Strawberry Basil Tart with Cream

Name: Strawberry Basil Tart with Cream
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 200g digestive biscuits, crushed; 100g unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons sugar; 250g mascarpone cheese; 200ml heavy cream; 50g powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon; 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Tea Time | Cookies & Cakes

I love making this Strawberry Basil Tart with Cream for special gatherings or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. The combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil topped with a luscious cream filling creates a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Each bite is refreshing and indulgent, striking the perfect balance between flavor and texture. This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also allows me to showcase seasonal ingredients with minimal fuss. Trust me, this tart will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Created by

Wendys

Last updated on 2026-02-08T17:57:27.551Z

Creating this Strawberry Basil Tart with Cream was a delightful experiment that I stumbled upon during my weekend baking sessions. I wanted to create a dessert that was not only visually appealing but also packed with vibrant flavors. I found that combining the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the peppery notes of fresh basil enhanced the overall taste, making each bite an experience!

After a few rounds of tweaking the cream filling, I realized that using mascarpone cheese added a wonderful richness to the tart while keeping it light. The process of blending the ingredients to achieve a silky texture was key to elevating the dessert. My friends couldn't get enough!

        Why You Will Love This Tart
        A unique blend of sweet strawberries and fresh basil
Creamy filling that perfectly complements the tart crust
Visually stunning, making it a showstopper for any occasion

      

The Art of Crust Making

Creating the perfect tart crust is essential for this recipe. The digestive biscuits provide a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness, which is balanced by the creamy filling. Ensure that you crush the biscuits finely; using a food processor can achieve a consistent texture. After mixing with melted butter and sugar, press the mixture well into the pan. This helps the crust hold its shape when baked. Look for a light golden color after baking, which indicates it's ready to cool.

When baking the crust, keep an eye on the edges to prevent them from burning. If you notice browning before the full 10 minutes, remove it from the oven. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling; a warm crust can cause the cream to become runny, making it hard to set properly. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the digestive biscuits with gluten-free cookies for a similar texture.

Perfecting the Cream Filling

The filling for this tart is a delightful blend of mascarpone and heavy cream, which creates a rich yet airy texture. To achieve the best results, ensure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps. When combining the ingredients, I recommend using a hand mixer on medium speed for about 1-2 minutes until you achieve a smooth, glossy consistency. Avoid overwhipping the cream; it should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so stiff that it loses its silky feel.

Incorporating lemon zest not only brightens the flavor but also adds a lovely aromatic quality. If you're looking for alternatives, you can swap out the lemon zest for lime or orange zest for a different citrus twist. Additionally, consider adding a tablespoon of fresh basil into the cream for an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious tart:

For the Tart Crust

200g digestive biscuits, crushed
100g unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar

For the Filling

250g mascarpone cheese
200ml heavy cream
50g powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Enjoy your beautifully crafted Strawberry Basil Tart!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your magnificent tart:

Make the Tart Crust

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into a tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool.

Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble the Tart

Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream filling evenly over the tart base. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the tart for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Slice and enjoy your refreshing dessert!

Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some balsamic reduction over the tart before serving to enhance the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Basil Tart is a stunning centerpiece for any table. To elevate your presentation, serve slices topped with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a touch of color and contrasting flavor. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even richer experience, especially during warm months when a cold treat is refreshing.

For gatherings, I love to prepare mini tarts using a muffin tin for individual servings. Just be sure to adjust the baking time for smaller crusts, and enjoy the playful, bite-sized version of this delightful dessert!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the tart crust and the cream filling a day in advance, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Store the baked and cooled crust in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the cream filling in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the tart, add the strawberries, and chill to set. This approach ensures that your tart remains fresh and the crust retains its texture without getting soggy.

If you have leftovers, cover the tart with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, for the best taste, try to enjoy it within the first 24 hours, as the strawberries can start to lose their texture and the cream may soften over time.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How long will the tart keep in the fridge?

The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

→ Can I make the crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust up to a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

→ What can I substitute for the mascarpone cheese?

You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different.