Strawberry Vanilla Cream Tart

Vanilla Cream and Strawberry Tart - a delight that combines fine textures and enticing flavors, perfect for any occasion. This recipe, adapted from Julie's creation, promises to bring a smile to anyone who savors it. It is a quick and simple dessert, ideal for impressing guests or pampering family. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 4 eggs (preferably free-range for a more intense flavor)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 6 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour is ideal, but you can experiment with whole flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla (natural vanilla from pods will provide a superb aroma)

For the cream:
- 500 ml milk (whole milk will provide a richer cream)
- 4 egg yolks (to give a vibrant color)
- 20 g butter (must be at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (for sweetness)
- 40 g cornstarch (for a perfect texture)
- Vanilla (optional, for an extra flavor)

For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries (about 200-300 g, choosing the most beautiful and juicy ones)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the crust

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the crust in to achieve even baking.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to be careful at this step, as the egg whites will be whipped, and any trace of yolk could prevent them from whipping properly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a firm and glossy foam. This step will add air to the mixture, resulting in a fluffy crust.
4. Carefully add the yolks, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and flour, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture. The flour should be added gradually to avoid lumps.
5. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper or greased with butter and flour. Level the surface with a spatula to achieve an even crust.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream

1. In a saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and cornstarch. This mixture will form the base of your cream.
3. When the milk is about to boil (do not let it boil completely), gradually pour it over the yolk mixture, stirring constantly. This is called tempering and prevents the yolks from curdling.
4. Put the mixture back on the heat, over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. This process requires a little patience, but it is worth every second, as you will obtain a smooth and velvety cream.
5. Once the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a crust from forming.

Step 3: Assembling the tart

1. Once the crust has cooled completely, pour the vanilla cream over it, smoothing it with a spatula.
2. Decorate with fresh strawberries cut in half or slices. These not only add an attractive appearance but also a note of freshness and acidity that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cream.
3. Once assembled, the tart can be served immediately or left in the refrigerator to chill a bit more. If you leave it in the fridge, the flavors will intensify, and the cream will become even firmer.

Serving suggestions and variations

The vanilla cream and strawberry tart is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a berry sauce for an extra flavor and color. Another delicious variation is to add a few fresh mint leaves on top for a color contrast and refreshing taste.

For a more sophisticated version, you can use other berries - raspberries or blackberries could bring an interesting contrast of flavors. Instead of vanilla, you can experiment with citrus essences or even cocoa for a chocolate version.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use free-range eggs?
Yes, free-range eggs are excellent for this recipe, providing a richer taste and more vibrant color.

2. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can try using flour, but the cream won’t be as smooth. Cornstarch is ideal for achieving a velvety texture.

3. How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, and the vanilla will add a pleasant taste without weighing down the cream.

Nutritional benefits

This tart offers a combination of protein from the eggs, calcium from the milk, and antioxidants from the strawberries. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and can help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, making this dessert at home gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid additives and preservatives found in commercial products.

Conclusion

The vanilla cream and strawberry tart is a recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or to pamper yourself on an ordinary day, the result will surely be appreciated. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors, sharing the joy of cooking with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 4 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla. For the cream: 500 ml of milk, 4 egg yolks, vanilla, 20g of butter, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 40g of cornstarch.

 Tags:  vanilla tart strawberry tart