Tarte Aux Fraises
Indulge in the refreshing taste of tarte aux fraises, a classic French dessert that showcases the beauty of strawberries. This elegant tart features a buttery crust filled with smooth pastry cream, topped with vibrant, juicy strawberries. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, this dessert is not only visually stunning but also a delight for the palate. Let’s dive into the delightful recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredients
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 125g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 70g powdered sugar
– 1 large egg yolk
– 300ml milk
– 3 large egg yolks (for pastry cream)
– 75g granulated sugar (for pastry cream)
– 30g cornstarch
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 500g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
– Optional: apricot glaze for shine
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, while cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 3g protein. This is based on a standard slice of the tart.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
3. Add egg yolk and a tablespoon of cold water; mix until dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough and fit it into a tart pan.
5. Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then let it cool.
6. In a saucepan, heat milk until just boiling.
7. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
8. Gradually add hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
9. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
10. Stir in vanilla extract, pour into the cooled crust, and let it set.
11. Arrange halved strawberries on top before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version of the tart. Additionally, swap fresh strawberries with seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Tarte aux fraises pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes well with a glass of sparkling wine or a light dessert wine for a sophisticated touch.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold. Reheating is not recommended as it may compromise the texture of the strawberries, but it can be served at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overworking the pastry dough to prevent toughness.
– Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the pastry cream.
– Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
– Do not skip the blind baking step to prevent a soggy bottom.
– Always whisk the egg mixture continuously when adding hot milk.
Helpful Tips
1. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.
2. Use a tart pan with a removable bottom for easy serving.
3. For added flavor, infuse the milk with lemon zest before making the cream.
4. Ensure strawberries are at room temperature for best taste.
FAQs
Can I make the tart in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and pastry cream a day ahead. Assemble the tart just before serving to keep the strawberries fresh.
What can I use instead of pastry cream?
You can use whipped mascarpone cheese or a simple vanilla pudding as an alternative to pastry cream if you prefer a lighter filling.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind baking the crust until lightly golden helps create a barrier against moisture, preventing sogginess.
Can I freeze the tarte aux fraises?
It’s best not to freeze the entire tart due to the fresh strawberries, but you can freeze the crust and pastry cream separately.
What’s the best way to slice the tart?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice through the strawberries and cream cleanly without squishing them.
Conclusion
Tarte aux fraises is a delightful dessert that brings the essence of summer to your table. With its buttery crust, rich pastry cream, and fresh strawberries, this tart is sure to impress your guests. Try this recipe at your next gathering and enjoy the sweet taste of French cuisine!
Tarte Aux Fraises
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 70 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 300 ml milk
- 3 large egg yolks for pastry cream
- 75 g granulated sugar for pastry cream
- 30 g cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 500 g fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- Optional: apricot glaze for shine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Add egg yolk and a tablespoon of cold water; mix until dough forms.
- Roll out the dough and fit it into a tart pan.
- Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then let it cool.
- In a saucepan, heat milk until just boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add hot milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Stir in vanilla extract, pour into the cooled crust, and let it set.
- Arrange halved strawberries on top before serving.