Bright Burst of Joy: Ina Garten’s Berry Mascarpone Tart Recipe

Summer’s sweet bounty bursts with flavor in this delightful mascarpone tart by Ina Garten that captures the essence of seasonal freshness.

Ripe, juicy berries nestle atop a creamy mascarpone filling, creating a dessert that sings with pure delight.

The delicate crust provides a buttery foundation for each luxurious bite.

Berries dance across the surface, promising a symphony of taste that delights the senses.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this tart brings restaurant-quality dessert to your home kitchen.

Each slice promises a moment of pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your ingredients and let’s turn summer’s sweetest fruits into an unforgettable dessert experience.

How to Serve This Elegant Tart by Ina Garten

• Here's the serving suggestions for Ina Garten's Fresh Berry & Mascarpone Tart
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the tart for 30 minutes to help it set and enhance the creamy mascarpone texture, making each slice perfectly firm and refreshing.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle delicate mint or basil leaves on top to add a surprising herbal touch that complements the sweet berries and rich mascarpone.
• Pair with Dessert Wine: Serve alongside a chilled moscato or sweet riesling to elevate the tart's fruity flavors and create an elegant dessert experience.
• Create Individual Portions: Cut into smaller squares or use a round cookie cutter to make bite-sized servings perfect for summer parties or afternoon tea gatherings.

Storage Guide for Ina Garten’s Berry Mascarpone Tart

• Refrigerate with Care: Store the tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the delicate mascarpone cream and fresh berries crisp and vibrant.
• Advance Preparation Magic: Craft the tart crust and cream filling up to 24 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious time on event day.
• Smart Berry Strategy: Add fresh berries just before serving to maintain their peak texture and prevent unwanted moisture from softening the delicate crust.
• Freezing Flexibility: Wrap the unfilled tart shell tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month, providing a convenient make-ahead option for spontaneous dessert moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Fresh & Fruity: Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Berry Mascarpone Tart

• Graham Crackers: Provides a sweet, crumbly foundation with a rich, buttery base.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together and adds a silky, golden texture.

• Mascarpone Cheese: Delivers a luxurious, velvety smoothness with delicate Italian richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and enhances the filling's decadence.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens gently and helps stabilize the whipped cream mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and complementary flavor complexity.

• Fresh Strawberries: Brings vibrant color and juicy sweetness with peak summer freshness.
• Fresh Raspberries: Offers tangy brightness and delicate ruby-red visual appeal.
• Fresh Blueberries: Provides subtle earthiness and a gorgeous deep blue contrast.
• Orange Zest: Introduces a bright, citrusy note that elevates the berry flavors.
• Fresh Mint: Garnishes with a crisp, refreshing herbal accent.

Kitchen Gear for Ina Garten’s Mascarpone Tart

• 9-inch Tart Pan: A springform pan with a removable bottom makes releasing the tart super easy.
• Electric Mixer: Perfect for whipping cream and blending mascarpone filling smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: Use medium-sized bowls for preparing different components of the tart.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients and creating silky textures.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for scraping down bowl sides and folding ingredients gently.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing berries and cutting precise tart portions.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out pastry crust evenly and smoothly.
• Cooling Rack: Allows tart to cool completely without getting soggy bottom.
• Offset Spatula: Helps spread mascarpone filling evenly across the crust.

Ina Garten’s Tart Recipe — Step by Step

• Crust Foundation

A buttery graham cracker base that provides a delightful crunch and complements the creamy filling perfectly. Combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press firmly into a tart pan, creating an even layer that will hold your delicious creation.

• Silky Mascarpone Filling

Whip together mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and luxurious. The mixture should be light, airy, and free of any lumps, creating a dreamy backdrop for the fresh berries.

• Berry Arrangement

Select a vibrant mix of seasonal berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Gently place the berries across the surface of the mascarpone filling, creating a stunning mosaic of colors and textures that will make mouths water.

• Sweet Glaze

Prepare a light apricot glaze by heating apricot preserves and a splash of water. Carefully brush the glaze over the berries, giving them a beautiful shine and helping to preserve their fresh appearance.

• Chilling and Serving

Refrigerate the tart for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and slice into elegant portions that showcase the beautiful layers and fresh berries.

Customizing Ina Garten’s Fresh Berry Tart

• Roll out the pastry carefully at room temperature to prevent cracking, ensuring a smooth and even base for your tart.
• Swap seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries based on availability and personal preference for a vibrant, fresh twist.
• Replace mascarpone with ricotta or Greek yogurt for a lighter filling that still delivers rich, creamy texture.
• Sprinkle fresh mint leaves, dust with powdered sugar, or drizzle honey to add elegant finishing touches that enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Prepare the tart shell and filling separately up to 24 hours in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy crust.

Elegant Berry & Mascarpone Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s fresh berry & mascarpone tart blends creamy Italian cheese with ripe seasonal berries. Delicate pastry and sweet fruit create an elegant dessert that delights summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 to 18 oz (454 to 510 g) mascarpone cheese, Italian
• 1 pint (300 g) strawberries, fresh, hulled and sliced ¼-inch-thick lengthwise
• ½ pint (125 g) raspberries, fresh
• ½ pint (125 g) blueberries, fresh
• 12 tbsps (170 g or 1½ sticks) butter, unsalted, room temperature
• 1¾ cups (219 g) flour, all-purpose
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1½ tbsps Grand Marnier
• 1 tsp Cognac, Armagnac, or brandy
• 1½ tsps vanilla extract, pure
• Kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Cream butter, sugar, and salt in a mixer at low speed until well combined. Incorporate vanilla and gradually add flour, adjusting moisture with water if needed.
2. Crust Forming: Press dough into a 10-inch tart pan, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the pastry.
3. Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dough with buttered foil, weighted down with pie weights, beans, or rice. Bake for 20 minutes to set the base.
4. Crust Finishing: Remove weights and foil, pierce crust with fork to prevent bubbling. Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
5. Mascarpone Filling: Whip mascarpone cheese with sugar, orange liqueur, brandy, and vanilla in a mixer until smooth and slightly airy. The mixture should be creamy and light.
6. Tart Assembly: Carefully remove cooled crust from pan and transfer to serving plate. Spread mascarpone filling evenly across the surface, creating a luxurious base.
7. Fruit Topping: Artfully arrange fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries across the tart, creating an vibrant and appetizing presentation.
8. Serving: Allow tart to rest at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the tart crust for 15 minutes to prevent shrinking and maintain its shape during baking.
• Blind Bake Technique: Use foil and weights to prevent the crust from puffing up and ensure an even, crisp base.
• Perfect Filling Consistency: Whip mascarpone mixture on medium-high speed to create a light, smooth texture that spreads easily.
• Berry Arrangement: Choose fresh, ripe berries and arrange them creatively for a stunning visual presentation that enhances the tart’s appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg