When summer arrives and strawberries burst into their juicy glory, it’s the perfect time to blend traditional flavors with fresh flair. I discovered the Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart while seeking a delightful dessert that combines my love for Indian sweets with the vibrant essence of seasonal fruit. Picture this: a crisp, buttery tart shell cradling a delectable layer of chewy Kaju Katli, accented with fragrant rose and cardamom, all crowned with luscious strawberries. It’s a dessert that not only dazzles the eyes but also promises to elevate any gathering, surprising guests with its enchanting fusion of cultures and flavors. Best of all, this treat is simple to whip up, even for those who might shy away from complicated desserts. Join me as we embark on a culinary journey that brings together tradition and innovation in perfect harmony!
Why is Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart a Must-Try?
A Fusion Delight: This dessert seamlessly combines the richness of Kaju Katli with the brightness of strawberries, creating a unique flavor profile like no other.
Effortless Preparation: Even novice bakers can create this impressive treat with straightforward steps that require minimal fuss.
Versatile Options: Embrace dietary diversity with variations for nut-free and vegan preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: The stunning presentation and exquisite taste make it a showstopper at any gathering, sure to impress your guests.
Freshness Guaranteed: Using seasonal strawberries not only enhances flavor but also brings a vibrant touch, perfect for summer celebrations.
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Ingredients
• Get ready to create a fusion dessert that combines tradition and freshness!
For the Tart Shell
- Unsalted Butter – 130 grams, softened for easy blending to ensure a flaky pastry.
- Caster Sugar – 100 grams; you can substitute with granulated sugar if necessary.
- Egg – 1 large, acting as a crucial binder for the pastry texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – 250 grams; no substitutes recommended for structural integrity.
For the Kaju Katli Layer
- Unsalted Cashews – 200 grams, the star ingredient; grind finely but avoid overheating to keep them from turning oily.
- Water – 90 ml, needed to dissolve sugar for the syrup; no substitutes required here.
- Granulated Sugar – 150 grams, sweetening this traditional layer; regular or caster sugar works perfectly.
- Rose Water – 1 tsp, adding a delightful floral aroma; feel free to swap with vanilla extract if desired.
- Cardamom Powder – 1/2 tsp, lending a warm spice flavor; nutmeg can be a substitute if you prefer.
- Ghee – 2 tsp, enhancing both texture and flavor; unsalted butter can work as a substitute.
For the Strawberry Topping
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries – 200 grams; fresh strawberries are preferable for the best flavor.
- Additional Granulated Sugar – 30 grams, perfect for macerating strawberries; adjust sweetness based on your palate.
- Lemon Zest – 1/2 tsp, brightening the flavors; orange zest can be used if you want a citrus twist.
Optional Garnish
- Gold or Silver Foil – completely optional but adds an elegant touch for presentation that makes your tart shine!
Now, gather these ingredients and prepare to dazzle your taste buds with this Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart!
How to Make Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
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Prepare Shortcrust Pastry: Cream softened butter and caster sugar together until fluffy. Incorporate the egg, and gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to set.
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Bake Pastry: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough, fit it into a tart pan, and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
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Make Kaju Katli: In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water to create a syrup. Stir in the finely ground cashews and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Mix in the rose water, cardamom, and ghee.
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Cool Kaju Katli: Pour the mixture onto a greased surface and flatten it. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until it firms up.
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Prepare Strawberries: In a bowl, mix the strawberries with additional sugar and lemon zest, allowing them to macerate for 30 minutes. This enhances their sweetness and flavor.
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Assemble Tart: Spread the cooled Kaju Katli over the tart shell, then top with the marinated strawberries. For an elegant finish, sprinkle optional gold or silver foil on top.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra layer of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
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Cashew Grinding: Ensure cashews are ground finely: Overgrinding can turn them oily, ruining texture in the Kaju Katli layer.
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Chilling Dough: Don’t skip chilling the pastry: This step is essential for achieving a flaky crust and easy handling during baking.
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Low Heat Cooking: Keep the heat low while making Kaju Katli: This helps prevent burning or overcooking the mixture, ensuring perfect consistency.
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Fresh Strawberries: Opt for fresh strawberries when possible: They enhance taste and add a vibrant look to your Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart.
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Storage Wisdom: Store leftovers properly: Keep any remaining tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for a week.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Kaju Katli Tarts are perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike! You can prepare the shortcrust pastry up to 3 days in advance; simply bake it, cool, and wrap tightly before refrigerating. The Kaju Katli layer can be made up to 24 hours in advance—just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain its chewy texture. The macerated strawberries should be prepared right before serving to preserve their freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the Kaju Katli onto the cooled tart shell, top with marinated strawberries, and enjoy this beautiful dessert that’s just as delightful as when first made!
What to Serve with Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
Indulge in the flavors and aromas that beautifully complement the vibrant essence of this exquisite dessert.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the chewy texture of the Kaju Katli and fresh strawberries.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a fluffy element that enhances the tart’s decadence while balancing its sweetness.
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Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint brightens the flavors, adding a refreshing touch that complements the strawberries beautifully.
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Masala Chai: Enjoying a slice with a warm cup of spiced masala chai creates a cozy, comforting experience, melding perfectly with the tart’s flavors.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: For those who love a touch of richness, drizzling melted dark chocolate over the tart offers a luxurious flavor pairing.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tart, adding balance to your dessert spread.
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Pistachio Halwa: The nutty sweetness of pistachio halwa echoes the cashew notes in the Kaju Katli while adding a delightful texture to the palate.
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Chilled Rose Lemonade: A glass of chilled rose lemonade refreshes the senses and complements the tart’s floral notes perfectly, creating a harmonious blend.
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Variations
Customize your dessert experience with delightful twists that make this tart your own!
- Nut-Free: Substitute cashews with a mixture of oatmeal and dates for a grain-based fudge that’s just as delicious.
- Vegan: Replace butter and ghee with coconut oil, and use flaxseed meal for the egg in the pastry for a plant-based treat.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate into the Kaju Katli layer, introducing a luscious, rich flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice to the strawberries for a zesty enhancement that complements their natural sweetness beautifully.
- Berry Medley: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a colorful topping that adds a range of vibrant flavors.
- Spiced Delight: Enhance the Kaju Katli with a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm, comforting touch that elevates this fusion dessert.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh mint in the strawberry topping for an unexpected burst of freshness and a cooling contrast.
- Caramel Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the strawberries for a decadent, sweet enhancement that ties in wonderfully with the tart’s flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart
Room Temperature: Keep the tart at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place, ideally covered with a cloche or in a cake box to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps preserve the flavors, especially the Kaju Katli layer, while keeping the strawberries fresh.
Freezer: If you need to freeze the tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, making sure it’s sealed well to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving, as it may affect the texture of the Kaju Katli.
Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best strawberries for the tart?
Absolutely! When selecting strawberries, look for berries that are bright red, with no dark spots or mushy areas. The leaves should be green and fresh. Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best flavor, so aim for berries that are firm and fragrant.
What is the best way to store the Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
You can store the tart at room temperature for up to 2 days, preferably under a cake dome or in a box to keep it fresh. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve it chilled or at room temperature.
What if my Kaju Katli turns too hard when cooled?
Very understandable! If your Kaju Katli layer ends up too hard, this can happen if it’s cooked too long or at too high a heat. For the next attempt, maintain low heat and stir consistently until it thickens, but keep the cooking time short (around 5–7 minutes). A good sign is the mixture pulling away from the sides of the pan without sticking.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, you can make this tart nut-free by using a grain-based fudge or dates as a base instead of Kaju Katli. For a vegan option, replace butter and ghee with coconut oil and the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg).
Savory Meets Sweet: Easy Strawberry Kaju Katli Tart Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream softened butter and caster sugar together until fluffy. Incorporate the egg, and gradually mix in the flour until a smooth dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to set.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough, fit it into a tart pan, and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water to create a syrup. Stir in the finely ground cashews and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Mix in the rose water, cardamom, and ghee.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased surface and flatten it. Allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until it firms up.
- In a bowl, mix the strawberries with additional sugar and lemon zest, allowing them to macerate for 30 minutes.
- Spread the cooled Kaju Katli over the tart shell, then top with the marinated strawberries. For an elegant finish, sprinkle optional gold or silver foil on top.