Blackberry Mascarpone Tart With Thyme Shortbread Crust Recipe

Welcome to easycrispyrecipes.com! Today, we’re diving into a delightful dessert that combines the tangy flavor of blackberries with the creamy richness of mascarpone cheese, all encased in a fragrant thyme shortbread crust. The Blackberry Mascarpone Tart with Thyme Shortbread Crust is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a unique and elegant dessert for any occasion. This tart not only looks stunning but also offers a burst of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a special treat to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Thyme Shortbread Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Filling:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Blackberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 1/4 cup blackberry jam
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preparing the Thyme Shortbread Crust:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, salt, and chopped thyme leaves.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add vanilla extract: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.
5. Form the crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Make sure to press it up the sides of the pan as well.
6. Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Preparing the Mascarpone Filling:

1. Mix mascarpone and cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
2. Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
3. Chill the filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assembling the Tart:

1. Prepare the blackberry topping: In a small saucepan, combine the blackberry jam, lemon juice, and honey. Heat over medium heat until the jam melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Fill the crust: Once the crust is completely cooled, spread the mascarpone filling evenly over the bottom.
3. Add the blackberries: Arrange the fresh blackberries on top of the mascarpone filling. You can place them in a decorative pattern or simply scatter them evenly.
4. Glaze the tart: Using a pastry brush, gently brush the blackberry jam mixture over the blackberries to give them a shiny glaze.
5. Chill the tart: Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations

Tips:

• Fresh Thyme: For the best flavor, use fresh thyme leaves in the shortbread crust. Dried thyme can be used in a pinch, but the fresh herb adds a lovely aroma and taste.
• Chill the Dough: If the shortbread dough becomes too soft while working with it, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the tart pan.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

Variations:

• Blackberry Caramel Tart: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the tart for an added layer of sweetness.
• Blackberry Custard Tart: Replace the mascarpone filling with a classic custard filling for a different texture.
• Berry Medley Tart: Use a mix of berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, for a colorful and flavorful variation.
• Marzipan Tart: Add a layer of marzipan between the crust and the mascarpone filling for a unique almond flavor.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 4g

Conclusion

The Blackberry Mascarpone Tart with Thyme Shortbread Crust is a dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a creamy, rich filling with a crisp, buttery crust and the fresh, vibrant flavor of blackberries. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a sophisticated dinner party. Give this recipe a try and let the flavors transport you to a gourmet paradise.