Strawberry tart

Strawberry Tart with Vanilla Cream - a perfect sweet delight for any occasion!

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the world of refined desserts! Today, I will present you with a recipe for strawberry tart with vanilla cream that is sure to impress anyone, whether it's a family dinner, a party, or a weekend day when you want to indulge yourself. This tart combines a crispy puff pastry crust, fine vanilla cream, and sweet, fresh strawberries in a harmony of textures and flavors that will delight the senses.

A brief history of strawberry tart:
The tart is a dessert with deep roots in European culinary tradition, and the combination of fresh fruits with delicate creams is a classic on festive tables. Strawberries, highly appreciated summer fruits, find their place in a variety of desserts, and the strawberry tart has become a favorite for dessert lovers around the world.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 puff pastry (or shortcrust pastry, as preferred)
- 500 g fresh strawberries (ideally picked the same day)
- 1 packet of clear jelly for glazing

For the vanilla cream:
- 40 cl milk (use whole milk for a richer cream)
- 60 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 25 g cornstarch (Maizena starch is very effective)
- 1 egg and 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vanilla cream:
Start by bringing the milk to a boil. Cut the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife. Add the seeds and the pod to the milk, then bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
In a bowl, whisk the egg, yolk, and sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the cornstarch and mix well. When the milk is hot, gradually pour it over the egg mixture, constantly whisking to avoid curdling the eggs.
Return the mixture to low heat, stirring continuously. It will begin to thicken. When the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into a bowl. Cover the cream with plastic wrap directly on its surface to prevent a crust from forming. Allow the cream to cool, then refrigerate for at least one hour.

2. Preparing the pastry:
If you want to make the pastry from scratch, follow your puff pastry recipe. For this tart, you will need half the amount of pastry. Another option is to buy ready-made puff pastry from the store, which will save time.
Preheat the oven to 210°C. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface, then transfer it to a greased tart pan. Use a fork to prick the pastry so that it doesn't puff up during baking.
Bake the pastry for 15 minutes at 210°C, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and bake for another 10 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crispy. Allow it to cool completely.

3. Preparing the strawberries:
Wash the strawberries under cold water, remove the leaves, and cut them in half. These will add a fresh and vibrant note to your tarts.

4. Assembling the tart:
Once the pastry has cooled, place it on a serving plate. Pour the chilled vanilla cream over the pastry, smoothing it with a spatula. Arrange the halved strawberries on top of the cream, decorating them nicely for an appealing look.

5. Finishing with jelly:
Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the packet. Use a silicone brush to apply the jelly over the strawberries, giving them a glossy and appetizing appearance.

6. Final cooling:
Allow the tart to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and make each slice perfect.

Practical tips:
- If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can use other seasonal fruits such as raspberries or blueberries.
- The tart can be prepared a day in advance, and the cream will keep perfectly in the refrigerator.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the tart so that you don't ruin the beautiful appearance of this dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
This strawberry tart is an excellent source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, due to the strawberries. The vanilla cream provides a dose of calcium from the milk, and the sugar in the recipe can be adjusted to make the dessert healthier.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Absolutely! Berries, peaches, or even apples are excellent alternatives.
- Can I freeze the tart? It is recommended to freeze only the pastry, not the assembled tart, as the cream and fruits will not preserve well when frozen.

Serving and combinations:
This tart pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, offering a wonderful contrast to its crispy texture. Additionally, a cup of tea or fresh lemonade will complement the sweet taste of the dessert.

Enjoy every bite of this strawberry tart with vanilla cream, a simple yet absolutely delicious recipe that will bring a smile to anyone's face!

 Ingredients: 1 puff pastry 500 g of strawberries 1 packet of transparent jelly For the cream: 40 cl of milk 60 g of sugar 25 g of cornstarch - Ma zena 1 egg and 1 egg yolk 1/2 vanilla pod

 Tags:  strawberry tart