Description
An elegant no-bake strawberry tart with a buttery spiced speculoos crust, light vanilla mascarpone cream, and fresh strawberries. A refreshing dessert that comes together quickly without an oven.
Ingredients
300 g speculoos cookies
80 g unsalted butter, melted
250 g very cold mascarpone cheese
15 cl (150 ml) very cold heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
30 g powdered sugar
500 g fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Crush the speculoos cookies into very fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Transfer the cookie mixture to a tart ring or non-stick tart pan with a removable bottom. Press firmly and evenly into the base to form a compact crust. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Place the very cold mascarpone, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whip until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue whipping until the mascarpone cream is smooth, thick, and holds firm peaks. Keep refrigerated until needed.
- Rinse and thoroughly dry the strawberries. Remove the stems and cut the strawberries in half lengthwise.
- Spread or pipe the mascarpone filling evenly over the chilled speculoos crust.
- Arrange the strawberry halves over the mascarpone cream, gently pressing them into the filling.
- Keep the tart refrigerated until serving. Chill it longer before slicing for cleaner, neater portions.
Notes
Keep both the mascarpone and heavy cream very cold for a thick, stable filling.
For a mixed-berry tart, replace some of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
For a chocolate variation, spread a thin layer of melted chocolate over the chilled crust and let it set before adding the mascarpone filling.
Add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the mascarpone cream for a citrus variation.
Digestive biscuits, graham-style crackers, or another crisp dry cookie can replace the speculoos; adjust the butter slightly if necessary.
Optional toppings include chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, or grated white chocolate.
Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 to 2 days for the best texture.
Serve cold and do not reheat. Freezing the fully assembled tart is not recommended because the strawberries and mascarpone filling may become watery after thawing.
For clean slices, thoroughly chill the tart and use a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
