Elegant yet simple, Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart is a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness with fresh, juicy sweetness. With a crisp buttery crust, silky mascarpone filling, and vibrant strawberries on top, this tart feels bakery-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Popular across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada—especially during spring and summer—this dessert is ideal for garden parties, brunches, birthdays, or holiday gatherings.
Let’s explore how to create the perfect Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Tart
Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart stands out because it offers:
A crisp, buttery pastry base
A lightly sweetened, creamy mascarpone filling
Fresh, bright strawberries
A beautiful presentation
Minimal baking time
It’s light enough for warm weather yet indulgent enough for special occasions.
What Is Mascarpone?
Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese known for its:
Ultra-smooth texture
Mild, slightly sweet flavor
High fat content (which makes it luxuriously creamy)
Unlike traditional cream cheese, mascarpone is softer and less tangy, making it ideal for desserts like tarts, cheesecakes, and tiramisu.
Ingredients for Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart
For the Tart Crust:
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1–2 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt
(Shortcut: Use a pre-made tart shell if desired.)
For the Mascarpone Filling:
1 cup mascarpone cheese
½ cup heavy whipping cream
⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
For the Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
2 tablespoons strawberry jam or apricot preserves (for glaze)
1 teaspoon water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tart Shell
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Mix in egg yolk and cold water until dough forms.
Press dough evenly into a tart pan.
Chill for 20 minutes.
Prick with a fork and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling
In a bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest.
Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
Spread evenly into cooled tart shell.
The filling should be smooth, airy, and stable.
Step 3: Arrange the Strawberries
Slice strawberries evenly.
Arrange in concentric circles or decorative patterns on top.
Warm jam with water and brush lightly over strawberries for shine.
This glaze adds gloss and prevents fruit from drying out.
Tips for the Perfect Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart
✔ Use ripe but firm strawberries for best presentation.
✔ Keep mascarpone cold before mixing to maintain structure.
✔ Chill tart for at least 1 hour before serving.
✔ Avoid overmixing filling to keep it light and fluffy.
Flavor Variations
🍋 Lemon Twist
Add extra lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon curd to the filling.
🍫 Chocolate Base
Brush melted dark chocolate over the baked crust before adding filling.
🫐 Mixed Berry Version
Combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries.
🌿 Herbal Touch
Add finely chopped basil or mint for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness.
Store covered to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
Not ideal for freezing due to fresh fruit topping.
Serving Suggestions
Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart pairs beautifully with:
Freshly brewed coffee
Sparkling wine
Afternoon tea
Light dessert wines
Serve chilled for best texture and flavor.
Why This Tart Is Perfect for Entertaining
This dessert looks elegant but requires minimal advanced pastry skills. It’s:
Visually stunning
Easy to slice
Light after heavy meals
Seasonal and fresh
Its balance of creamy filling and juicy fruit makes it a crowd-pleaser across diverse tastes.
Nutritional Considerations
While indulgent, this tart can be slightly lightened by:
Using light mascarpone
Reducing sugar slightly
Adding more fruit for natural sweetness
However, it remains a rich dessert meant for enjoyment in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Cream Cheese Instead of Mascarpone?
Yes, but the flavor will be tangier and slightly firmer.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture and presentation.
Can I Make It No-Bake?
Yes—use a graham cracker crust and chill instead of baking.
Final Thoughts
Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart is the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and fresh fruit brightness. Its crisp crust, silky filling, and glossy strawberry topping create a dessert that feels both luxurious and refreshing.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering in the U.S., enjoying afternoon tea in the U.K., or celebrating a special occasion in Canada, this tart brings elegance to any table.
Simple ingredients, stunning presentation, and unforgettable flavor—Mascarpone and Strawberry Tart is a dessert you’ll return to again and again. 🍓✨