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
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter and work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough comes together.
- Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a tart pan.
- Prick the base with a fork, then refrigerate for another 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the tart shell with parchment and baking weights.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the tart shell cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream
- Heat milk with a split vanilla bean or vanilla extract in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add warm milk to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, strain if necessary, and let it cool with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- (Optional) Fold in whipped heavy cream for a lighter texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Tart
- Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly in the tart shell.
- Arrange fresh strawberries in a decorative pattern on top.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
- Warm apricot jam with lemon juice until smooth.
- Brush the glaze over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
- 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