Strawberry Tart

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering—or just treat yourself to something heavenly—this Strawberry Tart is your new go-to. Picture a buttery, flaky crust filled with a smooth, creamy custard and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. The balance of textures and flavors is absolutely irresistible, with every bite offering a burst of freshness and indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something fresh and sweet, this tart is sure to become your favorite dessert. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after just one slice!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Tart

Here’s why this Strawberry Tart is a showstopper:

• Elegant yet Easy: It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. No need for fancy techniques—just a few key ingredients come together beautifully.
• Fresh & Fruity: The strawberries shine here, bringing a fresh, natural sweetness that’s complemented perfectly by the creamy filling and buttery crust.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: You can easily make this tart ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
• Customizable: The base custard can be flavored with vanilla or even lemon zest, and you can switch up the fruit topping for other berries or fruits depending on the season.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday dinner, or just a weekend treat, this tart is a hit at any event.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Strawberry Tart:

For the Tart Crust:

• All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough and gives it structure.
• Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for a flaky, tender crust.
• Sugar: A bit of sugar in the crust adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Ice water: Helps bring the dough together without warming up the butter.

For the Custard Filling:

• Heavy cream: For a rich and smooth custard base.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and lightens up the custard.
• Egg yolks: These give the custard its creamy texture and richness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the custard.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard to the perfect consistency.

For the Topping:

• Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Jam or jelly: For glazing the top of the tart, giving it a beautiful shine and added sweetness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your tart? Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Make the Tart Crust

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a tart pan. Press the dough into the edges and trim any excess. Pierce the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Custard Filling

• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.
• In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
• Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly, then pour it into the cooled tart crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.

3. Arrange the Strawberries

• Wash and slice the strawberries. Arrange them on top of the custard filling, creating a pattern that’s both beautiful and delicious.

4. Glaze the Tart

• In a small saucepan, heat the jam or jelly until it melts into a smooth consistency. Brush it over the strawberries to give them a shiny, glossy finish.

5. Chill and Serve

• Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld.
• Slice and enjoy this beautiful, fresh dessert!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 70mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 12%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%
Potassium: 180mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours (including chill time)

How to Serve Strawberry Tart

This Strawberry Tart is best served chilled, and it pairs beautifully with:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side complements the richness of the tart.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a hit with fruit desserts.
• Fresh Mint: A few mint leaves can add a refreshing touch and a pop of color to your presentation.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve it with a cup of coffee or a mild tea for a perfect afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

• Fruit Variations: While strawberries are classic, you can switch things up with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of fruits for a colorful twist.
• Dough Tips: For an extra crisp crust, try blind-baking the crust by lining it with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
• Make it a Day Ahead: This tart stores well overnight in the fridge, so you can make it ahead and let the flavors meld before serving.
• Vegan Version: To make this tart vegan, swap the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and coconut milk, and use a dairy-free custard recipe.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A1: Yes, you can use a store-bought tart or pie crust if you’re short on time. Just bake it according to package instructions before filling.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A2: Fresh strawberries are best, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture on the tart.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover tart in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. The crust might soften slightly, but it will still taste delicious!

Q4: Can I make this tart gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can use a gluten-free tart crust or even a gluten-free cookie crust as an alternative.

Q5: How can I make the custard filling thicker?
A5: If you want a thicker custard, simply cook it for a bit longer, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q6: Can I use other berries for this tart?
A6: Absolutely! You can use any berry you like—raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all work wonderfully as toppings.

Q7: How can I prevent the strawberries from wilting?
A7: The jelly glaze helps keep the strawberries fresh, but it’s best to add the strawberries just before serving for maximum freshness.

Q8: Can I freeze this tart?
A8: It’s best to avoid freezing the whole tart, as the custard may not set well. However, you can freeze the crust and custard separately and assemble when ready to serve.

Q9: What kind of jam should I use for the glaze?
A9: You can use strawberry, apricot, or raspberry jam—just make sure it’s smooth and not chunky for easy glazing.

Q10: Can I make this tart dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Swap the butter, cream, and milk for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Tart is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves fresh fruit and creamy desserts. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging on your own, this tart is a guaranteed hit. With its buttery crust, smooth custard, and juicy strawberries, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!

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