Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Pie Crostini

A delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this crostini features a creamy mascarpone base, fresh macerated strawberries, and a sprinkle of buttery graham cracker crumble. It's a sophisticated, bite-sized tribute to the classic American dessert.

Sweet & Dessert

Ingredients

1 artisanal baguette, thinly sliced
8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon aged balsamic glaze
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of baguette slices with melted butter and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast for 5-7 minutes minutes, or until lightly golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk gently until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix.
In a separate small bowl, gently toss the sliced fresh strawberries.
To assemble, spread a generous dollop of the mascarpone cream onto each toasted crostini slice.
Arrange a few slices of the fresh strawberries artfully on top of the mascarpone cream.
Drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic glaze over the strawberries on each crostini.
Garnish each crostini with a tiny fresh mint leaf or a small sprig.
Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness of the crostini and the freshness of the toppings.

Chef's Tip & Pairing

For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a tiny amount of high-quality balsamic glaze over the finished crostini. This acidity cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

From the Tini Crostini Collection