries. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the meringue is golden and crispy. Be careful, as the baking time may vary.
7. Cooling and serving
Let the tart cool completely before cutting it. Use a lightly dampened knife to make clean cuts. You can serve the tart plain or with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
Practical tips
- Choosing strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum flavor. If you don't have strawberries, you can try other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
- For added flavor: You can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the meringue for extra flavor.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace the wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storing tarts: If you are not serving it immediately, keep the tart in the refrigerator, covered, to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy.
Nutritional benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that can help maintain heart health. Meringue, while delicious, should be consumed in moderation as it contains sugar.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with other seasonal fruits such as peaches or plums. Make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruits.
- Can it be prepared in advance?
It is recommended to prepare the tart a few hours before serving, but the meringue should be added fresh before baking for the best results.
- How can I improve the texture of the meringue?
Make sure the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is completely clean and dry. Any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.
In conclusion, the strawberry meringue tart is a dessert that not only looks spectacular but its taste will surely impress anyone who enjoys it. Preparing this recipe will turn you into a true dessert master, and your family and friends will be grateful. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 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
