Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe combines buttery tartlet shells with creamy pastry cream and homemade strawberry jam, creating a treat that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, these tartlets are perfect for any occasion. They bring a touch of elegance to your table and are so simple to make!

I just adore how these little tartlets can brighten up any day. The vibrant strawberries not only look stunning but also provide that sweet, juicy flavor that makes each bite irresistible. Plus, they are great for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: Even if you’re new to baking, these tartlets are straightforward and fun to make!
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, whether it’s pressing the dough into pans or arranging the strawberries on top.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the shells and jam in advance, making it easy to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
• Deliciously fresh: Each tartlet is filled with rich pastry cream and topped with fresh strawberries, ensuring every bite is light and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything we need:

For the tartlet shells:

• 1 Pâte Sucrée dough recipe (sweet shortcrust pastry)

For the strawberry jam:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the pastry cream:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 fresh strawberries, halved

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add different fruits: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for a colorful twist.
• Use flavored extracts: Experiment with almond or lemon extract in the pastry cream for an extra flavor boost.
• Switch up the toppings: Instead of just strawberries, try adding chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the Pâte Sucrée dough with a gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tartlet Shells

Start by cutting your Pâte Sucrée dough into 12 portions. Press each piece into tartlet pans with your fingers, making sure to patch any cracks with extra dough. Freezing them for about 15-30 minutes helps maintain their shape while baking.

Step 2: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once the shells are frozen, prick them all over with a fork—this allows steam to escape during baking. Line them with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they start browning at the edges. Remove the weights halfway through and bake until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before removing from pans.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries and sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Uncover and simmer on low heat for around 20 minutes until thickened—this homemade jam adds a lovely sweetness beneath your creamy filling!

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In a large saucepan, mix sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch. Gradually add some hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking—this keeps your eggs from scrambling! Return it all back to the saucepan and stir until thickened (about 5-8 minutes). Chill this luscious cream in the fridge for about two hours.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tartlets

Once everything is cool, spread a layer of strawberry jam into each tartlet shell. Use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to pipe your chilled pastry cream over the jam—it looks so pretty! Finally, garnish each one with fresh strawberry halves before serving.

With this Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe in hand, you’re ready to create delightful memories around your table! Enjoy every sweet moment!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Creating the perfect strawberry tartlets is all about attention to detail and a little bit of love! Here are some pro tips to ensure your tartlets turn out amazing every time.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and eggs cold helps create a flaky pastry shell. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough crust, so take a moment to chill them before starting.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Freezing the tartlet shells before baking prevents them from shrinking in the oven. This step ensures you maintain that lovely shape for your delicious fillings.

• Whisk vigorously: When preparing the pastry cream, whisking vigorously while combining the egg yolks and hot milk helps prevent any lumps. This results in a smooth, creamy texture that will delight your taste buds.

• Layer flavors thoughtfully: Spreading a layer of strawberry jam at the bottom adds extra flavor and moisture. It creates a delightful contrast with the creamy pastry cream on top, enhancing the overall experience of each bite.

• Serve fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve your tartlets shortly after assembling them. The freshness of strawberries and the creaminess of the pastry cream are best enjoyed right away!

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Serving your strawberry tartlets can be as delightful as making them! Here are some ideas to present these sweet treats beautifully and enhance their appeal.

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds color but also complements the sweetness of strawberries with its refreshing aroma.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top gives an elegant finish that looks stunning against the vibrant red strawberries.
• Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brings brightness to your tartlets, enhancing their flavor profile while adding a pop of color.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is an ideal pairing with these tartlets. The cold, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp tart shells and rich pastry cream.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal berries, melons, and citrus provides a refreshing side that complements the sweet flavors of the tartlets.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a vegan-friendly option, serve these tartlets alongside whipped coconut cream. Its lightness and subtle sweetness make it a delightful companion.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm cup of coffee or soothing herbal tea pairs perfectly with dessert. The warmth enhances flavors while providing a comforting end to any meal.

Now that you have everything you need to create these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These strawberry tartlets are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a fresh dessert at any time! You can prepare the components in advance and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• For best results, consume them within 2 days to maintain the freshness of the pastry and cream.
• If storing components separately, keep the pastry cream and jam in separate containers.

Freezing

• It’s best to freeze the tartlet shells separately from the filled tartlets.
• Place cooled tartlet shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling.

Reheating

• If you have frozen tartlet shells, once thawed, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.
• Avoid reheating filled tartlets as it may compromise the texture of the cream.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delightful strawberry tartlets? Here are some common queries!

Can I make Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe without fresh strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use frozen strawberries; just ensure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before making your jam.

How long does it take to prepare Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe?

The total preparation time is about 1 hour, plus chilling time for the pastry cream. It’s a fun activity that yields delicious results!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or use alternative sweeteners instead of granulated sugar if desired.

What occasions are best for serving these strawberry tartlets?

These tartlets are perfect for birthdays, picnics, or as a sweet treat after dinner. They bring a touch of elegance to any gathering!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets! With their buttery shells, creamy filling, and vibrant strawberry flavor, they truly offer a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!