Make fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets with buttery shells, creamy pastry cream, and homemade jam. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a special celebration. The combination of flaky pastry, rich cream, and fresh strawberries creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Fresh: Enjoy the natural sweetness of strawberries, making each bite a burst of flavor.
- Simple to Prepare: With easy-to-follow steps, even beginners can master these delightful tartlets.
- Versatile Delight: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant design make these tartlets look as good as they taste.
- Homemade Goodness: From the buttery shells to the strawberry jam, everything is made from scratch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tartlet pans
- Piping bag with star tip
- Medium saucepan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Tartlet pans: These ensure your tartlets have the perfect shape and crisp texture.
- Piping bag with star tip: This allows for beautiful decoration, making your dessert visually appealing.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for cooking the jam and pastry cream evenly without burning.
- Large bowl: Provides enough space for mixing ingredients without spills.
Ingredients
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
How to Make Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tartlet Shells
- Cut the Pâte Sucrée dough into 12 portions. Press each piece into tartlet pans using your fingers. Patch any cracks with extra dough if needed.
- Freeze the shells for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove the tartlets from the freezer. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to allow steam to escape.
- Place the tartlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until edges begin to brown; rotate halfway through.
- Remove parchment paper and weights, then continue baking for a few more minutes until the center is golden. Cool completely before removing from pans. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Jam
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and strawberries release their liquid.
- Uncover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Allow jam to cool completely. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream
- In a large saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch.
- Once milk mixture starts to simmer, remove a small amount of liquid and slowly add it to egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper eggs.
- Gradually add tempered yolks back into saucepan while stirring constantly until mixture thickens (about 5 to 8 minutes).
- Transfer cream to a clean bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until chilled.
- Once chilled, whisk pastry cream vigorously to smooth it out.
Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Tartlets
- Spread a layer of strawberry jam in the bottom of each tartlet shell.
- Pipe chilled pastry cream over jam using a piping bag with a large star or flower tip.
- Garnish each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your freshly made strawberry tartlets! They are light, creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor—a perfect dessert for any occasion!
How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
Serving fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets is all about presentation and pairing. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.
For a Classic Dessert Experience
- Serve with whipped cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the tartlets well.
- Accompany with vanilla ice cream – The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors of the tartlets.
At a Brunch Gathering
- Add a fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the tartlets, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
- Pair with mimosas – The bubbly orange juice mixed with champagne enhances the celebratory feel of brunch.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include assorted mini pastries – A mix of different pastries can create an inviting dessert platter that appeals to various tastes.
- Serve alongside chocolate-covered strawberries – This combination elevates the dessert experience, adding depth to the flavors.
For Festive Occasions
- Garnish with edible flowers – Edible flowers not only enhance visual appeal but also add a unique flavor profile.
- Drizzle with berry coulis – A drizzle of berry coulis around the plate can make your tartlets look more elegant and appetizing.
How to Perfect Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
To ensure your strawberry tartlets are perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use chilled ingredients – Keeping your ingredients cold helps achieve a flaky texture in the tartlet shells.
- Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your shells; they should be golden brown but not too dark to avoid bitterness.
- Allow cooling time – Let your pastry cream cool completely before assembling for better texture and flavor.
- Fresh strawberries are key – Use fresh strawberries for topping; their natural sweetness enhances the overall taste of the tartlet.
- Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add lemon zest or almond extract to your pastry cream for extra flavor layers.
- Keep it simple when serving – Sometimes less is more. A light dusting of powdered sugar can be all you need for presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
While these strawberry tartlets are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits provides a creamy contrast that balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs nicely, enhancing both flavors and textures.
- Lemon Sorbet – The refreshing zest from lemon sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of sweet tartlet.
- Chocolate Mousse – Rich, airy chocolate mousse adds a decadent touch that contrasts well with fruity desserts.
- Coconut Macaroons – Chewy coconut macaroons offer another sweet bite while maintaining simplicity in flavor.
- Pistachio Cookies – Crunchy pistachio cookies provide an interesting texture alongside smooth pastry cream.
- Mint Salad – A light mint salad adds freshness, cutting through the richness of the dessert while enhancing its appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using warm dough – Warm Pâte Sucrée dough can lead to soggy tartlet shells. Always chill the dough before pressing it into the pans for better texture.
- Not pre-baking the shells – Skipping the pre-baking step can result in undercooked shells. Always bake them until golden for a crisp bite.
- Overcooking the strawberry jam – Cooking the jam for too long can make it tough. Keep an eye on it and remove it from heat once it’s thickened.
- Skipping the chilling time for pastry cream – Failing to chill the pastry cream can result in a runny filling. Allow it at least two hours in the fridge to set properly.
- Ignoring the assembly order – Layering without following the right order can affect flavor balance. Always spread jam first, then add pastry cream for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container.
- They will remain fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
- Freeze unassembled tartlet shells before baking for longer storage.
- Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F, place tartlets on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave – Use medium power for 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop – Place tartlets in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making delicious strawberry tartlets:
How can I make my strawberry tartlets gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend when preparing Pâte Sucrée dough.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well but may release more liquid. Adjust sugar accordingly when making jam.
What is the best way to serve strawberry tartlets?
Serve them chilled or at room temperature as a delightful dessert during gatherings or special occasions.
How long does it take to prepare fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets?
The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour, plus chilling time for the pastry cream.
Can I customize my strawberry tartlets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits or flavored extracts to enhance your tartlet experience.
Final Thoughts
These Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe are perfect for any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home. Their light, creamy texture combined with fresh strawberries makes them irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite fruits or flavors!
Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets
Indulge in the delightful experience of Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets, where buttery tartlet shells cradle a rich pastry cream and fresh strawberry jam. These charming mini desserts are a perfect blend of flaky, creamy, and fruity textures that will impress your guests at any occasion—from summer picnics to festive celebrations. With their stunning presentation and irresistible flavors, these tartlets are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Follow this simple recipe to create homemade goodness that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 tartlets 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Pâte Sucrée dough for tartlet shells
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the tartlet shells by cutting and pressing Pâte Sucrée dough into tartlet pans. Freeze for 15-30 minutes, then bake at 375°F for golden perfection.
- Make strawberry jam by cooking chopped strawberries with sugar until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream until simmering; temper egg yolks with cornstarch and mix back until thickened. Chill pastry cream.
- Assemble by spreading strawberry jam in tartlet shells, piping chilled pastry cream on top, and garnishing with fresh strawberry halves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
