Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place! This Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It combines buttery tartlet shells with creamy pastry cream and a homemade strawberry jam that bursts with flavor. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a cozy night in, these little treats will brighten up any occasion.

What I love most about these tartlets is how they make everyone feel special. Picture this: you serve these gorgeous, colorful desserts, and everyone’s eyes light up! Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or for family gatherings. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Don’t be intimidated! These tartlets are simpler than they look and perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet, fruity flavors and creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the tartlet shells and jam in advance, making assembly a breeze!
• Fresh Flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy pastry is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Let’s gather everything we need to create these delightful strawberry tartlets!

For the Tartlet Shells:

• 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 parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Mix it Up with Other Fruits: Try using raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries for a delightful twist!
• Add Some Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest in the pastry cream can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
• Change the Cream Base: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option that still tastes amazing.
• Top it Off Differently: Instead of fresh strawberries, use chocolate shavings or edible flowers to garnish your tartlets.

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 your tartlet pans using your fingers. Don’t worry if there are cracks; simply patch them with extra dough. Freezing them for 15 to 30 minutes helps firm up the dough before baking, ensuring a nice flaky texture.

Step 2: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once your shells are frozen, remove them from the freezer and prick the dough all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking. Line them with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before popping them in the oven. Bake until golden brown around the edges—about 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries and sugar over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is nicely melded together. Uncover it and let it simmer on low heat until thickened—this will enhance that delicious strawberry flavor!

Step 4: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In another saucepan, mix together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers gently. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. This step is crucial as it tempers your eggs so they won’t scramble when added to hot liquids.

Step 5: Thicken the Cream

Once your milk mixture starts simmering, slowly add some liquid to your egg mixture while whisking continuously. Then return everything back into the saucepan while stirring constantly until thickened—this usually takes about 5-8 minutes.

Step 6: Chill Your Pastry Cream

Transfer your thickened pastry cream into a clean bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about two hours until chilled through—this helps set its texture perfectly.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tartlets

Spread a layer of homemade strawberry jam at the bottom of each cooled tartlet shell. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe in your chilled pastry cream over the jam generously.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Finish off by garnishing each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves on top—these are ready to impress! Serve immediately for that delightful burst of fresh flavor in every bite.

Now you’ve got yourself an irresistible treat that’ll make everyone smile! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Creating the perfect strawberry tartlets is a delightful journey, and with these pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family!

• Use chilled dough: Keeping your Pâte Sucrée dough cold helps maintain its structure while baking, resulting in a perfectly flaky tartlet shell.
• Don’t skip the freezing step: Freezing the tartlet shells before baking prevents them from shrinking and ensures they hold their shape beautifully.
• Tempering egg yolks is key: By gradually adding hot liquid to the egg yolks, you prevent them from scrambling, leading to a smooth and velvety pastry cream.
• Experiment with jam flavors: While strawberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other berries or citrus to customize your tartlets to your taste.
• Serve fresh: For the best flavor and texture, assemble the tartlets shortly before serving. This keeps the shells crisp and the cream airy!

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Presenting your beautiful strawberry tartlets can turn an already delicious dessert into a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some ideas on how to serve them!

Garnishes

• Mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a refreshing contrast that enhances the fruity flavors.
• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also makes the tartlets look extra special.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free option complements the sweetness of the tartlets while keeping things tropical.
• Fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pastry cream with natural sweetness and acidity.
• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm summer fruit flavors like strawberries.

These serving suggestions will elevate your strawberry tartlets experience, making it memorable for everyone at your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the components ahead of time to enjoy a delightful dessert whenever you want.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the pastry cream and strawberry jam separate if possible to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.

Freezing

• The tartlet shells can be frozen before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Once baked, cooled tartlet shells can also be frozen. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Reheating

• If freezing baked tartlet shells, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
• Do not reheat filled tartlets, as this may affect the texture of the pastry cream.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets:

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Thaw and drain them before cooking to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make my Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets more flavorful?

Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the strawberry jam for an extra zing, or include other berries for variety!

How long do these strawberry tartlets last?

When stored properly, these delicious tartlets will last up to 2 days in the fridge. For best flavor, enjoy them fresh!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets! They’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also bring a pop of color and freshness that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making this delightful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!