Mary berry strawberry tart recipe
Mary berry strawberry tart recipe is a classic dessert that combines sweet, juicy strawberries with rich and creamy custard. The crust is made from crisp shortcrust pastry, while the filling features a velvety-smooth vanilla custard that pairs perfectly with the fresh berries. This elegant yet simple dessert is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations. With Mary Berry’s easy-to-follow instructions and expert tips, you can create a stunning strawberry tart that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why people also love Mary berry strawberry tart recipe
Mary Berry’s strawberry tart recipe is a beloved dessert for many reasons. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries with creamy custard and crisp shortcrust pastry creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures that appeals to all tastes. Additionally, the recipe is easy to follow and includes expert tips from Mary Berry herself, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The beautiful presentation of this dessert also makes it an impressive centerpiece at any gathering or celebration. Overall, This strawberry tart recipe offers a delightful treat that has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by generations!
Ingredients:
- 225g plain flour
- 100g cold butter, cubed
- 25g icing sugar
- pinch of salt
- 2 egg yolks
- 450ml milk
- vanilla pod or extract
- 4 tbsp cornflour
- 75g caster sugar
- 500g fresh strawberries
Instructions
Making the Pastry Crust:
- Preheat your oven to gas mark four/180°C/fan160°C.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add in icing sugar and salt then mix again.
- Stir in egg yolks until dough comes together into a ball shape.
- Roll out pastry on floured surface and transfer to tart tin.
Making the Custard Filling:
- In a saucepan, heat up milk and vanilla pod or extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cornflour and caster sugar.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the bowl with cornflour mixture while whisking continuously.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens to form custard.
Assembling the Tart:
- Once pastry crust is baked, let it cool down completely before adding in custard filling.
- Spread cooled custard evenly onto tart base using a spatula or spoon
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top of custard filling
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
- Yield: One tart
Equipment Needed:
- Tart tin (20cm)
- Baking beans or rice
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Servings Suggestions:
This delicious dessert can be served as a sweet treat after dinner or as an indulgent afternoon snack. It pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
- Make sure to let the pastry crust cool completely before adding in the custard filling.
- Use fresh strawberries that are ripe and juicy for maximum flavor.
- To make it easier to cut into slices, chill the finished tart in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Presentation:
To present the tart beautifully, arrange fresh strawberries on top of custard filling in a circular pattern or any other design you prefer. Dust with icing sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Serve chilled to showcase its stunning presentation and flavors!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry strawberry tart recipe:
- Fruit Variations: Instead of strawberries, you can use other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries or blackberries.
- Pastry Variation: If you don’t want to make the pastry crust from scratch, you can use a store-bought shortcrust pastry instead.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients used in the recipe are also gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace butter with plant-based margarine and milk with almond or soy milk while making custard filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle Topping: Melt some chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds intervals until melted then drizzle over fresh strawberries on top of the tart for a decadent touch.
- Nutty Crust: Add chopped nuts like almonds, hazelnuts or pecans to the pastry crust mixture before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Custard Filling: Add lemon or orange zest into the custard filling while cooking it on low heat to give your tart a refreshing citrusy twist.
- No-Bake Option: If you don’t want to bake anything, you can use pre-made mini tart shells from the store and fill them with vanilla pudding mixed with whipped cream then top with fresh strawberries.
Recommendations and notices:
- Be sure to allow enough time for the pastry crust to cool completely before adding in the custard filling, as this will help prevent the filling from becoming runny.
- When making the custard filling, be careful not to overheat it or cook it too quickly, as this can cause lumps to form.
- To make sure that your strawberries are evenly distributed on top of the tart, consider slicing them into uniform pieces before arranging them on top of the custard.
- If you want a sweeter taste, sprinkle some granulated sugar over sliced strawberries before placing them on top of tarts
- You can also add a layer of jam between pastry crust and custard filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, note that the pastry crust may become slightly soggy after being refrigerated.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can make the pastry crust by hand using a fork or pastry cutter to mix together ingredients until they resemble fine breadcrumbs.
- For an extra decorative touch, consider piping whipped cream around the edges of your tart before serving it.
- Be sure to use fresh and ripe strawberries for best results as they will provide better flavor and texture compared to unripe ones.
- Finally, enjoy this delicious dessert with family and friends!
FAQ for Mary berry strawberry tart recipe
Yes, you can make the pastry crust up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Make sure that your pastry crust is completely cooled before adding the custard filling. Additionally, be careful not to overheat or cook your custard too quickly as this can cause lumps to form which may lead to a runny texture.
Fresh strawberries are recommended for this recipe but if you have no other option than using frozen strawberries then thaw them first and pat dry with paper towels before slicing them.
Mary Berry’s recipe calls for plain flour, which is also known as all-purpose flour in some countries.
While you can certainly experiment with different fillings, keep in mind that this recipe was specifically designed to complement the flavor and texture of fresh strawberries. If you do decide to try a different filling, be sure to adjust your ingredients accordingly and note that it may affect the overall taste and texture of your tart.
This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish including preparation time.
Conclusion:
Mary Berry’s strawberry tart recipe is an easy-to-follow dessert that combines sweet buttery pastry with creamy vanilla-infused custard topped with fresh juicy strawberries. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a fancy dinner party. With its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!
