Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, then you’re in the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. With buttery tartlet shells, creamy pastry cream, and homemade strawberry jam, these little treats are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends for tea, celebrating a birthday, or simply wanting to indulge in something sweet after dinner, these tartlets are sure to impress!

What makes this recipe special is its balance of flavors and textures. The crispiness of the tart shell pairs perfectly with the velvety pastry cream and the vibrant taste of fresh strawberries. Plus, they’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe guides you through each step.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves strawberries! These tartlets are a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the shells and jam in advance. Assemble them just before serving!
• Fresh Flavors: Bursting with the taste of ripe strawberries, this dessert is light and refreshing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into these delicious strawberry tartlets! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a memorable dessert.

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 quite flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own.

• Try Other Fruits: Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Chocolate Lovers Unite: Add some melted chocolate into the pastry cream for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Top your tartlets with crushed nuts or granola for added texture.
• Citrus Zing: Incorporate lemon zest into the pastry cream for a refreshing citrus kick.

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 being perfect—just make sure there are no cracks. Freezing these shells helps them hold their shape while baking.

Step 2: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Once frozen for about 15 to 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 375°F. Prick the dough all over with a fork; this helps steam escape during baking. Line them with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking until golden.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries become juicy—this should take around 5 minutes. Let it simmer uncovered until thickened; this creates that delicious jammy goodness!

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Cream

Combine sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream in a large saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch before tempering them with some hot milk mixture. Gradually add everything back together while stirring constantly until thickened—this will be smooth and creamy!

Step 5: Assemble Your Tartlets

Once cooled completely, spread a layer of strawberry jam at the bottom of each tartlet shell. Pipe on the chilled pastry cream using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for that professional touch! Finish off each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves on top.

And there you have it! Serve immediately and watch everyone enjoy these delightful bites bursting with flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

To ensure your strawberry tartlets turn out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind!

• Chill the Dough: Letting your Pâte Sucrée dough chill before baking helps to maintain its shape and prevents shrinking during the baking process.

• Don’t Skip the Blind Baking: Blind baking the tartlet shells is essential for achieving a crispy texture. It ensures that the crust doesn’t become soggy once filled.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: The quality of your strawberries greatly impacts the flavor of your tartlets. Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste.

• Piping Technique Matters: When piping the pastry cream, use a large star tip for an elegant finish. This adds visual appeal and makes it easier to distribute the cream evenly.

• Serve Chilled: For the best experience, serve your tartlets chilled. This enhances the creamy texture of the pastry cream and keeps everything refreshing!

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Presenting your strawberry tartlets beautifully can elevate their appeal at any gathering. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly dusting with powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a bit of extra sweetness without overwhelming the tartlets.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the fruity tartlets, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the tartlets while adding brightness to your dessert table.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a light and airy accompaniment that enhances the tropical vibe of strawberries.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: If serving as part of a meal, consider a herbed quinoa salad. Its nutty flavor and lightness provide a great contrast to the sweet tartlets while keeping it healthy!

With these pro tips and serving suggestions, your Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets will not only taste divine but also look stunning on any occasion! Enjoy creating this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Making these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets can be a delightful way to prepare for gatherings or simply to enjoy a sweet treat at your leisure. They store beautifully, allowing you to savor their flavors over time.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover tartlets in an airtight container.
• Keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Be sure to consume within this timeframe for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• If you wish to freeze the tartlets, it’s best to freeze the shells and jam separately from the pastry cream.
• Wrap the cooled tartlet shells tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
• The strawberry jam can also be frozen in an airtight container for similar duration.
• When ready to use, thaw the shells in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the tartlet shells at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating filled tartlets, as it may affect the texture of the pastry cream.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I make fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets recipe with other fruits?

Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches depending on your preference.

How long does it take to prepare fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets recipe?

The total preparation time is around 1 hour, plus additional chilling time for the pastry cream. It’s worth every minute for such a delightful dessert!

What if I don’t have Pâte Sucrée dough?

You can easily use store-bought shortcrust pastry or sugar cookie dough as an alternative. Just ensure it’s rolled out evenly for even baking.

Can I use non-dairy alternatives in this fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets recipe?

Yes! You can swap whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, ensuring a rich flavor while keeping it dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets as much as I do! They’re not just a treat but a wonderful way to celebrate strawberries’ vibrant flavor. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, these little delights are sure to impress. Happy baking!