Birthday cakes are great for people who like to go all out on their special day — tons of frosting, several layers of cake, fun decorations. But for more low-key types, nothing really beats a tart.
They’re simple, elegant and feature a few more flavour notes beyond just the taste of sugar, thanks to the use of fruit. And they’re so easy, in fact, you can whip one up even if it’s not your cake day.
Ingredients (makes a 26-centimetre tart):
300 grams flour
200 grams sugar
a pinch of salt
200 grams butter
800 grams heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 2 packets of vanilla sugar
6 gelatine leaves
200 grams strawberries (fresh or frozen)
juice from half a lime
50 grams icing sugar
Preparation:
1. Mix flour, 100 grams of sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut butter into chunks and rub into flour mixture using your finger tips. Once butter is incorporated, knead until a smooth dough forms, taking at least 6-7 minutes or longer based on your kitchen temperature.
2. Place dough in fridge for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius.
3. Roll out dough to about 26 centimetres in diameter, then gently pick up and place on the tart form. Lightly press dough up the sides. Place a sheet of parchment paper in the centre and carefully fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind-bake the crust for 30 minutes.
4. Remove crust from the oven and remove baking sheet and weights. Allow to cool. In a large pot, mix together cream, remaining 100 grams of sugar and vanilla. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and allow to simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from stove and let cool.
5. Place the gelatine leaves in cold water and let soften for 5 minutes. Remove from water, squeezing out any excess liquid, and whisk them into the warm cream. Pour the cream into the tart form and allow to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Puree strawberries with icing sugar and lime juice. Pour over the tart before serving. – dpa
