Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face, this Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is just the ticket! These little treats are a labor of love, and they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a family gathering. The buttery tartlet shells paired with creamy pastry cream and homemade strawberry jam create a sweet harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!

These tartlets not only look beautiful on any dessert table but also offer an explosion of fresh strawberry goodness with every bite. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making these charming strawberry tartlets together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these tartlets in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves strawberries! This recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!
• Customizable: Feel free to make the jam using other fruits or add different toppings to suit your taste.
• Deliciously Fresh: The burst of fresh strawberries combined with creamy pastry cream makes every bite a delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to know that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious tartlets.

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

For Garnishing:

• 6 fresh strawberries, halved

Variations

This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the fruit: If strawberries aren’t your favorite, use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
• Change up the cream: Substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist.
• Add some zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest in the pastry cream can brighten up the flavors even more!
• Go nutty: Incorporate crushed nuts into the tartlet shell for added crunch and flavor.

How to Make Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tartlet Shells

Begin by cutting your Pâte Sucrée dough into 12 portions. Press each piece into individual tartlet pans using your fingers—don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Patch any cracks with extra dough as needed. Freezing the shells helps them hold their shape while baking.

Step 2: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once your shells are frozen, remove them from the freezer and prick the dough all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking. Line each shell with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until golden brown for about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan, combine your chopped strawberries and sugar over medium heat. Cooking this mixture will soften the strawberries and help dissolve the sugar while creating a delicious jam-like consistency. Simmer until thickened—it should take about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Your Pastry Cream

For this step, combine sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream in a large saucepan over medium heat until it starts simmering. Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch together in another bowl; this will thicken our pastry cream! Gradually mix this back into your hot milk mixture for that silky smooth texture we love in pastry cream.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tartlets

Now comes the fun part! Spread a layer of homemade strawberry jam at the bottom of each cooled tartlet shell. Using a piping bag fitted with either a star or flower tip, pipe that luscious chilled pastry cream on top of the jam. Finish off by garnishing each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves for that beautiful presentation!

With every step completed, you’ll have gorgeous strawberry tartlets ready to impress friends and family—or just enjoy yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Creating the perfect strawberry tartlets can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve a stunning result!

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and cream cold when making the Pâte Sucrée dough helps create a flaky, tender crust. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough texture.

• Don’t skip the chilling step: Freezing the tartlet shells before baking ensures they hold their shape and prevents shrinkage. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect tartlet form.

• Patience with the jam: Allowing the strawberry jam to simmer slowly helps concentrate the flavors and achieve a perfect thick consistency. Rushing this process may result in runny jam.

• Whisk vigorously: When preparing the pastry cream, whisking well while tempering the egg yolks helps prevent curdling. A smooth cream makes for an elegant filling.

• Serve immediately for best results: These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh. Assembling right before serving ensures that your crust remains crisp and your flavors are vibrant.

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Presenting your strawberry tartlets beautifully can elevate them from simply delicious to show-stopping! Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of mint can add a touch of color and freshness, enhancing both the aesthetics and flavor of your tartlets.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top adds sweetness and gives your tartlets an inviting look.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the tartlets. Choose crisp greens like arugula or spinach topped with cherry tomatoes for added freshness.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruity tartlets, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements the strawberry flavors while adding variety to your dessert table.

• Herbal Tea: Serve these tartlets alongside a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, for a soothing finish after indulging in sweet treats.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create not only an eye-catching dessert but also an enjoyable dining experience that your guests will love! Enjoy every bite of these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets!

Make Ahead and Storage

These strawberry tartlets are not only delightful to make but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare components in advance, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready whenever you desire.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the pastry cream and jam separate if possible to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
• For best results, consume the tartlets within a day for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• It’s best to freeze the tartlet shells separately before filling them.
• Place cooled shells in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month.
• To use, thaw at room temperature before filling with jam and pastry cream.

Reheating

• If needed, reheat empty tartlet shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
• Avoid reheating filled tartlets as it may affect the texture of the pastry cream.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries for the jam. Just ensure they are well-drained before cooking.

How long will my Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe last in the fridge?

These delicious tartlets will stay fresh in your refrigerator for about 2 days. For maximum enjoyment, it’s ideal to eat them within a day.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just remember that different fruits may require slight adjustments in sugar levels based on their sweetness.

What can I do if my pastry cream doesn’t thicken?

If your pastry cream isn’t thickening, make sure you’re cooking it over medium heat while stirring constantly. It’s also important to temper the egg yolks properly when adding them to avoid curdling.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets as much as I do! They are perfect for brightening up any occasion with their vibrant flavors and lovely presentation. Remember, baking is all about joy and creativity; don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds. Happy baking!