Strawberry Tarts

Introduction

Strawberry Tarts are the perfect dessert for any occasion, blending a delicate, buttery crust with a smooth, creamy filling and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. The sweetness of the strawberries pairs beautifully with the rich, custard-like filling, creating a treat that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re preparing them for a special celebration or simply craving a light, fruity dessert, these tarts are sure to steal the spotlight.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. The vibrant red strawberries, nestled on top of the creamy filling, looked absolutely stunning, and the fragrance was irresistible. These tarts are the kind of dessert that makes everything feel a little more special. Plus, they’re so easy to make but look so elegant on the dessert table, making them perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a delicious indulgence.

Perfect for:

• Summer gatherings
• Special occasions
• Afternoon tea
• Dessert tables
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Tarts

Here’s why Strawberry Tarts will become your new favorite:

• Crisp, Buttery Crust: The shortcrust pastry is perfectly crisp and buttery, providing the ideal foundation for the rich filling and fresh strawberries.
• Sweet, Creamy Filling: The smooth custard filling is sweet but not too heavy, creating a perfect balance with the tartness of the strawberries.
• Fresh, Juicy Strawberries: The star of this recipe is the ripe, sweet strawberries that add a pop of color and freshness to each bite.
• Elegant and Impressive: These tarts are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them the perfect dessert for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• Easy to Make: Though they may look fancy, these tarts are surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 small tarts
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Tarts:

For the Tart Shells:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Topping:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam or jelly (for glaze)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The key to the crisp texture of the tart shell is the butter, which provides richness and flakiness.
• Heavy Cream: The rich, velvety texture of the filling comes from the heavy cream, which makes the custard smooth and indulgent.
• Fresh Strawberries: The fresh strawberries bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the tarts.
• Apricot Jam: Used as a glaze to give the strawberries a glossy finish and add a touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Tarts:

Prepare the Tart Shells:

1. Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until the dough just begins to come together.
2. Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
3. Roll Out the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Carefully press it into six tartlet pans with removable bottoms, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
4. Blind Bake the Tart Shells: Line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let the shells cool completely.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Heat the Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
6. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
7. Temper the Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add the rest of the hot cream, whisking until fully combined.
8. Cook the Filling: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and starts to boil. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Cool the Filling: Pour the custard filling into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool, about 1 hour.

Assemble the Tarts:

10. Fill the Tart Shells: Once the tart shells are cooled and the filling is ready, spoon the custard filling into each shell, smoothing it out with a spatula.
11. Arrange the Strawberries: Carefully arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the filling in a decorative pattern, starting from the outside and working your way in.
12. Glaze the Tarts: Heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid. Brush the jam over the strawberries to give them a glossy, beautiful finish.
13. Chill the Tarts: Place the tarts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Strawberry Tarts

Strawberry Tarts are a versatile and elegant dessert that can be served in various ways:

• As a Showstopper: Serve these tarts on a beautiful dessert plate or stand at your next special event, such as a wedding or birthday party.
• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoy these tarts as a luxurious afternoon treat with your favorite tea or coffee.
• For a Summer Picnic: Pack the tarts in a cooler for a refreshing, light dessert at a summer picnic or barbecue.
• As a Family Dessert: Serve these tarts for a special family dessert after a weekend dinner or holiday meal.
• As a Gift: These tarts make a lovely homemade gift, especially when packaged in a decorative box or tin.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Tarts

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Tarts are perfect every time:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent it from shrinking during baking and ensures a flakier crust.
• Use Cold Butter: Make sure the butter is very cold when making the dough for the best texture in the tart shell.
• Don’t Overfill the Tart Shells: The filling will spread slightly, so be careful not to overfill the tart shells.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to making the tarts taste as delicious as possible. Avoid using overripe or mushy berries.
• Glaze the Strawberries: The apricot jam glaze gives the tarts a beautiful, glossy finish and also helps preserve the strawberries for longer.
• Use Tartlet Pans with Removable Bottoms: This makes it much easier to remove the tarts from the pans without damaging them.
• Cool the Custard Completely: Ensure the custard is completely cool before filling the tart shells to avoid the crust from becoming soggy.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Tarts

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Tarts:

• Mixed Berry Tarts: Swap the strawberries for a combination of other berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Lemon Curd Filling: Substitute the custard filling with tangy lemon curd for a zesty twist.
• Chocolate Strawberry Tarts: Add a layer of melted chocolate beneath the custard filling for a rich, indulgent version.
• Almond Cream Filling: Replace the custard with almond cream (frangipane) for a nutty variation.
• Raspberry Jam Glaze: Use raspberry jam instead of apricot jam for a slightly tart finish.
• Vegan Strawberry Tarts: Use a dairy-free cream alternative and a flax egg for a vegan-friendly version.
• Whipped Cream Topping: Top the tarts with freshly whipped cream instead of the strawberry slices for a different presentation.
• Pistachio-Crusted Strawberry Tarts: Add crushed pistachios to the tart crust for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: After arranging the strawberries, dip the tips of some of them in melted chocolate for added decadence.
• Nut-Free Strawberry Tarts: Simply omit any nuts or nut-based ingredients to make the tarts nut-free.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Tarts

• Freezing: You can freeze the tarts before adding the strawberries. Simply assemble the tart shells and custard filling, then freeze. Add the strawberries and glaze before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Tarts

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Tarts easier:

• Food Processor: A food processor makes quick work of cutting the butter into the flour for the tart dough.
• Tartlet Pans with Removable Bottoms: These pans make it easier to remove the tarts without breaking them.
• Parchment Paper and Pie Weights: These are essential for blind baking the tart shells.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to apply the apricot glaze evenly over the strawberries.
• Whisk and Mixing Bowls: A whisk and mixing bowls are needed for the custard filling and other components.
• Cooling Rack: Allow the tarts to cool properly on a rack before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Tarts

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   While fresh strawberries work best, frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained, though they may release more liquid.
2. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?
   Yes, the tart shells and filling can be made ahead of time. Assemble the tarts and add the strawberries just before serving.
3. Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
   Yes, you can substitute strawberries with any seasonal fruit, such as peaches, raspberries, or blueberries.
4. Can I make the tart crust gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart crust gluten-free.
5. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
   You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the filling won’t be as rich and creamy.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Tarts are the perfect blend of elegance and flavor, featuring a crisp, golden tart shell, smooth custard filling, and the vibrant freshness of juicy strawberries. This dessert is ideal for any occasion, from sunny picnics to festive holiday gatherings, and will quickly become your go-to recipe for impressing guests and satisfying your sweet tooth.

Whether you savor them with a cup of tea or serve them as the star of your dessert spread, these tarts are sure to make a lasting impression and leave everyone asking for more.

I’d love to see your gorgeous Strawberry Tarts! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media, tagging me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! Happy baking!