Strawberry Crown Tart

Strawberry Crown Tart Recipe - Delicious and Elegant Dessert

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 8

Introduction

Strawberry Crown Tart is a delightful dessert that showcases the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh strawberries. This tart features a buttery pastry crust filled with a light and fluffy lemon-scented custard and topped with a crown of fresh strawberries. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy during the spring and summer months when strawberries are in season.

History

The Strawberry Crown Tart is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe is a modern twist on the traditional fruit tart, with the addition of a lemon custard filling that adds a bright and tangy flavor to the sweet strawberries. The combination of flavors and textures in this tart makes it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Pastry for a single crust 9-inch pie
2 eggs
0.33 cup of sugar
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of grated lemon peel
0.5 tsp of vanilla
0.5 cup of flour
3 tbsp of butter or margarine, melted and cooled
0.33 cup of melted currant jelly
2 pt (946 ml) baskets of fresh California strawberries, stemmed

How to prepare

Press the pastry into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
Prick the pastry all over with a fork.
Bake in a 425-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pastry begins to brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool on a rack.
In a mixer bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon peel, and vanilla until thick and pale, approximately 10 minutes.
Gently fold in one-third of the flour, then one-third of the butter.
Continue folding in, alternating between the flour and butter, until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
Brush the bottom of the tart shell with some of the jelly.
Slice approximately 0.5 basket of strawberries and arrange them over the jelly.
Pour the batter over the strawberries. It may not completely cover them.
Bake in a 375-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and the filling is set.
Let it cool on a rack.
Arrange the remaining whole strawberries, stem ends down, on top of the tart.
Brush the remaining melted jelly over the strawberries.
This recipe makes 8 servings.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches in place of strawberries for a unique twist on this tart.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the tart for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the pastry crust cool completely before adding the custard and strawberries to prevent the filling from becoming soggy.

- When folding in the flour and butter into the custard batter, be gentle to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- To achieve a beautiful crown of strawberries on top of the tart, carefully arrange the berries in a circular pattern starting from the outer edge and working your way towards the center.

- Brushing the strawberries with melted jelly adds a glossy finish and helps to preserve the freshness of the fruit.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Crown Tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Strawberry Crown Tart is to bake the pastry crust until it is golden brown and crisp. Be sure to let the tart cool completely before adding the custard and strawberries to prevent the filling from becoming watery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh strawberries on hand, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained. You can also use a pre-made pie crust in place of homemade pastry for a quicker version of this tart.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pastry crust and custard filling ahead of time and assemble the tart just before serving. Store the tart in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fresh strawberries in a decorative pattern on top of the tart to create a beautiful crown effect. Dust the tart with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Crown Tart with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory dessert. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Crown Tart in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tart in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Crown Tart contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Crown Tart contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of the carbohydrates come from the pastry crust and the sugar in the custard filling. Strawberries also contribute natural sugars to the dessert.

Fats

There are about 10 grams of fat in each serving of Strawberry Crown Tart. The fat content primarily comes from the butter in the pastry crust and the margarine in the custard filling.

Proteins

This dessert provides around 3 grams of protein per serving. The protein content comes from the eggs in the custard filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, providing a boost of antioxidants to this dessert. The lemon juice and peel also contribute vitamin C to the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, wheat, and dairy in the form of butter and margarine. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, the Strawberry Crown Tart is a moderately high-calorie dessert with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It provides a dose of vitamin C from the strawberries and lemon, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Summary

The Strawberry Crown Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries with a light and fluffy lemon custard filling. This recipe is perfect for showcasing the bounty of summer fruits and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy a slice of this tart with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Strawberry Crown Tart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my aunt in the countryside. My aunt was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had a special talent for creating beautiful desserts that not only tasted amazing but also looked like works of art.

One sunny afternoon, as I sat at the kitchen table watching my aunt work her magic, she pulled out a worn and stained recipe card from her collection. The card was titled "Strawberry Crown Tart" and had been passed down to her from her own mother. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the thought of creating such a stunning dessert.

My aunt explained that the recipe originated from a French pastry chef who had shared it with her during a cooking class she had taken many years ago. She had since made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, perfecting it to her own taste. She promised to teach me how to make it, and I eagerly agreed.

We started by making the sweet pastry dough from scratch, combining flour, sugar, butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. My aunt showed me how to work the dough until it was smooth and pliable, then we rolled it out into a large circle and carefully transferred it to a fluted tart pan. As she pricked the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking, I couldn't help but admire her skill and precision.

Next, we moved on to the filling. We whipped up a fluffy mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest, spreading it evenly over the bottom of the tart shell. Then came the best part – arranging the fresh strawberries in a beautiful crown pattern on top of the creamy filling. My aunt showed me how to carefully place each strawberry slice just so, creating a stunning visual effect that would surely impress any guest.

As the tart baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with the sweet aroma of strawberries and buttery pastry, my aunt regaled me with stories of her own culinary adventures. She told me about the time she had learned to make croissants in Paris, the secret to a perfectly flaky pie crust, and the joy of creating something with your own two hands that brings joy to others.

Finally, the tart was ready. We let it cool slightly before slicing into it, revealing the luscious layers of creamy filling and juicy strawberries nestled within the golden crust. As we each took a bite, I couldn't help but marvel at the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, the buttery richness of the crust, and the vibrant burst of fresh strawberries.

That day, as I sat at my aunt's kitchen table savoring every delicious mouthful of the Strawberry Crown Tart, I knew that I had found my calling. I had discovered the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful and delicious with love and care. And as I watched my aunt's eyes twinkle with pride, I knew that this recipe would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the special bond we shared and the magic of cooking together.