If you’re hunting for a dessert that dazzles both the eye and the palate, this Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It beautifully combines the earthy, delicate flavor of matcha with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, all layered on a crisp, buttery tart shell. Each bite is a perfect harmony of smooth white chocolate ganache, light meringue, and vibrant fruit notes, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but each plays a crucial role in bringing texture, flavor, and color to this delectable tart. From the matcha powder’s subtle earthiness to the strawberries’ bright sweetness, every element shines together.
- Confectioners’ sugar (80 g): Adds sweetness and tenderness to the tart crust and frosting.
- Egg yolks (3): Provide richness and help bind the dough perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 lb / 225 g): Forms the base of the tart crust, giving structure and crumb.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 113 g, cool & cubed): Contributes to the buttery crispness of the crust.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and strengthens the dough.
- Matcha powder (1 tsp): Offers a vibrant green hue and signature grassy flavor of matcha.
- White chocolate chips (1 cup / 200 g): Melted for a luscious ganache topping.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup / 110 g, heated): Creates a smooth, creamy ganache when combined with chocolate.
- Egg whites (2, room temperature): Whipped for a fluffy meringue finish.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 300 g): Sweetens the meringue perfectly.
- Kosher salt (pinch): Enhances the meringue’s flavor balance.
- Strawberries (8, hulled and sliced): Fresh fruit to crown the tart with sweetness and color.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds a zesty brightness to the strawberry topping.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Used for macerating the strawberries, releasing their juices.
- Light corn syrup (1 tbsp): Provides shine and smooth texture to glazes or toppings.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 oz, room temp): Adds creamy richness, optional for frosting variations.
- Powdered strawberries (2 tsp or more, optional): Intensifies strawberry flavor and adds a delicate pink tint.
- Soft pink food coloring (3 drops): Optional, for a gentle blush color to your strawberry layers.
- White candy melts (1/2 cup): Great for drizzles or decorations to finish your tart.
How to Make Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough
Start by creaming together your confectioners’ sugar and cold, cubed butter until you achieve a light and fluffy texture. This step is key in creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Once smooth, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all these rich flavors.
Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined; this careful mixing keeps your dough tender rather than tough. Once the dough forms, wrap it and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and firm up for rolling.
Step 3: Roll and Bake the Tart Shell
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough in the tart pan with care, creating an even thickness that will bake beautifully. Bake for about 19 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool completely — this crust will provide the perfect crispy base for your luscious filling.
Step 4: Make the White Chocolate Ganache
While the crust is cooling, heat your cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the white chocolate chips. Let this mixture sit for a couple of minutes before stirring gently until the ganache is silky smooth. This ganache adds a heavenly creamy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp crust and fresh fruit.
Step 5: Whip the Meringue
In a clean bowl, whip your egg whites until soft peaks form. Then, gradually stream in granulated sugar, continuing to whip until glossy stiff peaks develop — this ensures your meringue will hold its shape nicely. Fold in the softened butter slowly to create a rich, spreadable meringue that nearly melts on your tongue.
Step 6: Assemble the Tart
Spread the white chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled tart crust. Next, layer on the freshly whipped meringue, using a spatula to create soft peaks and waves. Arrange the hulled and sliced strawberries over the meringue and finish by drizzling a bright strawberry reduction to highlight the tart’s fruity essence. This multi-textured layering is what makes the Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, add a sprinkle of powdered strawberries or a light dusting of matcha powder on top. A few edible flowers or delicate mint leaves can also accentuate the colors beautifully and bring a fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
This tart pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a beverage pairing, a chilled glass of green tea or a delicate rosé complements the tart’s flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini tarts for a charming party dessert, or slice the tart neatly and arrange slices on a platter with alternating colors of fresh strawberries and matcha-dusted whipped cream. You could even drizzle some white candy melts, melted and colored, to create delicate lace patterns on the tart’s surface for a stunning visual impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crust will remain crisp if kept cool and the meringue stays fluffy and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the tart, it’s best to freeze just the baked crust or the individual components separately to preserve texture. The assembled tart with fresh strawberries may become soggy once thawed. Wrap well and freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
Because this tart features delicate layers like meringue and fresh strawberries, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated leftovers to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute matcha powder with green tea powder?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder specifically designed for culinary use, so it’s ideal for this recipe. Regular green tea powder is usually coarser and less vibrant, so it’s not recommended as a substitute for matcha in the Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe.
Is it possible to make this tart gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, ideally one that’s designed for baking. Just be sure to use one that balances the texture so your tart crust stays crisp but tender.
How do I make the strawberry reduction used for drizzling?
Simply simmer mashed strawberries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Let it cool before drizzling over your assembled tart for a burst of fresh berry flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for their firm texture and vibrant flavor, but frozen can be used if drained well and gently thawed. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries release more juice, so adjust your toppings accordingly to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to get a glossy meringue topping?
Use room temperature egg whites and add sugar gradually while whipping to stiff peaks. Incorporating softened butter slowly afterward creates a smooth, shiny meringue perfect for spreading or piping.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe is a delightful adventure in flavor and texture that will impress your friends and family every time. Once you experience the enchanting blend of matcha’s earthiness, the luscious white chocolate ganache, and the fresh strawberries’ sweetness, this recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, don your apron and enjoy crafting this stunning tart that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Print
Strawberry Matcha Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
A delicate and visually stunning Strawberry Matcha Tart featuring a crisp matcha-infused tart crust, rich white chocolate ganache, and fluffy meringue topped with fresh strawberries and a tangy strawberry reduction. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated dessert treat.
Ingredients
Tart Crust
- 1/2 lb all-purpose flour (225g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, cool & cubed)
- 80 g confectioners sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
- ¼ tsp salt (1g)
- 1 tsp matcha powder
White Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (200g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (110g, heated)
Meringue
- 2 egg whites at room temperature
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar (300g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (452g, room temperature)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
Topping and Garnish
- 8 strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (15mL)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for mascarpone sweetness)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup strawberry reduction
- 1/2 cup white candy melts
- 2 tbsp powdered strawberries
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
Instructions
- Prepare Tart Dough: Cream together confectioners’ sugar and cubed butter until fluffy using a mixer. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract and mix well until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and matcha powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients to form a cohesive dough. Wrap the dough and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake the Tart Shell: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough into a tart pan, pressing evenly to form the base and edges. Bake in the oven for about 19 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.
- Make White Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate chips in a bowl and stir gently until the chocolate has fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
- Prepare Meringue: Whip the egg whites to soft peaks. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Then, incorporate room temperature butter and a pinch of kosher salt until the meringue is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble Tart: Spread the white chocolate ganache evenly over the cooled tart shell. Carefully spoon or pipe the meringue over the ganache layer. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the meringue as garnish.
- Drizzle Strawberry Reduction: Drizzle the prepared strawberry reduction over the strawberries and meringue for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure butter is cool and cubed for easier creaming in the dough preparation.
- Chill the dough well before rolling to avoid shrinking during baking.
- Use room temperature egg whites for the best meringue volume.
- Strawberry reduction can be homemade by simmering strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
- Allow tart to cool completely before spreading ganache to prevent melting.
- This tart is best served the same day to enjoy the fresh texture of the meringue and strawberries.
