I am so excited to share my love for strawberry tartlets with you! These delightful mini desserts have a special place in my heart and my kitchen. I still remember the first time I made them—my best friend and I were attempting to impress our families with a fancy treat for dessert night. They turned out so delicious that we practically had to wrestle our family members away from the table to save a few for ourselves!
What I adore about strawberry tartlets is their beautiful layers of flavor and texture. The buttery, flaky crust, the luscious cream filling, and the fresh, juicy strawberries on top create a truly mouthwatering experience. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just enjoying a sweet treat after dinner. Let me show you how to create these little beauties!
What’s in Strawberry Tartlets?
Crust: The base of the tartlet is a buttery pastry that melts in your mouth. I generally use store-bought puff pastry for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pastry is always a hit!
Pastry Cream: This creamy filling is the heart of the tartlet. It’s rich, velvety, and sweet. I love using vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, but you can get creative by adding a dash of almond extract if you’re a fan.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries add that perfectly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream. I suggest using local strawberries when they’re in season for the best taste.
Gelatin or Glaze (Optional): To give the tart a glossy finish and keep the strawberries looking fresh, I sometimes brush a bit of apricot glaze or gelatin over the top.
Is Strawberry Tartlets Good for You?
While strawberry tartlets are indeed a delightful treat, they are a sweet indulgence, so let’s break down the health factors:
Fresh Strawberries: These little gems are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They contribute to heart health and can even help boost your mood—perfect for that sweet tooth craving!
Puff Pastry: This crust is delicious, but it is also rich in calories and saturated fats. Moderation is key, folks! Enjoying these in smaller portions will help you keep the indulgence in check.
Pastry Cream: Made with milk and egg yolks, this creamy filling contains essential nutrients, but it’s also high in sugar and fat. A little goes a long way!
In summary, while these tartlets can add a bit of sweetness to your day, balance them out with healthier meals and enjoy in moderation.
Ingredients for Strawberry Tartlets
– **Servings:** 6 tartlets
– **For the Crust:**
– 1 package of puff pastry (enough for 6 tartlet shells)
– **For the Pastry Cream:**
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg yolks
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– **For Topping:**
– 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– Optional: 1/4 cup apricot glaze or gelatin for shine
How to Make Strawberry Tartlets?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into rounds a little larger than your tartlet pans.
3. Place the pastry rounds into the greased tartlet pans, pressing them down gently. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
4. Bake the pastry for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
5. While the crusts are cooling, let’s make the pastry cream! In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
6. In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined. Slowly pour in the hot milk while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
7. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter.
8. Let the pastry cream cool before filling the tartlet shells. Once cool, spread the pastry cream evenly in each shell.
9. Top each tartlet with sliced strawberries, arranging them artfully.
10. If using, brush the tops with apricot glaze or melted gelatin for a lovely shine.
11. Chill the tartlets in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to set everything.
Sweet Tips for the Perfect Tartlets
– If you’re pressed for time, feel free to use ready-made tartlet shells from your local bakery or grocery store.
– Don’t be afraid to experiment! Other fruits like blueberries or raspberries can be fantastic substitutes.
– Serve these tartlets with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
I can’t wait for you to try this strawberry tartlet recipe! It’s such a joy to make, and I promise they’ll be a hit with family and friends. If you do give it a go, let me know how they turn out! I love hearing all about your kitchen adventures and sweet treats. Happy baking!