Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is a true gem in my collection. It features buttery tartlet shells filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with homemade strawberry jam. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten up a busy weeknight, these tartlets are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, they are simple enough to whip up on a whim!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve them at parties, enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or even prepare them ahead of time for easy snacking. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a cherished favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Fresh: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy pastry creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers will feel confident creating these delightful treats.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual get-together, these tartlets are always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the shells and filling in advance so you can assemble and serve whenever you’re ready.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore these sweet treats!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you need for these scrumptious strawberry 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
• 6 fresh strawberries, halved

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Other Fruits: Swap out some strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry tartlet.
• Try Different Flavors: Infuse your pastry cream with lemon zest or almond extract for an exciting twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Top your finished tartlets with melted chocolate for that extra touch of decadence.
• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed nuts into the pastry cream for added texture and flavor.

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. Gently press each piece into your tartlet pans using your fingers. This step is crucial because it shapes your tartlets perfectly while ensuring even baking.

Step 2: Chill the Shells

Freeze the shells for 15 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from puffing up too much.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. A well-heated oven ensures that your shells bake evenly and come out golden brown.

Step 4: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Remove the shells from the freezer and prick them all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, which helps achieve that perfect crisp texture.

Step 5: Add Weights & Bake

Place parchment paper inside each shell and fill them with pie weights or dried beans before baking. This keeps them from rising too much. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool Completely

After removing the weights and parchment paper, continue baking until the centers are golden. Once done, let them cool completely before carefully removing them from the pans.

Step 7: Make Strawberry Jam

While your shells cool, combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cooking releases their juices and forms a delicious jam-like consistency.

Step 8: Thicken the Jam

Uncover and reduce heat to low; let it simmer until thickened—this should take about 20 minutes. Allow it to cool completely before using it in your tartlets.

Step 9: Prepare Pastry Cream

In another saucepan, mix sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. This creamy mixture serves as a luscious filling!

Step 10: Temper Your Egg Yolks

In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch. Remove some hot liquid from your saucepan and slowly add it to this mixture while whisking constantly—this process prevents scrambling the eggs!

Step 11: Combine & Thicken

Gradually add this tempered mixture back into the saucepan while stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–8 minutes). This step is key to achieving that silky smooth pastry cream we all love!

Step 12: Chill Your Cream

Transfer your prepared cream to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap directly on top of the surface (to prevent skin forming), and refrigerate for about two hours.

Step 13: Whisk Before Assembling

Once chilled, give your pastry cream a good whisk to smooth it out again—you want that lovely texture when piping it into each shell.

Step 14: Assemble Your Tartlets

Spread a layer of strawberry jam at the bottom of each cooled tartlet shell. Then pipe that luscious pastry cream on top using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 15: Garnish & Serve!

Finish off by garnishing each tartlet with halved fresh strawberries right before serving. These beauties are best enjoyed immediately!

With these steps completed, you’ll have fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets ready to be devoured! Enjoy every bite!

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 elevate your baking game!

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and chilled eggs helps create a flaky tartlet shell. This ensures that the dough doesn’t get overworked, yielding a tender texture.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the tartlet shells before baking prevents them from shrinking in the oven. A well-chilled dough maintains its shape, resulting in beautiful, uniform tartlets.
• Choose ripe strawberries: Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for both the jam and garnishing. Their natural sweetness and vibrant flavor will shine through, enhancing the overall taste of your tartlets.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to infuse your pastry cream with different extracts or citrus zest. Vanilla is classic, but almond or lemon zest can add an exciting twist to the creamy filling.
• Serve immediately for best results: These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh after assembling. The longer they sit, the softer the shells may become due to moisture from the jam and cream.

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Presenting your strawberry tartlets beautifully can make any occasion feel special! Here are some ideas on how to showcase these delightful treats.

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: Fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of strawberries perfectly.
• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar not only enhances visual appeal but also provides a touch of extra sweetness without overwhelming the dish.

Side Dishes

• Lemon sorbet: The bright, tangy flavor of lemon sorbet pairs wonderfully with sweet strawberry tartlets, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds richness and complements the fruity tartlets beautifully.
• Fruit salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pastry cream while providing additional freshness on the plate.
• Herbed yogurt dip: A light yogurt dip infused with herbs like mint or basil can serve as a unique side that brings an unexpected savory note to your dessert table.

With these tips and serving suggestions at hand, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with your fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These strawberry tartlets are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components ahead of time, so they’re ready whenever you want a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
• Keep the pastry cream and strawberry jam stored separately to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Assemble the tartlets without the fresh strawberries on top.
• Wrap each assembled tartlet tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If desired, you can warm the tartlet shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess; instead, let them come to room temperature before adding fresh strawberries and serving.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common inquiries about this delightful recipe!

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

While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before making your jam.

How long do these Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets last?

These tartlets will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. For optimal taste, enjoy them freshly made or within a day of preparation.

What is Pâte Sucrée?

Pâte Sucrée is a sweet shortcrust pastry used for tarts and desserts. It has a rich flavor and crumbly texture that pairs beautifully with fillings like pastry cream or fruit.

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

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use dairy alternatives for milk and condensed milk if desired. Just ensure they’re suitable for your dietary preferences!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets! They’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making them a wonderful addition to any gathering or a special treat just for you. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits or toppings as well—let your creativity shine! Happy baking!