Introduction to Whipped Strawberry Tart
There's something undeniably enchanting about a whipped strawberry tart. This delightful dessert combines a buttery tart crust with a light, airy whipped filling made from fresh strawberries. Each slice brings a burst of flavor, perfect for any gathering or just to satisfy a sweet craving!
What makes a whipped strawberry tart so delightful? The magic lies in its balance of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying crunch of the tart shell, followed by the creamy, dreamy strawberry filling that melts in your mouth. Not to mention, it's an excellent way to showcase the vibrant hue and taste of fresh strawberries, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. According to the California Strawberry Commission, these berries are a phenomenal source of vitamin C, which promotes healthy skin and boosts your immune system.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, a whipped strawberry tart offers a deliciously light finish to any meal. So roll up your sleeves and grab your mixing bowl; this is one dessert you won’t want to miss! If you're ready to dive into the recipe, keep reading to discover how to create this stunning tart, step by step.
Ingredients for Whipped Strawberry Tart
Creating the perfect whipped strawberry tart starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tart Crust Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
The crust serves as the foundation for your delicious tart, providing a buttery crunch that complements the fruity filling beautifully.
Whipped Strawberry Filling Ingredients
- 400 g fresh strawberries (quarter them; about 2 ½ cups)
- ½ cup water or your favorite sparkling beverage (for a fun twist)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
This filling is where the magic happens! The sweet strawberries combined with a light, airy texture make every bite a treat.
Remember, fresh, quality ingredients are key when you're putting together your whipped strawberry tart. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the delightful flavors! If you're looking for tips on selecting the ripest strawberries, check out this handy guide.
Step-by-step Preparation for Whipped Strawberry Tart
Preparing the tart crust
Let’s kick off this delightful journey by making our tart crust! Start with room temperature unsalted butter and sugar, creaming them together on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base that will hold the tart together beautifully. Next, add in one large room-temperature egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to elevate the flavors.
Now, it's time to incorporate the dry ingredients. Gently mix in 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt until it forms a soft dough. Here’s a helpful tip: when you turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, use the heel of your hand to press it down. This technique, called fraisage, helps prevent cracking when you roll out the dough. Wrap your dough disc in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait).
Pre-baking the crust
Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch tart pan with some baking spray for easy removal later. Roll out your dough to about ¼” thick on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to transfer it to the prepared tart pan. Trim any excess dough and dock the bottom with a fork—this prevents air bubbles. After chilling it again for 30 minutes, it’s time to par-bake!
Place the tart pan on a baking sheet, cover with parchment paper, and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice. Bake for about 20 minutes, and then let it cool before removing the weights. Isn’t that satisfying?
Making the strawberry filling
Now we move on to the star of our dish—the whipped strawberry filling. Grab about 400g of fresh strawberries and blend them with ½ cup of water until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of this strawberry puree. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the puree with ¾ cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of gelatin, stirring until dissolved. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and add that to the pan, cooking until thickened. Let this mixture cool in the fridge for about an hour.
Assembling the tart
Once your filling is cool, spoon half of it (around ¾ cup) into your pre-baked tart crust, spreading it evenly. Chill again until set. Next, in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add cream cheese. Whip it on high speed until smooth and creamy, then gradually incorporate some cream. Mix until stiff peaks form. This creates a luscious base for the remaining strawberry mixture.
Chilling and serving
Top your tart with the remaining strawberry mixture and pop it back into the fridge for at least another hour. When it’s time to serve, cut into slices and enjoy this refreshing whipped strawberry tart. It's perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply treating yourself.
If you're looking for more inspiration, check out these delicious dessert ideas that pair wonderfully with seasonal fruits!
Variations on Whipped Strawberry Tart
Strawberry Tart with Other Fruits
While the whipped strawberry tart is a delightful treat, consider mixing things up by adding other fruits! You can easily swap strawberries for seasonal berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. For a tropical twist, try incorporating mango or kiwi to create a vibrant tart bursting with flavor. The key is to maintain that lovely balance of sweetness and tartness. Experiment with combinations; after all, who can resist a mixed berry medley?
Vegan Whipped Strawberry Tart Options
Craving a vegan version of this dessert? Transform your whipped strawberry tart by using coconut cream instead of regular cream cheese to achieve that fluffy consistency. You can also sweeten it with maple syrup or agave and use a plant-based butter for the crust. Don’t forget to check out the Vegan Society for more inspiration on vegan swaps and user-friendly recipes! This way, everyone can enjoy a slice of deliciousness, regardless of their dietary choices.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Whipped Strawberry Tart
Common pitfalls to avoid
When crafting your whipped strawberry tart, a few common missteps can derail your dessert dreams. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. Over-mixing the crust can lead to a dense texture. If your strawberries aren’t fully ripe, you may miss out on that delicious natural sweetness. Lastly, don't forget to refrigerate the tart long enough—this helps the filling set properly and enhances the flavor.
Best practices for chilling the tart
Chilling is vital. Aim for at least 1-2 hours in the fridge after you’ve assembled your whipped strawberry tart for the best results. This helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Pro tip: if you’re in a hurry, pop it in the freezer for 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it! Enjoy your stunning creation, and consider topping it with extra strawberry slices for visual appeal. For more tart tips, visit Food Network for expert advice!
Serving Suggestions for Whipped Strawberry Tart
Pairing Suggestions with Beverages
To elevate your whipped strawberry tart, consider pairing it with refreshing beverages like iced hibiscus tea or sparkling lemonade. The tartness of the strawberries beautifully contrasts with the sweetness in these drinks, enhancing your dessert experience. If you’re hosting a brunch, opt for a creamy vanilla bean latte—it adds a delightful punch that complements your tart's flavors perfectly. The brightness of the strawberries pairs wonderfully with the lightness of herbal teas, making them an excellent match.
Presentation Tips for Gatherings
When serving your whipped strawberry tart at gatherings, let's make it memorable. First, garnish the tart with fresh mint leaves or thinly sliced strawberries for a pop of color. Consider using a pie server to cut clean slices, allowing your guests to indulge without the mess. For a touch of elegance, place each tart piece on a decorative plate and drizzle with a balsamic reduction or a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also invites your guests to savor each delicious bite.
For more ideas on presentation and pairing, check out The Spruce Eats for additional tips.
Time Breakdown for Whipped Strawberry Tart
Preparation time
Making the whipped strawberry tart involves about 2 to 2.5 hours of prep time. Most of this is just chilling the dough and allowing the filling to cool, which gives you time to catch up on your favorite show or relax with a good book.
Cooking time
The actual cooking time is fairly minimal, clocking in at around 40 minutes. This includes baking the tart crust and cooking the strawberry filling until it thickens perfectly.
Total time
Overall, you’ll need approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish, but don’t worry! Most of that is hands-off time, allowing you to enjoy the little things in life while your delicious dessert comes together.
Nutritional Facts for Whipped Strawberry Tart
When you're indulging in a slice of whipped strawberry tart, it's helpful to know what you’re enjoying. Here’s a quick snapshot of the nutritional facts:
- Calories: A standard slice contains approximately 290 calories, making it a lovely treat without overdoing it.
- Sugar content: Each slice has about 24 grams of sugar, primarily from the luscious strawberries and added sugar.
- Fat content: This delightful dessert comes in at around 12 grams of fat, much of which is from the buttery crust.
For more detailed insights on nutritional balances and tips for making healthier dessert choices, consider checking out reputable sources like the USDA FoodData Central or NutritionData. Enjoy your tart guilt-free!
FAQs about Whipped Strawberry Tart
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! The whipped strawberry tart can be prepared a day in advance. Simply complete the tart crust and filling, then assemble and chill it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress your guests.
How should I store leftover whipped strawberry tart?
If you have leftovers, lucky you! Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2-3 days, but to enjoy the best texture, try to consume it within 48 hours. If the filling seems to lose its fluffiness, just give it a gentle re-whip before serving.
What can I substitute for gelatin in the filling?
If you're looking for alternatives to gelatin in your whipped strawberry tart, you can use agar-agar, which is a plant-based option. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for proper ratios. Alternatively, you can try using a blend of cornstarch and water for a thicker consistency, though it won't set as firmly as gelatin.
Have more questions or suggestions? Feel free to drop them in the comments! Happy baking!
Conclusion on Whipped Strawberry Tart
Creating a whipped strawberry tart is not just about following a recipe; it’s about sharing joy with those you love. The luscious layers of strawberries and creamy filling will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and enjoy every bite!
Whipped Strawberry Tart
Equipment
- blender
- Stand mixer
- tart pan
- Sheet Pan
Ingredients
Tart Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Whipped Strawberry Filling
- 400 g fresh strawberries quartered (about 2 ½ cups)
- ½ cup water or your favorite rosé
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
To make the crust
- Cream butter and sugar on medium speed for 4-5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla. Mix until combined. Add flour and salt; mix until incorporated and a soft dough forms.
- Turn out dough on a lightly floured surface. Using the heel of your hand, fraisage the dough several times to help prevent the dough from cracking and feathering when you roll it out. Form dough into a disc and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350° and lightly spray a 9-inch tart pan with baking spray.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the tart dough to about ¼” thickness. Use the rolling pin to roll up the dough and transfer to the prepared tart pan. Arrange the dough in the pan and trim away excess. Use a fork to dock the bottom of the tart dough. Let the tart dough chill again in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- To par bake the tart shell, place the tart pan on a sheet pan. Then lay a sheet of parchment over the tart pan and fill with pie weights, dried beans, or uncooked rice. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow parchment and weights to cool enough to remove them easily.
To make the filling
- Add strawberries and water to a blender; puree until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of puree. Pour puree into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and gelatin and stir until both are dissolved. Stir together cornstarch and water and add to the strawberry mixture. Cook, stirring continuously, for a couple more minutes, until mixture has thickened and evenly coats the back of a spoon. You should end up with about 1 ½ cups of the strawberry mixture. Place in the fridge for an hour to cool or until completely cool.
- Spoon half of the strawberry mixture (about ¾ cup) into the prepared tart crust and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, add cream cheese and whip on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add about ¼ cup of the cream, and mix on high speed until incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl and repeat, adding a little bit of crema at a time until completely incorporated with the cream cheese. Then mix on high speed until stiff peaks form.
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