Vanilla Mascarpone Tart

Indulge in the elegance of this Vanilla Mascarpone Tart, a dessert that combines the light, flaky texture of puff pastry with the creamy richness of mascarpone and the sweet, aromatic flavor of vanilla. Perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a more formal affair, this tart promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Follow this simple recipe to create a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Let’s begin!

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) puff pastry
• 2 eggs
• 140g (5 oz) sugar
• 45g (1.5 oz) cornstarch
• 700ml (23.5 fl oz) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 250g (8.8 oz) mascarpone cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar, for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the Tart Shell:
   • Roll out the puff pastry to fit a 20cm (8 inch) tart mold. If necessary, use a smaller 7.5cm (3 inch) mold to cut out shapes for additional decoration.
   • Carefully place the pastry in the mold, pressing it into the edges and trimming any excess. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
   • Bake the chilled pastry shell in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Making the Vanilla Cream Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk to ensure there are no lumps.
   • Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it thickens, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Transfer the cream to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. Assembling the Tart:
   • Once the cream has cooled, whisk in the mascarpone cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   • Pour the filling into the cooled pastry shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Chill the tart in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
4. Final Touches:
   • Just before serving, dust the tart with powdered sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.

Conclusion:

Your Vanilla Mascarpone Tart is now ready to be enjoyed! This dessert not only looks sophisticated but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s a testament to the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Bon appétit!