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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Crust Forming: Press dough into a 10-inch tart pan, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the pastry.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tart Assembly: Carefully remove cooled crust from pan and transfer to serving plate. Spread mascarpone filling evenly across the surface, creating a luxurious base.
- Fruit Topping: Artfully arrange fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries across the tart, creating an vibrant and appetizing presentation.
- 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