Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that showcases the vibrant flavor of strawberries, you’ve come to the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It combines buttery tartlet shells with creamy pastry cream and a sweet homemade strawberry jam. Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home, these tartlets are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can whip it up for a casual weeknight treat or serve it at fancy celebrations. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use fresh strawberries when they’re in season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even beginner bakers can create these delicious tartlets.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet flavors and fun presentation of these tartlets.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the shells and jam in advance, making assembly a breeze when it’s time to serve.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and rich pastry cream creates a dessert that’s light yet satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get started with some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this recipe shine. You’ll love how easy it is to gather everything you need for 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
• 6 fresh strawberries, halved

Variations

One of the best things about this Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Swap the fruit: Use blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches instead of strawberries for a different fruity twist.
• Add a splash of citrus: Mix in some lemon or orange zest into your pastry cream for an extra zing!
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding a dollop of whipped coconut cream on top or sprinkle with toasted nuts for added texture.
• Go chocolatey: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled tartlets for a decadent finish.

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, ensuring there are no cracks. Freezing them gives them structure during baking. After freezing for 15 to 30 minutes, preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Bake the Shells

Remove the chilled tartlet shells from the freezer. Use a fork to prick holes all over the dough; this allows steam to escape while baking. Line them with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking for about 10-15 minutes until they start browning at the edges.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries and sugar. Cook until you see the berries release their juice—about 5 minutes. Then lower your heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In another saucepan, mix sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. While that’s heating up, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch in a small bowl. Tempting those eggs gently helps avoid scrambling! Gradually add some hot mixture into it before returning everything back to cook until thickened.

Step 5: Chill Your Pastry Cream

Transfer your thickened pastry cream into a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap directly on top (to prevent skin forming). Refrigerate until chilled—about two hours works wonders!

Step 6: Assemble Your Tartlets

Now comes the fun part! Spread some homemade strawberry jam in each cooled tartlet shell followed by piping on your chilled pastry cream using your favorite piping tip. Finish with halved fresh strawberries on top.

These Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets are light, creamy, sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every last 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!

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your Pâte Sucrée dough before rolling it out. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and keeps the shells buttery and flaky.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for both the jam and garnishing. The sweetness and flavor of fresh strawberries will truly enhance the overall taste of your tartlets.

• Don’t Rush the Pastry Cream: Cooking the pastry cream slowly allows it to thicken properly without curdling. Stir constantly to achieve a smooth, creamy texture that will complement the tartlets beautifully.

• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your strawberries’ ripeness, you may want to adjust the sugar in both the jam and pastry cream. Taste as you go to ensure perfect sweetness!

• Plan Ahead: Prepare the tartlet shells and jam a day in advance if possible. This way, you can easily assemble everything when you’re ready to serve, making it less stressful and more enjoyable.

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Serving your strawberry tartlets beautifully can make any occasion feel special! Here are some serving ideas that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing hint of flavor that complements the strawberries.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted dairy-free dark chocolate over the top.

Side Dishes

• Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the tartness of strawberries, making each bite even more delightful.
• Light Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like blueberries, kiwi, and mango brightens up the table while balancing the richness of the tartlets.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: The nutty flavor of quinoa tossed with fresh herbs gives a healthy option that pairs well with sweet desserts.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or iced tea offer a cooling counterpart to these sweet treats on warm days.

Now you’re all set to create, serve, and enjoy these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets! Whether it’s for a special celebration or just an enjoyable afternoon treat, these little desserts are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the components ahead of time, making it simple to assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To keep the tartlet shells from becoming soggy, it’s best to store them separately from the filling and jam.

Freezing

• The tartlet shells can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• You can also freeze baked tartlet shells. Just make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping and freezing.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen baked tartlet shells, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• To re-crisp the shells, bake them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes before filling with jam and pastry cream.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make the Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe without heavy cream?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based heavy whipping cream for a lighter option.

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

The total time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including prep and cooking, but you can speed things up by preparing components ahead of time!

What other fruits can I use for these tartlets?

Feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even peaches and cherries for a different flavor profile!

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking.

What is Pâte Sucrée dough, and can I buy it pre-made?

Pâte Sucrée is a sweet shortcrust pastry used for desserts. Yes, many grocery stores sell pre-made versions if you’d prefer to save time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these fresh and delicious strawberry tartlets as much as I do! They are not only a delightful treat but also bring a burst of summer to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging yourself, these little delights will surely impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends — they’ll be so happy you did!