Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of summer into any season, you’ve come to the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe has been one of my family’s favorites for years. The combination of buttery tartlet shells, creamy pastry cream, and luscious homemade strawberry jam is simply irresistible. These little beauties are perfect for everything from busy weeknight desserts to special family gatherings. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Imagine serving these charming tartlets at your next gathering or enjoying them as a sweet pick-me-up after dinner. They’re not just delicious; they also look stunning on any table! Let’s dive into why you’ll love making them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll find whipping up these tartlets a breeze, even if you’re new to baking!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet flavors and fun presentation—perfect for crafting together in the kitchen.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the pastry cream and jam in advance, saving time on busy days or when hosting friends.
• Fresh Flavors: Using fresh strawberries makes every bite taste like a sunny day—sweet, vibrant, and oh-so-refreshing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients. Each component works together beautifully to create a delightful dessert that everyone will love.

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with flavors and ingredients for your own twist.

• Add Different Fruits: Swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a delightful mix of berries.
• Try Different Creams: Substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair.
• Citrus Zing: Add lemon or orange zest to your pastry cream for a refreshing citrus kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed nuts atop the pastry cream before adding strawberries for an extra layer of texture.

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 using your fingers. Don’t worry about making it perfect; just ensure it covers the bottom and sides well. If you notice any cracks, use extra dough to patch them up—this will help keep all that delicious filling inside!

Step 2: Freeze the Shells

Place your tartlet shells in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes. Freezing helps them hold their shape during baking, resulting in beautifully formed tartlets.

Step 3: Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the shells from the freezer and prick them all over with a fork—this allows steam to escape while baking, preventing soggy bottoms. Line each shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until golden brown on the edges (about 10 to 15 minutes), then remove the weights and bake until fully set.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries with sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and berries release their juices—this should take about 5 minutes. Then uncover and reduce heat to low; simmer for about 20 minutes until thickened. Let it cool completely before using!

Step 5: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In another large saucepan, mix sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream. Heat until it starts to simmer gently. Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks with cornstarch in a small bowl. Once your milk mixture is hot, temper your eggs by gradually mixing in some warm liquid while whisking constantly—a crucial step to avoid scrambling! Pour this back into your saucepan and stir until thickened (about 5–8 minutes). Transfer it to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface (to prevent skin), and refrigerate until chilled.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tartlets

Once everything is ready and chilled, it’s time to assemble! Spread a layer of strawberry jam at the bottom of each tartlet shell first—it adds sweetness and moisture that pairs beautifully with our pastry cream. Next, pipe that luscious pastry cream over the jam using a piping bag fitted with a star tip—it looks lovely! Finally, garnish each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves on top—such a stunning finish!

And there you have it! These Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets are ready to impress at any occasion or simply brighten up your day at home. Enjoy every sweet bite!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Creating the perfect strawberry tartlets is easier than you think! Here are a few pro tips to help you achieve those delightful, buttery shells with luscious filling.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your Pâte Sucrée dough before baking. This helps prevent shrinking and ensures a flaky texture once baked.
• Bake Evenly: When baking your tartlet shells, rotate the baking sheet halfway through. This promotes even browning and ensures that every tartlet is perfectly cooked.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always use fresh strawberries for the jam and garnish. They provide a vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.
• Pipe with Precision: When piping the pastry cream into the tartlets, use a large star or flower tip. This not only looks stunning but creates a lovely texture that enhances each bite.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tartlet shells and strawberry jam in advance. Assemble them just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious!

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Serving these strawberry tartlets can be as fun as making them! With their beautiful colors and textures, they make an impressive dessert for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only add color but also a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Powdered Sugar: Lightly dusting the tartlets with powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Light Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette can balance out the sweetness of the tartlets, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Berry Compote: Serve alongside a simple berry compote for an extra burst of fruity goodness that pairs beautifully with the dessert.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the tart’s crunchiness.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream; its lightness enhances the flavors without overshadowing them.

These suggestions will elevate your dining experience, making it even more memorable for you and your guests. Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

These strawberry tartlets are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make the components ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy fresh and delicious treats whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’re storing unassembled tartlets, keep the shells, jam, and pastry cream separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• Tartlet shells can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze the prepared strawberry jam. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Pastry cream can be frozen as well. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating

• For frozen tartlet shells, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Thaw the jam overnight in the refrigerator before using it on your tartlets.
• If reheating pastry cream, gently warm it on low heat while stirring until smooth.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these strawberry tartlets!

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking for the jam to ensure the right consistency.

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

The total preparation time is about 1 hour, plus an additional 2 hours for chilling the pastry cream. It’s well worth the wait for such a delightful dessert!

Can I substitute ingredients in this Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust sugar levels or swap out heavy cream with coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

What occasions are these strawberry tartlets perfect for?

These tartlets are great for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat during any gathering with friends or family!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets! They not only taste amazing but also bring a bright pop of color to any table. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a simple gathering, these little delights will surely impress. Enjoy creating them, savoring each layer of flavor, and sharing them with loved ones. Happy baking!