This Strawberry Mascarpone Tart is such a fresh and simple dessert but no matter, it will create a legion of devotees. It’s really best when strawberries are at the height of their season but I just picked up a box that were big and juicy so thought…September is now my new strawberry season! 
The recipe originally came from a copy of The Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook. Although not so new anymore; this was the very first cookbook someone gave to me so it’s more than 15 35 years old! It’s not where I go to find the most elegant recipes or inspiration but it’s still my best resource for weights and measures and substitutions and a couple of long time favorites including this tart.
That book and this recipe certainly bring back a lot of memories of my first trials in the kitchen when I was just a girl. Yes that girl – proud I could catch a football AND make a great dessert! And you’ve heard me say I’m tall…seems back in the ‘olden days’ I was tall AND skinny…hence the years of being called ‘Jolly Green Giant.’ But I wasn’t really green; except like the Hulk when someone called me that! Anyway I digress…
The original recipe simply called for fresh strawberries to be placed into a pie shell with a strawberry flavored glaze poured over the fruit. It tasted great but anything leftover in the pie pan resulted in a mushy bottom crust, so I decided long ago to add a layer of cream cheese sweetened with sugar and vanilla to act as a barrier between the crust and the filling. It was a bonus to the flavor too; the crisp shell, that sweet creamy layer and fresh berries were even better according to my testers (OK, family) and me!
Although originally done in a pie shell, I like using a tart pan…just looks so pretty and who doesn’t want their desserts to look pretty! Sometime in the past several years, I decided to use mascarpone cheese in lieu of the cream cheese. Mascarpone has a mellower tang than cream cheese and is richer and more buttery so it’s elevated this dessert once again. In a pinch, I’ll still use cream cheese, but use mascarpone cheese if it’s available, it’s meant to be paired with fruits, that simple!
The addition of balsamic vinegar was a nod to a trend of the day pairing this wonderful vinegar with fruits, but it’s a good one. Not really noticeable as you might think but it does take the glaze to a higher level and the extra bonus is the richer color too. There is nothing better for a summertime (or early fall in my case) dessert; easy to make, refreshing and delicious!
Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 Baked and Cooled 9″ tart shell or 8″ pastry shell – I won’t lie, I have used Pillsbury frozen pie shells; the kind that come rolled out and that you place in your own pie or tart pan. For this pie, I used a Pâte Brisée recipe but just use whatever works best for you!
Cheese Layer
- 1 8oz container mascarpone cheese
- 2-3 Tbsp sugar, to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp milk or half and half
- 1 tsp vanilla
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 31 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Directions
- Prepare pie crust and cool thoroughly.
- Using blender or mixer (I use a stick blender), mix mascarpone with sugar, milk and vanilla and spread in the bottom of your cooled pie shell. Cool in fridge for 30 minutes.
- Crush 1 cup strawberries and cook with 1 cup water for 2 minutes. Sieve berries and return juice to pan. Add sugar, cornstarch and balsamic vinegar; cook and stir til thickened and bubbly.
- Assemble fresh berries in one layer of tart pan (can do 2nd layer if using a pie shell, pour sauce over each berry. There may be leftover sauce if making in a tart pan so just pour enough over berries to fill and not flow over edge.
- Chill for at least one hour before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
This recipe is PERFECT for our overabundance of strawberries. The strawberries are so succulent and sweet, they will go well with the Mascarpone. I love the idea of the tart pan too. It will be hard to wait until tomorrow to make it. However, I’m not sure if Giuliano will allow me to add the balsamic vinegar his cousins handed down to him to it. Maybe I’ll sneak it in :)
This is so good and fresh tasting; one of my oldest recipes and still a favorite. A testimony to how good it is? My daughter’s roommate from college is allergic to strawberries. She begs for this tart willing to suffer for one day as a result!
I made this tart for my son’s birthday family dinner and it is OH.MY.GOODNESS. delicious. The balsamic vinegar puts the glaze to a whole other level and should always be added. For whatever reason the strawberries this fall have been far better than this summer, so thank you for sharing this recipe.
I’m so glad you loved it. Though updated a bit…it really has been a family favorite for thirty years!
This looks fabulous! I’m going to have to hunt up some strawberries.
Hi Barbara! This is perfectly GORGEOUS! I really want to make a strawberry tart now. I just wanted to stop by and say ‘hello’! I’m finally starting to try to unbury myself and start visiting friends blogs again slowly but surely. I especially wanted to stop by again and say another thank you for that lovely lotion and laundry soap gifts you sent for my little shower after Kayla was born. Every time I use that lovely lotion I think of you and it just warms my heart to know that I have wonderful bloggy friends out there that care for us. Thanks again!
You are so welcome Holly; glad you are enjoying it. Hope things are going well for you; I know you had a rough road but sounds like you’re getting back on your feet. If the Lollia lotion warms your heart…then it did exactly what I was hoping. I think it’s amazing how we built friendships that have meaning that may have started with a 140 character tweet.
GORGEOUS!!! Good recipe and photo
Looks wonderful!
Thanks so much and I really appreciate your stopping by!
Beautiful! I love the addition of mascarpone cheese in this tart. I think every girl should know how to bake a great dessert and catch a football!
I love the idea of putting the sneaky little layer of mascarpone cheese & the balsamic to boost the glaze. Verrrrry clever, like it a lot.
Yes, Anna…funny how sneaky for purpose became absolutely necessary for taste.
Oh wow, this is now a must make for me! Fab job my friend!
Thank you sweetie…really so easy, the look belies how easy it is to make!
This tart is gorgeous. Your pictures are always so amazing. And I love strawberries. I may have to give this tart a shot.
Thank you so much…and do give it a try; it’s simple and simply luscious!
Awww. Look at you!
Great looking tart and I love the balsamic addition. Those recipes really are timeless. We can always modernize them by plating, etc.
This strawberry tart is absolutely gorgeous. YUM!
Thanks Maggie…maybe another reason I love it…a really great presentation too!