Strawberry Matcha Tart

This Strawberry Matcha Tart is a delightful dessert that brings together the earthy flavor of matcha with the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this tart is sure to impress guests at gatherings or celebrations. Its stunning two-tone shell and creamy white chocolate filling create a beautiful presentation, while the Swiss meringue buttercream ties everything together in a luscious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visual Appeal: The striking colors and layers make this tart a showstopper.
• Unique Flavor Combination: Matcha and strawberries create a balance of earthy and fruity notes.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for birthdays, tea parties, or casual get-togethers.
• Delightful Texture: A combination of creamy filling and crunchy tart shell adds interest to each bite.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add other fruits based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Strawberry Matcha Tart, gather all necessary tools and prepare your workspace for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Tart pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Saucepan
• Piping bag (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Tart pan: Provides the perfect shape and structure for your tart, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve smooth mixtures for fillings and batters, improving texture.
• Piping bag: Great for decorating your tart with precise control.

Ingredients

For the Tart Shell

• 80 g confectioners sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
• 1/2 lb all-purpose flour (225g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, cool & cubed)
• ¼ tsp salt (1g)

For the Matcha Filling

• 1 tsp matcha powder
• 80 g confectioners sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
• 1/2 lb plain flour (215g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, cool & cubed)
• 2 tbsp powdered strawberries
• ¼ tsp salt (1g)
• 3 drops soft pink food coloring

For the White Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (200g)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (110g, heated)

For the Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 2 egg whites at room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter (452g, room temperature)
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)

For Garnishing

• 8 strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (15mL)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup
• 8 oz mascarpone (room temp)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
• 1/2 cup white candy melts
• 2 tbsp powdered strawberries
• 2 tbsp matcha powder

How to Make Strawberry Matcha Tart

Step 1: Make the Tart Shell

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine confectioners sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, butter, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Press the dough into a greased tart pan evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 19 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cooling completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Matcha Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together matcha powder, confectioners sugar, egg yolks, vanilla extract, plain flour, cubed butter, powdered strawberries, and salt until smooth.
2. Pour this mixture into the cooled tart shell.

Step 3: Bake Again

Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Make White Chocolate Mixture

1. In a saucepan over low heat, mix white chocolate chips with heavy cream until melted and smooth.
2. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled tart filling.

Step 5: Prepare Swiss Meringue Buttercream

1. Whip egg whites in a clean bowl until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form.
3. Slowly incorporate room temperature butter until smooth. Add salt and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tart

Spread Swiss meringue buttercream over the white chocolate layer on your tart. Decorate with sliced strawberries on top.

Step 7: Final Touches

Drizzle lemon juice mixed with sugar over strawberries along with light corn syrup for shine.

Enjoy your delectable Strawberry Matcha Tart!

How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tart

Serving a Strawberry Matcha Tart can transform any gathering into a delightful occasion. The vibrant colors and rich flavors of this dessert make it an instant centerpiece. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your tart experience.

Fresh Fruit Pairing

• Berries: Serve with a mix of fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries for added color and flavor.
• Mint Leaves: Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing contrast that complements the tart’s sweetness.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Vanilla Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened vanilla whipped cream enhances the tart’s rich flavors.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, use coconut whipped cream for a tropical twist.

Ice Cream Accompaniment

• Green Tea Ice Cream: The earthy tones of green tea ice cream pair beautifully with the matcha in the tart.
• Strawberry Sorbet: This fruity treat adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor while keeping things light.

Serving Temperature

• Chilled Tart: Serve your tart chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days.
• Room Temperature: Alternatively, letting the tart sit at room temperature brings out its full flavor profile.

How to Perfect Strawberry Matcha Tart

Creating the perfect Strawberry Matcha Tart requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your tart comes out flawlessly every time.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality white chocolate and fresh strawberries will significantly enhance the flavor.
• Cool Butter Thoroughly: Ensure your butter is cool but not hard; this will help create a flaky crust.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting helps eliminate lumps in your meringue, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Measure Accurately: Precision is key; use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients to maintain consistency.
• Avoid Overbeating Egg Whites: Beating egg whites just until stiff peaks form prevents a grainy texture in your meringue buttercream.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Matcha Tart

Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Matcha Tart can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors wonderfully.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the tart.
2. Cheese Board – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which pair well with strawberries for a savory contrast.
3. Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing bite alongside the tart.
4. Pistachio Cookies – These nutty cookies offer crunch and additional texture that matches well with the smoothness of the tart.
5. Almond Biscotti – Crisp biscotti adds an Italian flair and complements the flavors without overshadowing them.
6. Chia Seed Pudding – A light pudding flavored with vanilla or coconut makes for a healthy yet indulgent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a strawberry matcha tart can be exciting, but there are some common mistakes to steer clear of.

• Bold Ingredient Miscalculations: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little can affect the texture and flavor of your tart. Use a kitchen scale for precision.

• Bold Overmixing the Dough: When preparing the crust, avoid overmixing. This can lead to a tough texture. Mix until just combined for a flaky crust.

• Bold Ignoring Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling your dough before rolling it out. Chilling helps maintain its shape during baking, ensuring a perfectly formed tart shell.

• Bold Not Pre-baking the Shell: Failing to pre-bake the tart shell can result in a soggy bottom. Take the time to blind bake it until golden for the best results.

• Bold Skipping Flavor Adjustments: Taste as you go! Adjust sweetness or acidity as needed, especially with the filling and meringue to enhance overall flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the tart in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing Strawberry Matcha Tart

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• The tart can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Matcha Tart

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tart on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.

• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covering them with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Strawberry Matcha Tart.

What is Strawberry Matcha Tart?

Strawberry Matcha Tart is a delicious dessert featuring a matcha-infused crust filled with white chocolate ganache and topped with fresh strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries for my tart?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before using them in your tart recipe.

How do I make my matcha flavor stronger?

To enhance the matcha flavor, simply increase the amount of matcha powder used in both the crust and filling. Adjust according to your taste preference.

Is Strawberry Matcha Tart gluten-free?

For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for variety, or swap white chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer that taste.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Matcha Tart is not only visually stunning but also offers delightful flavors that balance sweetness with earthy notes from matcha. This versatile dessert invites customization—feel free to play with different fruits or fillings! We encourage you to try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills!