There’s a certain charm that comes with the first slice of a freshly baked tart. The moment the crisp puff pastry crumbles at your touch, releasing the fragrant notes of almond and vanilla, it feels like a little celebration on your plate. This Lattice Strawberry Tart is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper, perfect for gatherings or simply to indulge in during a quiet afternoon. Picture the beautifully arranged lattice, the vibrant red strawberries peeking through, and the sweet aroma filling your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around and savor each bite.
This delightful creation features a rich almond frangipane, a dreamy filling that takes just minutes to whip up, making it as easy as it is impressive. Whether you’re surprising guests or treating yourself, this tart promises a burst of fresh flavor and a stunning presentation that will make any occasion feel special. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that combines simplicity with elegance, and bring a touch of homemade magic to your table!
Why is Lattice Strawberry Tart so irresistible?
Simplicity at its best: The straightforward method allows both novice and seasoned bakers to create this stunning dessert.
Flavor explosion: The combination of creamy almond frangipane and fresh strawberries offers a delightful taste experience that’s hard to resist.
Visual appeal: The intricate lattice design and vibrant strawberries make for a jaw-dropping presentation, perfect for any celebration.
Versatile delight: Customize with your favorite fruits or extracts, making it a versatile treat for any season.
Crowd pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this tart is bound to impress and satisfy.
For more delightful tart ideas, check out our incredible line-up of dessert recipes!
Lattice Strawberry Tart Ingredients
Indulge in the perfect combination of flavors and textures with this delightful tart!
For the Tart Base
• Puff Pastry (2 sheets) – Offers a light, flaky base that’s simple to work with; homemade options can be just as delightful.
For the Frangipane Filling
• Unsalted Butter (40g) – Brings richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Caster Sugar (50g) – Sweetens the frangipane, creating a light texture; feel free to substitute with granulated sugar.
• Ground Almonds (75g) – This key ingredient imparts a beautiful nutty flavor; swap with hazelnuts for a twist!
• Pinch of Salt – A small addition that balances the overall sweetness.
• Medium Egg (1) – Binds the filling; make sure it’s at room temperature for best results.
• Almond Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Imparts a lovely almond flavor; vanilla extract is a fine alternative.
• Vanilla Extract or Rum (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds depth to the taste; choose according to your flavor preferences.
For the Topping
• Fresh Strawberries – The star of the tart; their vibrant color and juicy texture are essential for visual appeal.
• Egg Yolk (for wash) – Helps achieve a beautiful golden finish; mix with a few drops of milk for the egg wash.
• Powdered Sugar – Dust over the tart before serving for a sweet, decorative touch.
Enjoy crafting this Lattice Strawberry Tart that will surely charm your guests!
How to Make Lattice Strawberry Tart
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures the tart cooks evenly and releases easily after baking.
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Cut heart shapes from the puff pastry using a cookie cutter, aiming for about 8cm in size. Arrange them on the baking sheet with enough space in between for puffing up.
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Cream the unsalted butter and caster sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will contribute to the airiness of the frangipane filling.
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Mix in the ground almonds, followed by the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. Chill the frangipane mix in the fridge for a little while.
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Spread a generous tablespoon of the chilled frangipane into the center of each pastry heart, leaving a bit of a border around the edges for sealing later.
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Top each frangipane filling with several sliced strawberries, arranging them in a delightful pattern to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
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Roll out the second puff pastry sheet to create the lattice. Cut strips using a knife or a lattice roller, making sure they are even in width.
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Place the lattice gently over the filled pastries. Brush the edges with the egg wash and press to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra touch.
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Create small decorative shapes from any leftover pastry and attach them with the egg wash as “strawberry stalks” for an adorable touch!
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Brush the tops with egg wash and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and puffed up beautifully.
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Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving. Optionally, you can garnish with fondant daisies for an adorable finish.
Optional: Serve with a scoop of whipped cream or a side of ice cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Lattice Strawberry Tart
Room Temperature: Allow the tart to cool completely, then keep it covered at room temperature for up to 1 day for optimal freshness.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pastry might lose some flakiness but will still be delicious.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: To enjoy the tart warm, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, restoring some of its flaky texture.
Expert Tips for Lattice Strawberry Tart
- Chill Your Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry is well-chilled before cutting; this helps maintain its shape and flakiness during baking.
- Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the tart to prevent spilling over the edges while baking, which can lead to a messy presentation.
- Fluff the Mixture: When mixing the butter and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy mixture. This is essential for achieving a light and airy frangipane filling.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use only fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation. Frozen strawberries can release excess moisture and affect the texture.
- Cooling Time: Allow the tart to cool on a wire rack to maintain its crispiness; this also prevents sogginess from steam accumulation.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to try different extracts or toppings to put your unique spin on this Lattice Strawberry Tart!
Lattice Strawberry Tart Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild with these exciting twists that could elevate your Lattice Strawberry Tart!
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Mixed Berries: Swap strawberries for a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful and flavorful medley. Each berry brings a unique sweetness and tartness to the tart, making every bite a little adventure.
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Citrus Zest: Add zest from an orange or lemon to the frangipane for a refreshing citrus kick. This brightens the overall flavor and adds a fragrant aroma that dances across the kitchen.
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Nutty Twist: Replace ground almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different earthy flavor profile. This gives an interesting twist to the frangipane and pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the finished tart for a decadent touch. The rich chocolate enhances the sweetness of the frangipane and strawberries, making it a delightful treat for chocoholics.
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Spiced Frangipane: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the frangipane for a warm, spiced flavor that works wonderfully with the strawberries. The spices bring a cozy feel, especially lovely during the cooler months.
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Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture, and use vegan butter in place of regular butter. You’ll still get a luscious filling and flaky crust without any animal products!
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Savory Take: Try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or mint into the frangipane for a surprising savory undertone. This unique twist creates a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness of the strawberries.
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Caramel Layer: Before adding the strawberries on top, spread a thin layer of caramel sauce over the frangipane. This indulgent addition brings a lovely depth and extra richness that is simply irresistible.
Make Ahead Options
These Lattice Strawberry Tarts are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights. You can prepare the almond frangipane filling up to 3 days in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can cut the puff pastry heart shapes and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembly, ensuring they remain chilled and easy to work with. When ready to enjoy, assemble the tart by spreading the frangipane and topping with sliced strawberries, then create the lattice and bake for a delightful, warm dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Lattice Strawberry Tart?
Elevate your dessert experience with complementary dishes that enhance the sweet, fruity essence of this delightful tart.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious, creamy touch that balances the tartness of the strawberries beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy vanilla pairs beautifully with the warmth of the tart, enhancing the almond and berry flavors rich in nostalgia.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a refreshing burst of flavor, brightening each bite while enhancing the tart’s vibrant colors.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A glass of chilled sparkling lemonade offers a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the tart, making it an invigorating pairing.
- Almond Biscotti: For a crunchy companion, almond biscotti provides a lovely textural contrast and echoes the almond notes in the frangipane.
- Earl Grey Tea: A steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, with its distinct bergamot essence, complements the tart’s flavors while adding a sophisticated touch.
Each of these pairings harmonizes with the Lattice Strawberry Tart, ensuring every bite is a delicious celebration of flavor and texture!
Lattice Strawberry Tart Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when choosing strawberries?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, aim for ones that are bright red and firm, with a sweet aroma. Avoid any that have dark spots or appear mushy, as they may be overripe. Fresh strawberries will give your Lattice Strawberry Tart the best flavor!
How should I store leftover Lattice Strawberry Tart?
For optimal freshness, once your tart has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will help retain its flavors, although the pastry may lose some flakiness over time.
Can I freeze Lattice Strawberry Tart, and if so, how?
Of course! To freeze your Lattice Strawberry Tart, cover it tightly in plastic wrap and then wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator before baking for about 20-25 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
What if my puff pastry doesn’t rise properly?
Very! If your puff pastry isn’t rising as expected, it might be due to a few factors. Ensure that your pastry was kept chilled before baking, as warmth can hinder its puffing action. Also, check your oven temperature; sometimes, an oven that’s set too low can result in less puffiness. If it’s overcooked, the texture may become dense.
Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?
It’s important to note that the Lattice Strawberry Tart contains almonds in the frangipane filling, which are not safe for individuals with nut allergies. If you’re making this tart for someone with dietary restrictions, consider substituting the ground almonds with sunflower seed flour or a nut-free flour blend to ensure a safe and enjoyable dessert.
Lattice Strawberry Tart: A Sweet Heart-Shaped Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut heart shapes from the puff pastry using a cookie cutter, aiming for about 8cm in size.
- Cream the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the ground almonds, followed by the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread a tablespoon of chilled frangipane into the center of each pastry heart, leaving a border.
- Top each frangipane filling with sliced strawberries, arranging them delightfully.
- Roll out the second puff pastry sheet and cut strips for the lattice.
- Place the lattice over the pastries, brush edges with egg wash and seal.
- Create decorative shapes from leftover pastry with egg wash as 'strawberry stalks.'
- Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.