There’s something utterly irresistible about the combination of a buttery tart crust and a light, airy strawberry mousse. This strawberry mousse tart isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a visual delight too. With vibrant, fresh strawberries and a creamy filling, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties.
Originating from the French patisserie tradition, mousse tarts have always been a symbol of sophistication and indulgence. The sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries pairs beautifully with the rich, velvety mousse, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and decadent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Perfecting the strawberry mousse tart starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for the tart shell, strawberry mousse, and topping.
For The Tart Shell
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For The Mousse
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
These carefully selected ingredients ensure that each component of your strawberry mousse tart is flavorful and cohesive.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare a strawberry mousse tart, you’ll need several essential tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand ensures the process is smooth and the final product is perfect.
Measuring Tools
Accurate measurements are key to successful baking. Ensure you have:
- Measuring Cups: For dry and wet ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons: For smaller quantities.
Mixing Tools
Proper mixing is crucial for both the tart shell and mousse. Prepare these items:
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for different tasks.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To achieve the right consistency for your mousse and dough.
Baking Tools
The baking process requires specific tools for the best results:
- Tart Pan: Preferably with a removable bottom for easy release.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the tart dough evenly.
Preparation Tools
These tools help in the preparation and assembly of your tart:
- Food Processor: To create a fine texture for the tart crust.
- Pastry Cutter: For cutting butter into the flour.
- Rubber Spatula: For folding and scraping mixtures.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For preparing strawberry slices for the topping.
- Sieve or Sifter: To ensure the flour and powdered sugar are lump-free.
Serving Tools
Presenting your tart with the right tools makes a difference:
- Serving Plate: To showcase your beautiful creation.
- Cake Server: For clean and precise slices.
Having these tools and equipment ready before you start will streamline the process and make baking your strawberry mousse tart a delightful experience.
Directions
Following these steps will guide you through creating an elegant and delicious strawberry mousse tart. Let’s get started!
Prepare The Tart Shell
- Gather Ingredients: Prepare 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes), 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt until well-combined.
- Cut In Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Form Dough: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water gradually, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Press the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Dough: Flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and gently press it into place.
- Blind Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely.
Make The Strawberry Mousse
- Prepare Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it stand for about 5 minutes to bloom.
- Blend Strawberries: In a blender, puree 2 cups of fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
- Heat Puree: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry puree and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Over medium heat, stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm strawberry mixture, stirring until completely melted and combined. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated. The mousse should be light and airy.
- Fill Tart Shell: Spoon the strawberry mousse into the cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tart for at least 4 hours or until the mousse is set.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery crust and fluffy strawberry mousse.
Tips and Tricks
Choose Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh strawberries when making the mousse. They provide a vibrant color and enhance the natural flavor of the tart.
Chill Your Equipment: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream. This helps achieve a stiffer peak, giving the mousse a light and airy texture.
Gelatin Prep: Dissolve the gelatin completely in warm water before adding it to the strawberry puree. Undissolved gelatin can create lumps in your mousse.
Strain the Purée: Strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds for a smoother texture. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results.
Blind Baking: When blind baking the tart shell, use pie weights or dry beans to prevent the dough from puffing up. This ensures a perfectly shaped crust.
Even Layering: Pour the mousse into the tart shell slowly and evenly to avoid air pockets. Use a spatula to level the mousse smoothly.
Chilling Time: Allow the tart to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure the mousse sets properly.
Decorative Touches: Garnish with whole strawberries or mint leaves right before serving. This adds a fresh and appealing touch to your dessert.
Serving Tips: Serve the tart directly from the refrigerator to keep the mousse firm and delightful. Use a hot knife to cut clean slices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy your strawberry mousse tart at its best, proper storage and planning ahead are crucial. Here are my tried-and-true tips for keeping your tart fresh and preparing it in advance:
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: After chilling the tart as instructed in the recipe, keep it refrigerated. Cover the tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
- Shelf Life: The tart keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This timeframe ensures the mousse stays firm and the tart shell maintains its crispiness.
- Freezing: If you need to store the tart for an extended period, freezing is an option. Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Tart Shell: You can prepare the tart shell in advance. Blind bake the shell as instructed and once cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Strawberry Mousse: The mousse can be made a day ahead. Prepare it as directed, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to assemble the tart, give the mousse a gentle stir before filling the shell.
- Assembly: To make serving easier, you can assemble the tart up to a day in advance. Once assembled, cover the tart with plastic wrap and chill properly. This allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to set perfectly.
- Garnishing: For the best presentation, add garnishes such as fresh strawberries and mint leaves right before serving. This ensures they remain vibrant and fresh.
These steps will help you to achieve a delightful strawberry mousse tart that’s both visually appealing and delicious, even if you prepare it ahead of time.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry mousse tart is a rewarding experience that combines fresh ingredients with a touch of finesse. By following the steps outlined, from preparing the tart shell to making the mousse, you’ll ensure a delightful dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. Remember to chill your equipment, dissolve the gelatin properly, and blind bake your tart shell for the best results. Preparing components in advance can save you time and stress on the day of serving. With these tips and techniques, your strawberry mousse tart will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.