Savory Cream Tart

The savory “cream tart” is a salty take on a cake that is usually presented as a dessert. It consists of multiple layers of savory shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy mixture and various toppings. Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients

For the savory shortcrust pastry:

• 300 g of flour
• 150 g of cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of cold water (if necessary)

For the cream:

• 250 g of spreadable cheese (like Philadelphia)
• 100 g of fresh cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs to taste (e.g., chives, dill)

For the topping:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Olives
• Capers
• Cold cuts (prosciutto, salami)
• Cheese of your choice (pecorino, parmesan)
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, peppers)
• Nuts or seeds for added crunch
• Edible flowers for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by making the savory shortcrust pastry: in a bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Add the cold butter and work with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
2. Add the egg and mix until a compact dough is formed. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water.
3. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
4. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 5 mm.
5. Cut out two or more equal shapes (depending on the size you want for your cream tart) using a mold of your choice, and place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 180 °C for about 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden. Allow to cool completely.
7. Prepare the cream by mixing the spreadable cheese with fresh cream, salt, pepper, and chopped aromatic herbs until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
8. Assemble the tart by spreading a layer of cream on a base of shortcrust pastry, then cover it with another layer of pastry. Repeat the operation if you have more layers.
9. Decorate the surface with another layer of cream and arrange the topping in a harmonious and decorative manner.
10. Serve the savory cream tart immediately or store it in the refrigerator until serving time.

Curiosity

The cream tart, also known as “letter cake” or “number cake” when shaped like letters or numbers, has become particularly popular on social media for its captivating appearance. The savory version offers an original alternative suitable for an elegant aperitif or a buffet.