Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust Recipe

Introduction

A Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust is a delectable dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. With its sweet, ripe strawberries on top of a buttery, almond-flavored crust, this tart offers a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. The almond crust, with its nutty richness, perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries, while the creamy filling adds a layer of smoothness that ties everything together. Whether served at a special event, a family gathering, or as a treat to enjoy on a leisurely afternoon, this tart will undoubtedly become a favorite.

The combination of fresh strawberries and almonds is a classic one, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors. The almond crust gives the tart a delightful crunch, while the strawberries provide juiciness and bright flavor. The tart is not overly sweet, making it a perfect dessert for those who prefer a more balanced, light treat. It’s easy to make, but looks impressive enough to be the centerpiece of any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and nutty almond crust create a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth without being overly rich.
• Elegant and Beautiful: The tart is a showstopper with its vibrant red strawberries arranged on top of a golden, flaky almond crust. It’s an eye-catching dessert that’s perfect for special occasions and gatherings.
• Made from Scratch: Everything in this tart, from the almond crust to the creamy filling, is made from scratch, which gives it a fresh and authentic flavor that pre-made options can’t match.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated: While it may look and taste complex, the tart comes together with relatively simple ingredients and steps, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Versatile for Different Occasions: This tart works well for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a brunch, or a casual gathering. It can also be customized with different fruits or flavors for a variety of versions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 8-10 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per slice, depending on portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-22g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18-22g

Ingredients

For the Almond Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups almond flour (or ground almonds)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

the Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing, optional)

Special Equipment

While making this Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust doesn’t require specialized tools, a few pieces of equipment will help make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom is ideal for this recipe. It ensures the tart comes out easily and makes serving much simpler.
2. Food Processor: A food processor is highly recommended for making the almond crust. It quickly mixes the dry ingredients with the butter and egg yolk to create a uniform dough.
3. Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough for the crust, a rolling pin will be essential to achieve an even thickness.
4. Cooling Rack: After baking the crust, a cooling rack is useful to cool the tart crust properly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
5. Pastry Brush: If you’re using the apricot glaze, a pastry brush will help you apply it smoothly over the strawberries to give them a beautiful shine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Almond Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine the almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Pulse briefly to mix everything together. Add the chilled butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will ensure the butter is evenly distributed, which helps create a flaky, tender crust.

Next, add the egg yolk and pulse again until the dough begins to come together. If the dough seems too dry, add the cold water one tablespoon at a time until it forms a soft dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together.

2. Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out without becoming too sticky.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a circle about ¼ inch thick, large enough to fit your tart pan. If the dough cracks while rolling, gently press it back together with your fingers.

4. Transfer the Dough to the Tart Pan

Carefully lift the dough and transfer it to your tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, making sure to fill the edges completely. If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for a few minutes before proceeding.

Trim off any excess dough from the edges of the pan, and use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.

5. Bake the Almond Crust

Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overbake, as almond flour can brown quickly. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the crust is cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and lemon zest, and continue to beat until everything is well combined and the mixture thickens. If you like your filling a bit sweeter, you can add honey or maple syrup to taste.

7. Assemble the Tart

Once the almond crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the base. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer. Arrange the fresh strawberries on top of the filling in a circular pattern, starting from the outside and working inward. Be as creative as you like with the arrangement to make it visually appealing.

8. Optional Glaze

If you’d like to add a glossy finish to the strawberries, you can prepare an apricot glaze. In a small saucepan, heat the apricot jam over low heat until it becomes liquid. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the glaze over the strawberries, giving them a beautiful sheen. This is optional but adds a nice touch.

9. Chill the Tart

Once assembled, refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Chilling also helps the tart firm up, making it easier to slice.

10. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, slice the tart into wedges and serve. The tart can be served as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to the tart’s success. Their natural sweetness and juiciness are what make this dessert truly shine.
• Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps ensure that the crust will hold its shape during baking and results in a more tender, flaky texture.
• Customize the Filling: You can add different flavors to the filling if you prefer. For example, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra almond flavor, or infuse the cream cheese with a touch of orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Make Ahead: The tart can be assembled a day ahead of time, making it an excellent dessert for dinner parties or gatherings. Just be sure to store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Use a Tart Pan with a Removable Bottom: A tart pan with a removable bottom makes it much easier to remove the tart from the pan without damaging the crust or filling.

Variations of Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust

• Mixed Berry Tart: Instead of just strawberries, you can use a combination of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
• Chocolate Almond Tart: For chocolate lovers, add a layer of melted chocolate over the cream cheese filling before arranging the strawberries on top. The chocolate will complement the almond crust perfectly.
• Lemon Strawberry Tart: Add a layer of lemon curd between the cream cheese filling and strawberries for a citrusy zing that pairs wonderfully with the sweet strawberries.

Storage and Shelf Life

This Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers for later enjoyment. Keep the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

For longer storage, you can freeze the tart. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust

Pair this delicious tart with beverages and other treats that complement its delicate flavors:

• Sparkling Wine or Champagne: The crisp bubbles of sparkling wine or champagne pair wonderfully with the lightness of the tart and its almond crust.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the sweetness of the strawberries and the richness of the cream cheese filling.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Serve the tart with a fresh fruit salad for a light and healthy contrast to the richness of the dessert.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will take the tart to the next level and add a creamy contrast.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Tart with Almond Crust is a delightful, sophisticated dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the nutty richness of almonds. With a smooth cream cheese filling and a buttery, flaky crust, it’s a dessert that will surely impress both in flavor and appearance. Easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions, this tart is perfect for any time you want to indulge in a refreshing, fruity treat. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it with family, this strawberry tart is guaranteed to be a hit!