Crisp, buttery tartlet shells filled with smooth pastry cream and topped with glazed fresh strawberries. A French-inspired dessert that’s as elegant as it is flavorful.
Author:Mari
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour (including chilling)
Yield:6 tartlets 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baked
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tart Shells:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled & cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1–2 tbsp cold water
For the Pastry Cream:
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup strawberry jam (warmed & strained for glaze)
Instructions
In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water until dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out chilled dough and press into tartlet pans. Prick bottoms with a fork and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
Gradually whisk warm milk into the egg mixture, then return to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill until set.
Once tart shells and pastry cream are cooled, spoon cream into the tartlets, smoothing the tops.
Top with sliced strawberries arranged in a circular pattern.
Brush with warmed, strained strawberry jam for a glossy glaze. Chill before serving.
Notes
Tart shells and pastry cream can be made a day ahead for easy assembly.
Try other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or kiwi for variety.
Best served the same day for maximum freshness and texture.