Mixed Berry White Chocolate Tart
Sweet berry fruit tart featuring a silky smooth white chocolate ganache nestled in a melt-in-your-mouth almond crust.
Ingredients
For the Almond Chocolate Crust
2 cups almond meal
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup melted vegan butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
For the White Chocolate Layer
1/3 cup coconut cream
1/2 cup white chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Berry Curd Layer
4 cups frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
fresh berries for garnish, if desired
Preparation
For the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F. Stir together crust ingredients in a bowl until evenly combined. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch tart pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it begins to feel dry and firm. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
For the White Chocolate Layer
In a small pot, heat the coconut cream, once steaming, remove from heat and add in the white chocolate and stir until it melts then whisk in vanilla.
Pour over the baked tart crust and set in the fridge to chill completely, about 30 minutes.
For the Berry Curd Layer
In a medium-sized pot cook the berries over low heat with 1/2 cup water until they are simmering. Remove from heat.
Carefully blend the berries in a blender. Press the berries through a fine mesh sieve back into the pot. Return to stove on medium heat. Whisk in the sugar and salt.
Make a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1/4 cup of water and lemon juice with the cornstarch in a measuring cup then whisk the slurry into the berries.
Heat and whisk constantly until the berry mixture has thickened. Remove from heat, and mix in the butter until completely melted.
Pour over the chilled, set ganache in the tart crust. Place in the refrigerator to cool completely, about 2 hours. Decorate with fresh berries or as desired.
Feast your eyes on a dessert masterpiece – the Mixed Berry White Chocolate Ganache Tart with an Almond Chocolate Crust. This showstopper tart is an explosion of textures and flavors, from the nutty richness of the crust to the smooth white chocolate ganache and the vibrant tang of the mixed berry curd layer. It's a dessert that's both elegant and approachable, perfect for a special occasion or a simple summer gathering.
Beyond Ordinary: A Crust with Character
The magic of this tart starts with the crust. Unlike traditional pastry dough, this Almond Chocolate Crust is made with almond meal, cocoa powder, butter, and maple syrup. The result is a stunningly beautiful and delicious crust that's naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor. The almond meal adds a delightful nuttiness, the cocoa powder infuses a subtle chocolate hint, and the maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness that ties everything together.
A Tale of Two Layers: A Ganache Dream
The filling of this tart is a delightful story told in two layers. The bottom layer is a White Chocolate Ganache made with coconut cream and white chocolate. Coconut cream offers a lighter alternative to heavy cream, while still providing a luxurious texture. The white chocolate adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the upcoming berry layer.
The top layer is a vibrant Berry Curd Layer made with mixed berries and thickened with cornstarch. This layer is bursting with fresh, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the white chocolate ganache. You can choose your favorite mix of berries, or use whatever is in season, for a truly personalized dessert.
Effortless Elegance: Baking Beauty Made Easy
Don't be intimidated by the stunning presentation of this tart – it's surprisingly easy to make. The almond chocolate crust comes together in a flash, with no need for rolling or chilling. The white chocolate ganache requires just a bit of simmering and stirring. And the berry curd layer thickens quickly on the stovetop. Here are a few tips for guaranteed tart success:
Toast the Almond Meal: Toasting the almond meal for a few minutes in a dry pan intensifies its nutty flavor, taking your crust to the next level.
Berry Bliss: When making the berry curd layer, ensure your berries are completely ripe and juicy for the most vibrant flavor.
Fresh Berry Finish: A Touch of Nature's Beauty
Once your tart is assembled and chilled, the final touch is entirely up to you! Garnish it with fresh berries for a pop of color and a burst of summery flavor. You can arrange them in a simple pattern, create a whimsical design, or let your creativity run wild.
With this recipe, you'll be a master baker in no time. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert masterpiece that will tantalize taste buds and impress your guests!