If you’re looking for a creamy, soft dessert with a fruity taste, this gluten-free mascarpone and apricot tart is the one for you. Easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack or a last-minute dessert, it pairs the delicacy of mascarpone with the natural sweetness of apricots.
The dough stays tender and crumbly, while the mascarpone cream provides a velvety texture that wins you over at the first bite. An elegant but simple recipe, ideal for surprising friends and family without fuss.
If you’re short on time you can replace the fresh apricot compote with a good apricot jam. A perfect ally in the kitchen as apricots can be used for both sweet and savory recipes. They can also be preserved in syrup, dried, made into jams, jellies and fruit juices so you can enjoy them all year round.
Apricots are a fruit rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron and calcium — a perfect support for physical activity, especially during the summer months.
Also available in gluten-free and lactose-free versions.
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 1 Hour
- Portions: 8-10
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter (about 5.3 oz)
- 1 egg
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 18 oz mascarpone (about 2 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla bean
- 12 apricots
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (juice and grated zest)
- 1 apricot
- to taste mint
Tools
- 1 Work surface
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Tart pan
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Electric mixer
- 1 Saucepan
Steps
Put the sifted flour on a work surface, add the butter in pieces and rub the flour and butter between your hands until the flour is coated. Add the sugar, a pinch of salt and continue working it with your hands.
Finally add the egg and the yolks and quickly knead everything. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour before using.
You can make the shortcrust by hand, with a stand mixer or, even better, with a food processor.
In a bowl combine all the ingredients for the mascarpone cream and beat well with electric beaters until the sugar is fully incorporated.
Wash the apricots well and peel them gently. Cut them into small pieces and put them in a saucepan with the sugar, the lemon juice and zest. Cook until the sauce is soft but not too thick. Let cool.
Roll out the dough and line a 9 1/2-inch tart pan. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of apricot compote over the base.
Pour the mascarpone cream over the compote. Bake in a preheated conventional oven at 356°F for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Warm the remaining apricot compote and pour it over the tart. Once slightly cooled, decorate with the apricot and some mint leaves.
Tips
Keeps in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
FAQ (Questions & Answers)
Can I make the mascarpone and apricot tart gluten-free?
Of course — you can prepare the gluten-free version using the rice shortcrust pastry with olive oil (recipe here), or the rice shortcrust with oil (recipe here) or the rustic gluten-free shortcrust (recipe here).
Is there a lactose-free version?
Yes — you can replace the butter in the shortcrust with lactose-free butter or margarine, or try the oil-based shortcrust version ( recipe here ). For the mascarpone you can opt for a lactose-free mascarpone or a plant-based alternative using the same quantities as the recipe.
Can the tart be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! It keeps in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days. To maintain the crust’s crispness, cover it lightly with plastic wrap.
Can I substitute the mascarpone?
You can use creamy ricotta for a lighter version. The texture will be slightly different but still very good.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze the baked tart without the fresh fruit. Add the fruit when serving after thawing in the refrigerator.
This gluten-free mascarpone and apricot tart is the perfect dessert for those looking for something simple yet indulgent, ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack or special occasions. Easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients, it will win everyone over with its velvety cream and fragrant sweet apricots.
Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out! 😍
For more gluten-free ideas, check out the other recipes on the blog and discover all the easy and quick treats you can make at home.
