The Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is a delightful spring dessert that combines the elegance of European patisserie with the freshness of seasonal fruit. A buttery, cookie-like tart crust serves as the perfect vessel for a whipped mascarpone filling that’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough to complement the ripe, juicy strawberries layered on top.
This tart is not only stunning in appearance but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re planning a spring brunch, a Mother’s Day celebration, or just want to treat yourself with something extraordinary, this tart brings both beauty and flavor to your table. Chill it before serving for a refreshing finish that pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine or a warm afternoon tea.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the crust:
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200 grams (7.05 oz) all-purpose flour
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50 grams (1.76 oz) powdered sugar
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Pinch of salt
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120 grams (4.2 oz / 1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1 large egg
For the filling:
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200 grams (7.05 oz) mascarpone cheese
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200 grams (7.05 oz) heavy cream
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40 grams (1.4 oz) powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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500 grams (17 oz) fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
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1 tablespoon honey (optional, for brushing)
Directions:
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Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add in cold cubed butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form.
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Add egg and pulse until dough clumps together (10-15 seconds).
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Turn onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
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Roll out dough into 28 cm (11″) circle, press into 23 cm (9″) tart pan, trim edges, and prick the base with a fork. Freeze for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line crust with foil and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 15-20 mins. Remove weights and foil, and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden. Let cool.
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In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add softened mascarpone and whip to stiff peaks.
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Remove cooled tart shell from pan, fill with whipped mascarpone mixture, and top with strawberries. Brush with honey if desired. Chill 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Resting Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 317 kcal | Servings: 12
A Slice of Spring: Exploring the Elegance of the Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
With the arrival of spring comes an irresistible parade of seasonal fruits, and none captures the season’s charm quite like the strawberry. Bright, juicy, fragrant, and delicately sweet, strawberries are the jewel of early spring. For those who adore using fresh produce in their baking, the Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is a showstopper of a dessert that feels as indulgent as it is effortless.
This tart marries the comforting nostalgia of a cookie-like crust with the sophistication of a mascarpone whipped filling, all topped with nature’s candy fresh strawberries. It’s a recipe born of simplicity, yet it yields a result so visually stunning and palate-pleasing that it’s sure to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.
A Classic Recipe Reimagined
This tart has a bit of history, at least in the heart of its creator. Originally one of the first recipes shared by the Bite It Quick blog, it has undergone a thoughtful makeover to enhance its flavor and presentation while preserving the charm of the original. It’s not only a go-to dessert during strawberry season, but also a testament to how timeless and versatile a well-constructed tart can be.
Unlike heavy cream pies or overly sugary tarts, this version celebrates balance. The crust, although buttery and crisp, isn’t overly rich. It plays the perfect foil to the mild, slightly tangy mascarpone cream, and together they provide a gentle base for the star of the show strawberries.
Flavor Profile: Balance in Every Bite
What makes this tart truly special is its balance of textures and flavors. The crust is subtly sweet and crunchy, much like a sugar cookie, providing structure and a satisfying bite. The mascarpone filling, whipped with heavy cream and a hint of vanilla, is light and velvety. It adds a mild sweetness and a creamy texture that doesn’t overpower the strawberries but enhances them.
Then comes the crown fresh strawberries. Whether halved, sliced, or arranged whole, their tartness and vibrant flavor bring freshness and a splash of color that elevates the dessert. A light brush of honey can be added for sheen and a whisper of extra sweetness, making it as lovely to look at as it is to taste.
Perfecting the Crust
Many home bakers shy away from tart crusts, worrying about the dreaded shrinkage or soggy bottoms. This recipe offers a user-friendly solution with a forgiving sweet pastry dough. With just a handful of basic ingredients and proper chilling, the dough handles easily and bakes into a gorgeous, golden shell. Using the technique of blind baking with pie weights ensures a crisp base that holds up under the cream filling.
One of the standout tips in this recipe is the emphasis on cold ingredients. Cold butter, a cold egg, and even placing the crust in the freezer before baking all contribute to a crust that’s flaky and structured, without any collapse or greasiness.
The Mascarpone Advantage
Mascarpone, often associated with Italian desserts like tiramisu, is a soft, creamy cheese with a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness. When whipped with cold cream and powdered sugar, it turns into an ethereal cloud that’s rich without being heavy. Unlike cream cheese, mascarpone is milder and smoother, lending itself beautifully to fruit desserts.
This filling doesn’t require cooking, stabilizers, or gelatin, making it perfect for beginners or for those short on time. It’s simply whipped, spread, and ready to shine beneath a blanket of fruit.
Presentation Matters
One of the joys of this tart is how customizable it is. Strawberries can be sliced thin and overlapped in a circular pattern for an elegant floral effect, or halved and scattered more organically for a rustic look. Either way, the contrast of red berries against white cream and golden crust is a visual treat.
The optional brush of honey or a fruit glaze adds gloss, helping to preserve the strawberries and enhance their natural luster. Garnishing with mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation for special occasions.
Serving and Storing Tips
The tart benefits from a short rest in the fridge to firm up the cream before slicing. Once assembled, it’s best served within a day to maintain the freshness of the strawberries and the crispness of the crust.
Leftovers (if there are any) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. However, the crust may begin to soften slightly over time.
Why You’ll Love It
Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, celebrating Mother’s Day, or simply want a light and beautiful dessert, the Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is an ideal choice. It’s elegant without being fussy, quick to make without cutting corners on flavor, and uses seasonal ingredients to their fullest.
The tart hits all the right notes: a bit of crunch, a touch of cream, and the fresh burst of strawberries in every bite. Plus, the recipe allows for creative freedom try adding blueberries for a mixed berry variation or infuse the cream with citrus zest for a brighter note.
Conclusion:
In a world full of complex, overly sweet desserts, the Strawberry Mascarpone Tart stands out for its simplicity, elegance, and celebration of fresh ingredients. It proves that sometimes, the best desserts are those that let nature shine with just a little help from butter, cream, and a baker’s love.
As strawberry season rolls in, make this tart your go-to recipe. Share it with family, bring it to a picnic, or enjoy a quiet slice on your own. It’s a recipe that reminds us how rewarding seasonal baking can be and how a single tart can bring a whole lot of joy.