Strawberry cheesecake

Strawberry and cream cheese tart is a delicious summer dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of cheese. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of freshness to your dessert table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 210 g all-purpose flour (preferably type 000)
- A pinch of salt
- 113 g soft butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 50 g sugar (preferably powdered sugar for a finer texture)
- 1 egg (medium, fresh)

*For the cream:*
- 125 g creamy sweet cheese (you can use mascarpone or ricotta for a richer version)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs (medium, fresh)
- 75 g condensed milk (for extra creaminess)
- 1 vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- Grated zest of one orange (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- Fresh strawberries (about 250 g, washed and halved)

Preparation steps

1. Making the crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the soft butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add the egg and continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth.

2. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy crust.

3. Shaping the crust: Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to create a thin sheet large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 23 cm tart pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and gently press it into the bottom and sides.

4. Pre-baking the crust: Place the pan in the fridge for another 20 minutes. Then, take it out and poke the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing. Cover the dough with parchment paper and add baking beans or weights. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes. After 20 minutes, you can remove the paper and beans to allow the crust to brown slightly.

5. Making the cream: In a medium bowl, mix the creamy cheese with the sugar until it becomes a smooth mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the condensed milk, vanilla, and orange zest. Ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

6. Assembling the tart: Once the crust has completely cooled, pour the cream cheese evenly over it. Place the tart back in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cream has set but is slightly jiggly in the center.

7. Adding the strawberries: After the tart has cooled, arrange the halved strawberries on top of the cream. They will not only add an attractive look but also a touch of freshness and acidity.

8. Serving: The strawberry and cream cheese tart is served cold. I recommend letting it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and to achieve a perfect texture.

Useful tips

- Choosing strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe, yet firm strawberries. They will add a pleasant contrast to the soft cream.
- Variations: You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches. Additionally, use a mix of cheeses to vary the flavor.
- Serving: The tart pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce, which will add a delicious sweet contrast.

Nutritional benefits

This tart is not only a delicious dessert but also offers nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, while cheese provides essential calcium and protein.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the tart's texture will be denser.

2. What other fruits can I use?
You can experiment with fruits like blueberries, blackberries, or even kiwi for a different flavor.

3. How can I store the tart?
The tart keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

The strawberry and cream cheese tart is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for hot summer days, but also for impressing guests on special occasions. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a sweet snack, this tart will surely become everyone's favorite!

 Ingredients: Crust: 210 g flour, a pinch of salt, 113 g soft butter, 50 g sugar, 1 egg. Cream: 125 g creamy sweet cheese, 100 g sugar, 2 eggs, 75 g condensed milk, vanilla, orange zest.

 Tags:  strawberry cake strawberry recipes tart recipe fruit tart