Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a smile to your face, then this Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe is just what you need! These little gems are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic with friends, or simply a quiet evening at home. With buttery tartlet shells filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with luscious strawberry jam, each bite is a sweet reminder of sunny days.

These tartlets are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to showcase fresh strawberries. The vibrant colors and flavors make them an instant hit. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up even on busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try making these, they’ll become your go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy pastry makes every bite heavenly.
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen with these fun mini desserts!
• Make ahead: You can prepare the tartlet shells and jam in advance, making assembly quick and easy.
• Impressive presentation: These tartlets look stunning on any dessert table, sure to wow your guests.
• Customizable: Add your favorite fruits or toppings for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these scrumptious strawberry tartlets, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 get creative with your tartlets. Here are some fun ideas:

• Mix up the fruit: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Add some zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the pastry cream for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Try different toppings: Use whipped cream or chocolate shavings as an extra garnish on top of the pastry cream.
• Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the pastry cream for a rich chocolate version that pairs perfectly with strawberries.

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 tartlet pans using your fingers. This step is crucial as it ensures that each shell has an even thickness. If you spot any cracks in the dough, simply patch them with extra dough—no one will notice once they’re baked!

Step 2: Chill the Shells

Once you’ve shaped the shells, pop them into the freezer for about 15 to 30 minutes. Chilling helps keep their shape while baking so they come out perfectly crisp.

Step 3: Bake the Tartlet Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the chilled shells from the freezer and prick the dough all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking. Line them with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before placing them in the oven. Bake until golden brown around the edges—don’t forget to rotate halfway through!

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries and granulated sugar. Cook until the sugar dissolves and strawberries release their juices—about 5 minutes should do it! Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered until thickened, which usually takes around 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 5: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In another saucepan, mix together sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, and heavy cream over medium heat until it just simmers—this will create a rich base for your cream! In a bowl, whisk egg yolks together with cornstarch; this step is important as it prevents scrambling when mixed into hot liquids.

Once simmering begins in your milk mixture, slowly add some hot liquid into your egg yolks while whisking constantly—a technique called tempering that keeps everything smooth. Gradually stir this mixture back into your saucepan and cook until thickened (about 5-8 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tartlets

Spread a layer of cooled strawberry jam at the bottom of each cooked tartlet shell. Then take that beautifully chilled pastry cream and pipe it over the jam using a piping bag fitted with a star tip—this adds such elegance! Finally, garnish each tartlet with fresh strawberry halves right before serving for that extra touch of freshness.

And there you have it—the most delightful Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Making strawberry tartlets can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the Pâte Sucrée dough before rolling it out helps prevent it from shrinking while baking, resulting in beautifully shaped tartlet shells.

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for both the jam and garnish. Their natural sweetness will enhance the flavor of your tartlets and provide a vibrant color.

• Don’t Skip the Weights: Using pie weights or dried beans during baking ensures that your tartlet shells maintain their shape and don’t puff up too much while cooking.

• Whisk the Pastry Cream Well: After chilling, vigorously whisking the pastry cream restores its smooth texture. This step is key to achieving a light and creamy filling that perfectly complements your tartlets.

• Serve Immediately for Freshness: These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prepare them in advance, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal freshness.

How to Serve Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Presenting your strawberry tartlets beautifully can make them even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve these charming little desserts.

Garnishes

• Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks elegant but also adds a touch of extra sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For an indulgent twist, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top just before serving for a rich contrast to the fruity tartlets.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with strawberry tartlets, providing a creamy contrast to the fruity filling.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds variety to your dessert table and offers a healthy balance alongside the sweet tartlets.
• Lemon Sorbet: The tangy flavor of lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, makes for a soothing beverage choice that enhances the overall dessert experience.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets will not only taste amazing but also look stunning at any gathering! Enjoy creating this delightful dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

These strawberry tartlets are not only delightful to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the components ahead of time, ensuring that you have a delicious dessert ready when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To maintain the freshness of the pastry, it’s best not to assemble them until just before serving.
• If you have leftover pastry cream or jam, store them separately in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• You can freeze the tartlet shells before baking. Wrap each shell tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• For baked and cooled tartlet shells, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Avoid freezing filled tartlets, as they may become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

• If needed, reheat the baked tartlet shells in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Allow the pastry cream and jam to come to room temperature before using. If the pastry cream is too thick, whisk in a little milk to loosen it.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about this recipe!

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

While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before making the jam.

How long do Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets last?

Once assembled, these tartlets are best enjoyed within 2 days. Keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for optimum freshness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy whipped topping. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.

Can I prepare strawberry tartlets without egg yolks?

Yes! You can replace egg yolks with a cornstarch-based thickener like arrowroot powder or try using silken tofu blended until smooth as a vegan option for the pastry cream.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Fresh and Delicious Strawberry Tartlets! They’re not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring smiles all around. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, these tartlets are sure to impress. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations!