If there’s one dessert that combines freshness, creaminess, and a touch of elegance, it has to be the Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe. This delightful tart balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich, smooth texture of ricotta cheese, all nestled in a crisp tart shell. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to celebrate seasonal flavors. The harmony of ingredients makes each bite a burst of joy, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, which means you can enjoy a little luxury without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a successful tart. Each component in this Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe plays a unique role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal that make this dessert so special.
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe and fragrant berries for the best natural sweetness and vivid color.
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Opt for high-quality ricotta; its creamy texture is essential for a smooth, luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Adjust the amount based on how sweet your strawberries are and your personal taste.
- 1 unit Vanilla Bean: Split and scrape the seeds for the most aromatic and pure vanilla flavor.
- 2 large Eggs: These bind the filling together while adding richness.
- 1 unit Tart Shell: Using a pre-made sweet tart shell saves time but ensures a buttery, crisp base.
- Powdered Sugar: Just a touch for dusting adds a pretty finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Tart Shell
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pre-made tart shell in its pan and press it gently into shape to avoid cracking. Poke holes in the base with a fork so the shell bakes evenly without puffing up.
Step 2: Blind Bake the Tart Shell
Bake the tart shell for 10 to 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden brown and crisp. This step is crucial to keep your crust from becoming soggy once the filling goes in.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and the scraped seeds of your vanilla bean until smooth and creamy. The vanilla bean makes the filling fragrant and luxurious, enhancing the mild sweetness of the ricotta.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This slow incorporation ensures that the filling binds nicely without curdling, creating a silky, custard-like texture.
Step 5: Assemble the Tart
Pour the creamy ricotta mixture into your pre-baked tart shell, smoothing the top evenly. Then, artfully arrange the sliced strawberries over the filling, covering the surface for maximum visual appeal and juicy flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Bake the tart for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set and starts to turn a delicate golden color. It should have a gentle wobble but no liquid movement, indicating a perfect custard texture beneath the strawberries.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Allow your tart to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the filling a firmer consistency that slices cleanly.
Step 8: Final Touch
Before serving, dust a light layer of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty, lightly sweet finish that complements the fresh strawberries perfectly.
How to Serve Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but feel free to add a few fresh mint leaves, a drizzle of honey, or even a scatter of toasted almonds for crunch and an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to amp up the decadence. For a lighter option, try serving it with a fresh berry compote or plain Greek yogurt on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve wedges on colorful dessert plates, or slice into bite-size squares for a party platter. You could also add edible flowers or a glaze of warmed strawberry jam to give it an irresistible shine and extra punch of fruitiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your strawberry and ricotta tart refrigerated in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
Freezing this tart is not recommended because the texture of the fresh strawberries and ricotta filling can suffer. For best results, enjoy this tart fresh or chilled.
Reheating
This tart is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, allow it to come to room temperature naturally rather than reheating, so the filling remains silky and the crust stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture soaking into the tart shell.
Is it possible to make the tart shell from scratch?
Absolutely! A homemade tart shell made with butter, flour, and sugar will add an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to blind bake it thoroughly before adding the filling to keep it crisp.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
You might try cream cheese or mascarpone as alternatives, but ricotta’s light, slightly grainy texture is key to keeping the tart refreshing and not too dense.
How sweet should the filling be?
The sweetness depends on your taste and the ripeness of the strawberries. Start with 1/2 cup sugar and adjust up or down. Keep in mind the powdered sugar dusting also adds sweetness at the end.
What’s the best way to slice the tart for serving?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and gently saw back and forth while pressing down. Cleaning the knife between slices helps achieve neat wedges without disturbing the delicate filling.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry and Ricotta Tart Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little elegance and seasonal goodness to your table. Its balance of creamy, fruity, and crisp textures is simply irresistible, and the recipe’s straightforward steps make it accessible for home bakers of all levels. Give it a try and watch how this beautiful tart becomes one of your favorite desserts to share with friends and family.
