Strawberry Basil Tart

Name: Strawberry Basil Tart
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons ice water; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking

I love making this Strawberry Basil Tart during the warm months when strawberries are at their peak. The combination of sweet strawberries and fragrant basil creates a refreshing and vibrant dessert. The buttery tart crust cradles a smooth cream filling that perfectly complements the fresh toppings. It's an impressive treat to serve at gatherings or simply enjoy with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this tart, it will become a favorite recipe in your cookbook!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-21T19:46:18.602Z

When I first experimented with this Strawberry Basil Tart, I wondered if the unconventional pairing of strawberries and basil would work. To my delight, the aromatic basil elevated the sweetness of the strawberries, creating an alluring flavor profile. I learned that using fresh ingredients is key; it really brings out the essence of each component. Be sure to let the tart chill in the fridge before serving for the best texture and taste!

What I found adds richness to the crust is using a blend of all-purpose flour and almond flour. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the tart a delightful crunch. I recommend slicing the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant, adding an extra pop of color on the table!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The sweet and savory pairing of strawberries and basil is a flavor explosion.
A buttery tart crust balances the vibrant toppings beautifully.
Easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Understanding the Tart Crust

The tart crust is not just a base; it plays a vital role in the overall flavor and structure of the tart. Combining all-purpose flour with almond flour adds a nutty complexity while keeping the crust tender. The cold butter is essential; ensure it's well-chilled to create a flaky texture. When mixing the butter into the flour, aim for pea-sized crumbs for that ideal crust structure. If your dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time until it just holds together.

After pressing the dough into the tart pan, refrigerating it for 30 minutes is crucial. This step allows the gluten to relax, preventing shrinkage during baking. Keep an eye on the color while baking—the crust is done when it's golden brown, which usually takes 20 to 25 minutes. If it starts to brown too quickly, consider covering the edges with foil to prevent burning.

Crafting the Perfect Filling

The combination of heavy cream and mascarpone cheese creates a luxurious filling that is both rich and light. Whipping the cream to soft peaks should be done gently; over-whipping can lead to an undesirable texture. When combining with the mascarpone, ensure it's at room temperature so it mixes smoothly—this prevents any lumps. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can adjust the powdered sugar according to your taste. Just remember to blend thoroughly to maintain a creamy consistency.

As you fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, do so gently to preserve the airiness of the cream. This lightness is key for balancing the sweetness of the strawberries and the aromatic freshness of basil. If you want to experiment, consider adding a hint of lemon zest for added brightness, which complements the strawberries beautifully.

Serving and Storage Tips

For optimal flavor, chilling the assembled tart for at least one hour is recommended. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set up enough for clean slices. Serve it as-is, or drizzle with balsamic glaze right before offering to guests for an extra touch of sophistication. This glaze adds a tangy contrast that elevates the dessert, so don’t skip it if you can help it.

If you anticipate leftovers, it's best to store them in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap. However, note that the crust may soften over time. To combat this, you can re-crisp the crust by placing leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This recipe also holds well for a day or two in the fridge, but I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling and Topping

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Balsamic glaze (optional for drizzling)

Instructions

Prepare the Tart Crust

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and sugar. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and enough ice water to form a dough. Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled crust for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

Make the Filling

In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, blend the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

Assemble the Tart

Spread the filling evenly over the cooled tart crust. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top, and sprinkle with chopped basil.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider sprinkling some freshly cracked black pepper over the strawberries before serving—it's a surprisingly delightful twist!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this tart gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. Almond flour can be replaced with additional all-purpose flour if nut allergies are a concern, though this will slightly change the flavor profile.

For a lighter alternative to mascarpone, cream cheese can be used, but be cautious with added sweetness, as cream cheese has a tangy flavor. If you're not a fan of heavy cream, opt for a dairy-free coconut cream, which will also provide a light and airy texture while adding a hint of tropical flavor.

Variations and Customizations

While strawberries and basil are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches or raspberries. For a twist, mix in some finely chopped mint with the basil to create a refreshing herbal note, or use thyme for an earthy contrast with the fruit.

You can also customize the filling by adding layers of chocolate ganache before topping with cream. This creates a decadent surprise at the bottom of the tart and complements both strawberries and basil nicely. Just ensure that the ganache is allowed to set before adding the cream layer.

Scaling the Recipe

Should you want to make a larger tart or mini tarts, scaling up the ingredients is straightforward. For larger tarts, use a 9-inch or 10-inch tart pan and increase the crust ingredients by about 1.5 times to ensure sufficient coverage and thickness. For mini tarts, use a muffin tin or mini tart pans and reduce baking time to about 15 minutes.

When scaling ingredients, keep an eye on texture and flavor. For example, doubling the strawberries can make the tart overly sweet; instead, consider adding smaller quantities of complementary flavors, like a hint of lemon juice, to balance the sweetness when using more fruit.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly.

→ Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?

Cream cheese can work as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

→ What if I don't have fresh basil?

While fresh basil is recommended, you can also use a hint of fresh mint for a different flavor profile.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.