The Best Strawberry Tart Recipe for Sweet Summer Bliss

Sweet summer memories dance through my strawberry tart recipe, promising delightful moments of pure culinary joy.

Ripe berries gleam like jewels against a buttery pastry backdrop.

Delicate flavors whisper promises of indulgence waiting to unfold.

Crafting this dessert becomes an intimate celebration of seasonal bounty.

Every slice tells a story of carefully balanced textures and vibrant colors.

Passionate bakers can easily recreate this elegant treat with just a few simple ingredients.

Embrace the magic and let your kitchen become a canvas of delicious creativity.

Best Matches for Serving Strawberry Tart

Complement the delicate strawberry tart with a light, crisp sparkling rosé wine that echoes the fruity notes and cuts through the creamy pastry.

Brew a fragrant lavender Earl Grey tea that enhances the tart’s sweetness and provides a sophisticated herbal undertone to the dessert.

Create a classic champagne cocktail with a sugar cube and bitters to elevate the tart’s elegance and add a sophisticated bubbly touch.

Add a small splash of honey liqueur alongside the tart to intensify the strawberry’s natural sweetness and provide a warm, smooth finish.

How to Store a Strawberry Tart Properly

• Store the tart covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut remaining tart into slices and store in an airtight container. Consume within 1-2 days for best texture and flavor.
• Let the tart sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the pastry cream and enhance taste.

FAQs

• Can I make the tart shell ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shell up to 2 days in advance. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until ready to fill.

• What if I don't have a food processor?

You can make the tart shell by hand using a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. The key is to keep the butter cold and work quickly.

• How do I prevent the pastry cream from becoming lumpy?

Whisk constantly while cooking and strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve if you’re concerned about lumps. Slow, steady heating and continuous stirring are crucial for smooth pastry cream.

Why Strawberry Tart Is Always a Hit

• Create Culinary Magic: This strawberry tart transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery, making you feel like a master pastry chef.
• Impress Without Stress: Breaking down the recipe into manageable steps means anyone can craft this elegant dessert without feeling overwhelmed, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for special occasions like brunch, afternoon tea, or summer gatherings, this tart brings a touch of sophistication that delights both family and guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor combination.
• Fresh Seasonal Charm: Using fresh strawberries allows you to celebrate the bright, sweet flavors of the season, creating a dessert that feels both classic and wonderfully contemporary.

Everything Needed for a Strawberry Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the tart shell.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky and rich base for the tart shell.
• Egg Yolk: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without developing too much gluten.

• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the pastry filling.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the pastry cream.
• Egg Yolks: Thickens and enriches the cream.
• Cornstarch: Helps to stabilize and thicken the pastry cream.
• Butter: Adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the cream.
• Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cream with a classic aromatic flavor.

• Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient that adds fresh, vibrant flavor and beautiful color to the tart.
• Apricot Glaze: Optional finishing touch that gives the strawberries a glossy and professional appearance.

How to Make a Strawberry Tart Flawlessly

Step 1: Create Buttery Tart Shell

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Cold butter

Pulse until the mixture looks like rough sand. Add egg yolk and ice water slowly, mixing until the dough comes together.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Prep Tart Crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface.

Gently press the dough into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Use a fork to poke small holes in the bottom of the crust.

Return to the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Tart Shell

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bake the tart shell for 20-25 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 4: Craft Silky Pastry Cream

• Sugar
• Egg yolks
• Cornstarch

Gradually pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.

Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until the cream thickens and starts to bubble.

Step 5: Finish Pastry Cream

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract.

Transfer to a bowl and cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

Step 6: Assemble Delightful Tart

Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly across the cooled tart shell. Arrange fresh strawberry slices in a beautiful pattern on top of the cream.

Step 7: Add Glamorous Finishing Touch

Optional: Brush a light apricot glaze over the strawberries for a gorgeous shine.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the tart for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.

Slice and serve as an elegant dessert that will impress any crowd.

Smart Advice for a Great Strawberry Tart

• Refrigerate the tart shell dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking and ensure a tender, flaky crust during baking.
• Prick the tart shell with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and create a crisp, golden base that won't become mushy.
• Whisk the egg mixture continuously while adding hot milk to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy texture.
• Cover pastry cream directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and maintain a smooth, glossy finish.
• Brush a light apricot glaze over the strawberries for a professional-looking, appetizing presentation that adds a subtle sweetness.

Try These Spins on Strawberry Tart

• Gluten-Free Berry Tart: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour in the shell, creating a nutty base that's celiac-friendly and adds rich flavor.
• Vegan Fruit Pastry: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and replace egg yolks with cornstarch or aquafaba for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Citrus-Infused Tart: Substitute strawberries with mixed citrus segments like blood oranges and tangerines, adding zesty brightness to the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Tart: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and top with a mix of berries for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert option.

Strawberry Tart Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet memories come alive with this classic Strawberry Tart, blending buttery pastry and luscious cream. Fresh strawberries crown this elegant French-inspired dessert, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of summer’s most irresistible treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk

Sweeteners:

• 1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

Liquid:

• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) ice water

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Instructions

1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and chilled butter in a food processor, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Incorporate egg yolk and ice water into the mixture, blending until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Form the dough into a flat disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and carefully transfer to a 9-inch tart pan, pressing into the edges and bottom.
5. Puncture the dough base with a fork to prevent bubbling, then return to the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the tart shell for 20-25 minutes until achieving a light golden color.
7. Allow the tart shell to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. In a saucepan, warm milk with vanilla bean until it reaches a gentle simmer.
9. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
10. Gradually stream the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
11. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan, cooking over medium heat and stirring continuously until the cream thickens and bubbles.
12. Remove from heat, incorporating butter and vanilla extract.
13. Transfer pastry cream to a bowl, cover directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
14. Once both shell and cream are completely cool, spread pastry cream evenly across the tart base.
15. Artfully arrange strawberry slices atop the cream in an attractive pattern.
16. Optional: Brush a light layer of apricot glaze over the strawberries for an elegant sheen.
17. Refrigerate the assembled tart for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and set before serving.

Notes

• Chill the tart shell dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and ensure a crisp, flaky texture during baking.
• Use cold butter and minimal handling to create a tender, delicate pastry crust that melts in your mouth.
• Replace wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Consider using fresh seasonal berries or a mix of different fruits to add variety and vibrant colors to the tart.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 187 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg