Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually stunning — bright red and green make for a show-stopping presentation.
- The perfect balance of nutty, creamy, and fruity flavors.
- A crisp, buttery crust that pairs beautifully with the smooth pistachio filling.
- Ideal for entertaining, holidays, or tea-time treats.
- Can be prepared in advance and assembled before serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour (for tart crust)
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- Powdered sugar
- Egg yolk
- Cold water
- Ground pistachios or pistachio flour
- Cream cheese or mascarpone
- Heavy cream
- Honey or powdered sugar (for sweetness)
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- Crushed pistachios (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the tart crust:
- In a bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and a splash of cold water, mixing just until a dough forms.
- Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a tart pan. Trim excess dough.
- Prick the bottom with a fork and chill again for 10 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
- Make the pistachio filling:
- In a food processor, blend ground pistachios with cream cheese (or mascarpone) until smooth.
- Add honey (or powdered sugar), vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
- Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Assemble the tart:
- Spread the pistachio cream evenly over the cooled crust.
- Arrange halved strawberries on top in a circular pattern or decorative design.
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top for color and texture.
- (Optional) Drizzle lightly with honey or glaze with warmed apricot jam for shine.
- Chill before serving:
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving to let the filling set slightly.
Servings and timing
- Makes 8–10 servings.
- Prep time: 30 minutes.
- Cook time: 20 minutes.
- Chill time: 1 hour.
- Total time: about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Variations
- No-bake version: Use a graham cracker or shortbread cookie crust instead of a baked pastry shell.
- Citrus twist: Add a touch of lemon zest to the pistachio filling for brightness.
- Berry blend: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a colorful mix.
- Chocolate layer: Spread a thin layer of melted white or dark chocolate on the crust before adding the pistachio filling.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegan cream cheese alternatives.
- Mini tarts: Divide the dough and filling among mini tart pans for individual desserts.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Best served chilled.
- Do not freeze assembled tart, as the strawberries can release moisture and soften the crust.
- To make ahead, prepare the crust and pistachio filling separately; assemble before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought tart crust?
Yes, a pre-baked tart shell or pie crust can save time and works perfectly for this recipe.
What type of pistachios should I use?
Use unsalted, shelled pistachios for the best flavor and texture. Toast them lightly for added depth.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely — prepare and refrigerate the pistachio cream up to 2 days in advance. Stir before using.
How do I keep the strawberries fresh?
Pat them dry before placing on the tart and glaze with a thin layer of warmed apricot jam to prevent drying out.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries work best for texture and appearance, but thawed frozen berries can be used if well-drained.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour crust.
How do I get a smooth pistachio filling?
Use a high-speed food processor to blend the pistachios until creamy, or substitute with pistachio paste.
What’s a good substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese works beautifully for a slightly lighter, Italian-style filling.
Can I add extra flavor to the crust?
Yes, add a pinch of salt, vanilla, or finely chopped pistachios to the dough for added flavor.
How long does it keep its texture?
It’s best enjoyed within 24–48 hours, as the strawberries can release moisture over time.
Conclusion
Strawberry Pistachio Tart is a sophisticated dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its crisp crust, creamy pistachio filling, and fresh strawberries, it’s a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for celebrations or elegant gatherings, this tart brings a touch of luxury to any table and is sure to impress every guest.
PrintStrawberry Pistachio Tart
Strawberry Pistachio Tart is a stunning dessert featuring a buttery tart crust, creamy pistachio filling, and fresh strawberries. The perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and fruity flavors makes it an elegant treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- 3/4 cup ground pistachios or pistachio flour
- 8 oz cream cheese or mascarpone
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- Honey or warmed apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg yolk and cold water; mix until dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and fit into a tart pan. Prick bottom with a fork and chill 10 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- In a food processor, blend ground pistachios with cream cheese or mascarpone until smooth.
- Add honey, vanilla, and heavy cream; beat until light and fluffy. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Spread pistachio cream evenly over the cooled crust.
- Arrange halved strawberries on top decoratively and sprinkle crushed pistachios over the tart.
- Drizzle lightly with honey or glaze with warmed apricot jam if desired.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries.
- To keep berries fresh, glaze with apricot jam or honey.
- Prepare crust and filling separately if making ahead.
- Use mascarpone for a richer, Italian-style flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg