Summer Berry Granola Tart
Brighten up your dessert table with this fresh, fruity tart—perfect for backyard catch-ups or family gatherings. The crunchy, buttery crust, made from crumbled Nature Valley™ Canadian Maple Syrup bars, pairs beautifully with a creamy mascarpone filling infused with subtle citrus sweetness.
Ingredient List
- 10 Nature Valley™ Crunchy Canadian Maple Syrup Snack Bars, finely crushed
- 50 g unsalted butter, melted
- 250 g mascarpone
- 40 g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 4 tablespoons double cream
- 100 g small strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 100 g raspberries
- 100 g blueberries
Preparation
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Make the Crust
Crush 10 Nature Valley™ Crunchy Canadian Maple Syrup bars using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix with 50g melted unsalted butter until evenly moist. -
Shape & Chill
Press the crumb mixture into the base and sides of a 23cm tart tin. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up the crust. -
Make the Mascarpone Filling
Mix 250g mascarpone with 40g caster sugar and 1 tsp lemon zest. Gradually stir in 4 tbsp thickened cream until smooth and spreadable. -
Assemble the Tart
Spread mascarpone filling into the chilled crust. Top with 100g each of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—arranged however you like! -
Chill & Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. This tart is perfect for entertaining or a casual weekend treat. -
Optional Twists
Swap berries for sliced peaches or nectarines
Add crushed walnuts or pistachios
Finish with a drizzle of honey or agave for extra sweetness
Why you'll love this recipe
Looking for a deliciously easy dessert to brighten your table? This delightfully crisp and creamy treat is perfect for gatherings or simply as a weekend favourite. With its crunchy base made from irresistible maple-sweetened granola bars, this recipe delivers a satisfying texture you'll crave with every bite.
How to customise the recipe for your taste
Swap out the mascarpone for cream cheese or Greek yoghurt to create a lighter, tangier filling. Cream cheese will offer a slightly richer flavour, while Greek yoghurt provides refreshing tartness.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- For best results, ensure your Nature Valley™ bars are finely and consistently crushed. A quick and easy method is to pop them into a sealed bag and gently tap with a rolling pin until you get a fine crumbly texture—ideal for holding your base together.
- If your base feels too crumbly, simply add a small amount of extra melted butter a teaspoon at a time, mixing thoroughly. The base should hold firmly when pressed into your tart dish.
- To neatly press your base into your chosen dish without stickiness or messy fingers, cover your fingertips or a flat-bottomed glass with cling film, and gently press down evenly, creating a consistent and neat crust.
- Mascarpone filling can be customised easily: opt for a dash of seeded vanilla bean paste instead of lemon zest to create a cozy flavour twist, or experiment with orange zest to balance the sweetness of the mascarpone perfectly.
- Fresh berries taste great, but if they’re not quite in season or available locally, freeze-dried berries or a spoonful of berry compote can beautifully substitute, giving your tart a delicious sweet-and-sour twist.
- To avoid a soggy crust, ensure your base is thoroughly chilled and firm before spreading your mascarpone filling. The colder base helps the tart maintain a delightful crunchy texture—even after adding your creamy toppings.
- Want to enhance your serving presentation? Gently warm a little high-quality berry jam or apricot glaze and lightly brush it over the fresh fruit topping for an enticing glossy finish your guests can’t resist.
- Leftovers? This tart can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, covered tightly in cling wrap or in an airtight container. Remove and leave at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow optimal flavour and texture.”
Troubleshooting Guide
Creating a beautiful homemade tart is usually straightforward, but occasionally, even the simplest treats don’t go exactly to plan. Here are some easy-to-follow tips if your tart isn’t quite turning out as expected. If your granola base feels too crumbly or isn’t holding shape, make sure your granola bars are crushed finely enough.
