Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Strawberry Tart (French Strawberry Tart)


  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

A classic French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises) featuring a buttery tart shell, luscious pastry cream, and fresh strawberries with a glossy glaze. Perfect for spring and summer occasions!


Ingredients

Scale

Tart Shell

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp cold water

Pastry Cream

  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • (Optional) 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped

Topping & Glaze

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Mix in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough comes together.
  4. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a tart pan.
  6. Prick the base with a fork, then refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart shell with parchment and baking weights.
  8. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Let the tart shell cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

  1. Heat milk with a split vanilla bean or vanilla extract in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
  3. Gradually add warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
  4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat, strain if necessary, and let it cool with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  6. (Optional) Fold in whipped heavy cream for a lighter texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart

  1. Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly in the tart shell.
  2. Arrange fresh strawberries in a decorative pattern on top.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

  1. Warm apricot jam with lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Brush the glaze over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
  3. Chill the tart for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Mixed Berry Tart: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
  • Chocolate Pastry Cream: Add melted dark chocolate to the pastry cream for a rich chocolate variation.
  • Almond Tart Crust: Substitute part of the flour with ground almonds for added nuttiness.
  • Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for extra indulgence
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • chill time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Keywords: French strawberry tart, Tarte aux Fraises, strawberry dessert, pastry cream tart, classic French pastry