As summer’s warmth begins to fade, I found myself longing for a dessert that not only captures the essence of the season but also brings a touch of my heritage into the mix. Enter the Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart, a delightful fusion that marries the classic Indian sweet, Kaju Katli, with the juiciness of fresh strawberries. The moment the tart cools in the fridge and I catch that first whiff of floral notes from the rose water, I’m transported to a sun-drenched marketplace in Mumbai, where sweets are crafted with love.
This recipe is a perfect solution for anyone bored with conventional desserts or looking to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. With a crispy shortbread base, a chewy layer of Kaju Katli, and vibrant strawberries nestled on top, it’s a treat that delivers not only stunning looks but also a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself, this fusion tart promises to be a showstopper. Let’s dive into this easy baking adventure!
Why is Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart irresistible?
Surprising Fusion: This tart beautifully combines the traditional Indian flavors of Kaju Katli with fresh strawberries, creating a delightful twist.
Easy Baking: With just a few simple steps, anyone can craft this exotic dessert without stressing over complicated techniques.
Texture Contrast: Enjoy the crunch of a buttery shortbread base, the smoothness of Kaju Katli, and the juicy pop of fresh strawberries.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors and elegant presentation make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Seasonal Freshness: Incorporating fresh strawberries adds a summery essence, making it a perfect dessert for warm-weather occasions.
Crowd-Pleasing: Your guests will be wowed by the unique flavor and stunning appearance, ensuring you’re the star of the dessert table!
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Ingredients
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For the Shortcrust Base
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130 grams unsalted butter – Use cold butter for the flakiest texture in your shortcrust pastry.
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100 grams caster sugar – This sweetens the tart base and contributes to its light, airy structure.
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1 egg – Acts as a binder for your pastry; a flax egg can be used for a vegan alternative.
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250 grams all-purpose flour – Essential for bulk; gluten-free flour works too with slight adjustments.
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For the Kaju Katli Filling
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200 grams unsalted cashews – The creamy, rich foundation of the Kaju Katli; substitute with almonds for a different twist.
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90 ml water – Used to create the sugar syrup; no substitutes needed here.
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150 grams white granulated sugar – Sweetens your Kaju Katli; brown sugar gives a more robust flavor if desired.
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1 tsp rose water – Adds a lovely floral note to the Kaju Katli; definitely enhances aroma.
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1/2 tsp cardamom powder – Introduces a warm spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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2 tsp ghee – Gives richness to the Kaju Katli; can be swapped with unsalted butter if necessary.
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For the Strawberry Topping
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200 grams frozen or fresh strawberries – Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and brightness to your tart.
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30 grams granulated white sugar (for strawberries) – Macerates the fruit for enhanced sweetness; adjust based on the ripeness of berries.
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1/2 tsp lemon zest – Balances the sweetness with a citrus kick.
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1 tsp rose water (for strawberries) – Use this optional addition to elevate the flavor.
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1/2 tsp cardamom powder (for strawberries) – Adds depth to the topping; optional, based on your taste preference.
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100 grams fresh strawberries – Use vibrant berries for garnishing, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
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Gold or silver foil – An optional decorative touch that brings elegance when serving.
Dive into this Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart journey as you gather these ingredients; each one plays a vital role in delivering a captivating dessert that blends tradition with a fresh twist!
How to Make Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
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Prepare Shortcrust Pastry:
Cream together the cold, unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Then, beat in the egg and carefully fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. -
Blind Bake the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled pastry and gently lay it in your tart pan, trimming any excess. Prick the base with a fork, cover with parchment paper and fill with baking weights. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let it cool completely. -
Make Kaju Katli Filling:
Grind the cashews into a coarse powder without over-blending. In a saucepan, combine water and granulated sugar to create a syrup; do not stir. Once boiling, add the cashew powder along with rose water, cardamom, and ghee. Stir continuously and cook until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides, about 5-6 minutes. -
Macerate Strawberries:
In a bowl, combine halved strawberries with sugar, lemon zest, rose water, and cardamom. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the strawberries to release their juices and enhance their sweetness. -
Assemble Tart:
Spread the freshly made Kaju Katli filling evenly over the cooled shortcrust base. Arrange the macerated strawberries beautifully on top just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for extra texture and a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
Fridge: Keep your tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness. Add strawberries just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: If you need to store it longer, freeze the tart (without strawberries) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the tart overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, top with freshly macerated strawberries for a refreshing touch before serving.
Reheating: For a warm treat, briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to maintain the texture of the Kaju Katli.
What to Serve with Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
A perfect way to enhance your dessert experience with delightful accompaniments that complement the flavors of this unique treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream:
The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream balances the tart’s sweetness, creating a deliciously decadent combination. -
Fresh Mint Leaves:
A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast, brightening every bite while enhancing your tart’s visual appeal. -
Chilled Masala Chai:
The warm spices of masala chai create a comforting drink pairing, echoing the flavors of cardamom in the Kaju Katli. -
Honey Drizzle:
A light drizzle of honey offers a natural sweetness that enhances both the Kaju Katli and strawberries, unifying the flavors beautifully. -
Coconut Whipped Cream:
Swap traditional whipped cream for a light coconut version for a tropical twist that complements the fruity strawberries magnificently. -
Almond Biscotti:
The crunchiness of almond biscotti pairs perfectly with the soft textures of the tart, offering a satisfying contrast in each bite. -
Sparkling Water with Lemon:
A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon cleanses the palate between bites, keeping your taste buds engaged. -
Bright Fruit Salad:
A side of colorful fruit salad brings freshness and acidity, harmonizing with the tart’s fruity layer while enhancing its appeal.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kaju Katli Tarts are perfect for busy home cooks seeking time-saving delights! You can prepare the shortcrust pastry and Kaju Katli filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the crust and let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For the Kaju Katli, allow it to cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, just spread the Kaju Katli filling over the tart crust and macerate the strawberries right before topping to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert that’s just as delicious with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
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Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter is cold when making the shortcrust pastry. This helps achieve a flaky and tender crust, critical for your Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart.
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Don’t Over-blend Cashews: When grinding cashews for Kaju Katli, stop before the mixture becomes too fine. A coarse powder adds to the desired chewy texture of the filling.
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Timing is Key: Assemble your tart with the macerated strawberries just before serving. This preserves their freshness and brightness, enhancing the overall taste of your tart.
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Avoid Overbaking: When blind baking the crust, keep an eye on it! A light, golden hue is your goal. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust, detracting from the tart’s deliciousness.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the amount of lemon zest and sugar for the strawberries according to your taste preference and strawberry ripeness. A balanced blend will elevate the sweetness for your Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart.
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Variations
Embrace the spirit of creativity as you make this delightful tart your own, adding unique twists that tantalize your taste buds.
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Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter for a compassionate twist.
A vegan tart doesn’t mean compromising on taste. With coconut’s richness, your dessert will stay luscious and satisfying! -
Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour in the pastry.
This adaption ensures everyone can enjoy a slice without the glutinous worries while maintaining that delightful crunch! -
Nut Alternatives: Use almonds or pistachios in place of cashews for the Kaju Katli.
Experimenting with nuts changes savory notes and introduces new flavors, letting you showcase your nutty preferences! -
Fruity Fusion: Try topping the tart with tropical fruits like mango or kiwi for an exotic flair.
As you slice into the tart, bright splashes of color will pop, turning it into a visual feast! -
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to the Kaju Katli for an unexpected kick.
These heat notes pair beautifully with the sweetness, creating an enticing contrast that keeps you coming back for more! -
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate to drizzle over the topped strawberries for an indulgent finish.
This luscious addition increases the richness and decadence while adding an artistic touch with every swirl! -
Rose and Cardamom Infusion: Infuse the cream for whipped toppings with rose and cardamom flavors.
This slight alteration will elevate the entire tasting experience, keeping your guests intrigued with every delightful bite!
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best strawberries for my tart?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for those that are bright red, plump, and free of dark spots. The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor—they should be sweet and fragrant. Ideally, if you can, pick them in season (late spring to early summer) for the best taste!
How should I store my Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
You can keep your tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its freshness. Remember to add the strawberries right before serving to prevent them from getting soggy!
Can I freeze the Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
Yes, you can freeze it! To freeze, wrap the tart (without strawberries) tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, which will protect it from freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What can I do if my Kaju Katli mixture is too runny?
No worries, it happens! If your Kaju Katli mixture is too runny, it likely needs more cooking time. Return it to the stove and cook on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan, usually about 5-6 minutes. Just remember to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
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Is there a gluten-free option for the shortcrust pastry?
Very! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly, as gluten-free flours can absorb moisture differently. Adding a touch of xanthan gum can also help mimic the structure!
Is this recipe suitable for pet owners who want to share their desserts?
While Kaju Katli is made with cashews which are safe for dogs in small amounts, it’s best to avoid giving them desserts with sugar and other added ingredients. Stick to plain, fresh strawberries if you want to share a treat with your furry friend! Always check with your vet if unsure about new foods.
Enjoy creating this fusion delight with these helpful FAQs!
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart: Your New Favorite Fusion Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the cold, unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and carefully fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined.
- If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled pastry and lay it in your tart pan, trimming any excess.
- Prick the base with a fork, cover with parchment paper and fill with baking weights.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let cool completely.
- Grind the cashews into a coarse powder without over-blending.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar to create a syrup; do not stir.
- Once boiling, add the cashew powder along with rose water, cardamom, and ghee.
- Stir continuously and cook until thickened, about 5-6 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine halved strawberries with sugar, lemon zest, rose water, and cardamom.
- Let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour to release juices.
- Spread the Kaju Katli filling evenly over the cooled shortcrust base.
- Arrange the macerated strawberries beautifully on top before serving.
