The Blackberry-Mango Tart is a delightful dessert that combines the tropical sweetness of mangoes with the tartness of blackberries, all encased in a flaky pie crust. This tart offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings, special occasions, or a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mango puree
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (6-ounce) container fresh blackberries
Directions
-
Prepare the Pie Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
- Place the pie crust in the pan, trimming the edges to fit.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the sugar and eggs.
- Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Add the mango puree, melted butter, and lemon juice to the bowl.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the filling is dissolved and thickened, about 15 minutes.
-
Assemble the Tart:
- Pour the prepared filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Gently arrange the fresh blackberries on top of the filling.
-
Bake:
- Place the tart in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the tart to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g (23% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
- Cholesterol: 55mg (18% DV)
- Sodium: 100mg (4% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 35g (12% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g (6% DV)
- Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
- Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
- Potassium: 100mg (2% DV)
Why Mangoes and Blackberries Make a Perfect Pair
The pairing of mangoes and blackberries in this tart is nothing short of magical. Both fruits have distinct flavors and textures, yet they complement each other wonderfully. Mangoes are known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor and smooth texture. They add a tropical sweetness that elevates any dish, and when used in a dessert, they bring a luscious creaminess that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients.
Blackberries, on the other hand, provide a contrasting tartness that cuts through the richness of the mango. They have a slightly earthy flavor that balances the natural sweetness of the mangoes, creating a delightful contrast that keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet. Additionally, blackberries have a burst of juiciness that adds texture and freshness to the tart, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.
Together, these fruits create a flavor profile that is both balanced and complex. The sweetness of the mangoes and the tanginess of the blackberries work together in perfect harmony, while their different textures—smooth mangoes and juicy blackberries—add depth and interest to the dessert. This combination is a true reflection of the versatility of fruit in desserts, showing how two contrasting flavors can come together to create a perfect balance.
The Importance of the Tart Crust
While the filling of the tart is undoubtedly the star of the dish, the crust plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded dessert. The buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect foundation for the fruity filling, offering a light, crisp contrast to the softness of the mango and blackberry layers. The crust should be tender but not too crumbly, allowing it to support the filling without overpowering the fruit flavors.
The key to a successful tart crust is achieving the right balance between butter, flour, and a small amount of sugar. The butter adds richness and flavor, while the sugar gives the crust a slight sweetness that complements the filling. A perfectly baked crust should have a golden color and a light, crisp texture that contrasts with the softness of the mango and blackberry filling. This balance between crust and filling is what makes a tart so enjoyable and satisfying.
Additionally, the crust serves as the perfect canvas for the vibrant filling. The fruit’s colors shine against the golden crust, making the tart not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes. The visual appeal of a beautifully baked tart, with its intricate golden crust and vibrant fruit filling, adds to the overall experience, making it a showstopper dessert for any occasion.
Creating the Perfect Mango Filling
The mango filling in this tart is the epitome of tropical flavor. Mangoes are pureed to create a smooth, velvety texture that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. The natural sweetness of the mangoes is intensified during the cooking process, resulting in a luscious, creamy filling that perfectly complements the tartness of the blackberries.
In this recipe, the mango filling is made by combining pureed mangoes with eggs, butter, and a touch of lemon juice. The eggs help to thicken the filling, giving it a custard-like consistency, while the butter adds richness and creaminess. The lemon juice provides a slight tang that balances the natural sweetness of the mangoes, preventing the filling from being overly sweet.
When baked, the mango filling sets into a smooth, velvety custard that is both refreshing and indulgent. The combination of mangoes and the slight acidity of the lemon juice creates a well-rounded flavor profile that is both sweet and bright. The result is a filling that is rich in flavor yet light in texture, making it the perfect complement to the crunchy crust and juicy blackberries.
Adding the Blackberries
The blackberries in this tart serve as both a flavor contrast and a visual element. Their rich, deep purple color adds a pop of contrast against the bright yellow mango filling, making the tart even more visually appealing. Their slightly tart flavor cuts through the sweetness of the mango, creating a perfect balance that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.
The blackberries are gently arranged on top of the mango filling before baking. As they bake, they release their juices, which soak into the mango filling and add a burst of flavor. The result is a tart that is both refreshing and rich, with every bite offering a combination of creamy mango, juicy blackberries, and a crisp, buttery crust.
The blackberries also add an extra layer of texture to the tart, offering a burst of juiciness with each bite. Their small seeds provide a subtle crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the mango filling and the tenderness of the crust. This variety in textures is one of the reasons this tart is so satisfying—each bite provides a new experience, from the creamy mango filling to the juicy blackberries and the crunchy crust.
Baking the Tart to Perfection
Baking the tart is an essential part of the process, as it ensures that the filling sets properly and the crust becomes golden and flaky. The key to baking the perfect tart is controlling the temperature and time, allowing the crust to bake fully while ensuring the filling doesn’t overcook.
The crust should be pre-baked, or “blind-baked,” before the mango filling is added. This ensures that the crust becomes crisp and golden, providing the perfect foundation for the filling. Once the crust is baked, the mango filling is poured in and baked again until it is set. The blackberries are added near the end of the baking process, allowing them to cook slightly without losing their fresh flavor and texture.
When baked properly, the tart should have a golden-brown crust and a firm, custard-like mango filling that is slightly puffed around the edges. The blackberries should be slightly softened but still maintain their shape, creating a visually appealing and delicious dessert.
Why Blackberry-Mango Tart Is Perfect for Summer
The Blackberry-Mango Tart is the perfect dessert for summer. Mangoes and blackberries are both in season during the warmer months, making this dessert an ideal way to showcase fresh, seasonal fruit. The tart is light and refreshing, with a burst of tropical flavor that is perfect for hot summer days. The contrast between the sweet mango filling and the tart blackberries provides a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and invigorating.
The bright, vibrant colors of the mango and blackberries also make this tart an ideal centerpiece for summer gatherings, barbecues, or picnics. Its fresh, fruity flavors will please a crowd and offer a welcome change from heavier, more indulgent desserts. Whether served as a simple treat for family or as a dessert for a larger gathering, the Blackberry-Mango Tart is sure to impress.
Health Benefits of Blackberry-Mango Tart
While the Blackberry-Mango Tart is undeniably a treat, it also offers some health benefits thanks to the nutritious ingredients. Mangoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. They are also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Blackberries are also packed with antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. They are also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and folate, which is essential for cell growth and repair. While the tart is still a dessert, the combination of mangoes and blackberries provides some health benefits, making it a more nutritious option than many other sweets.
Conclusion
The Blackberry-Mango Tart is a perfect dessert that combines the sweetness of mangoes with the tartness of blackberries in a refreshing and satisfying treat. Its vibrant colors, tropical flavors, and variety of textures make it an unforgettable dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a summer picnic or serving it at a formal dinner party, this tart will impress guests and satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.