Strawberry Cream Tartlets
Strawberry Cream Tartlets are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries on top, they are as beautiful as they are delicious. These mini tarts are easy to make and are sure to impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Strawberry Cream Tartlets is an excellent way to enjoy seasonal strawberries. The combination of sweet cream and tart fruit creates a lovely flavor balance. They are also fun to make, allowing you to experiment with different toppings or decorations. Plus, they can be a sweet ending to any meal or a treat at a gathering.
How to Make Strawberry Cream Tartlets
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam (optional, for glaze)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Directions:
- Make the tart crust: In a bowl, mix the flour and sugar together. Add the cold, cubed butter and rub it in until the mixture looks crumbly. Then, add the egg yolk and cold water to form a dough.
- Chill dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough and press it into tartlet pans. Prick the bottom of the crusts with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake crusts: Bake the crusts for 12–15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool before filling.
- Whip filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble: Fill each tart shell with the cream filling and top with halved strawberries.
- Optional glaze: If you want a shiny glaze, warm the strawberry jam slightly and brush it over the strawberries.
- Garnish: Finish by garnishing with fresh mint leaves. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Strawberry Cream Tartlets
Serve Strawberry Cream Tartlets chilled, perfect for a sweet dessert after dinner or as a part of a tea party. They look charming on a serving platter and can be enjoyed by hand, making them a great option for gatherings.
How to Store Strawberry Cream Tartlets
Store any leftover tartlets in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within two days, as the crust may become soggy over time. If possible, store the filling and shells separately and assemble just before serving.
Tips to Make Strawberry Cream Tartlets
- Make sure your butter is cold for a flaky crust.
- If the dough is too crumbly, add more cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Use a mix of other fruits if strawberries aren’t available, like raspberries or blueberries, for a different flavor.
Variation
You can swap the strawberries for other fruits like peaches, blueberries, or even a combination of berries for a mixed fruit tart. Also, feel free to infuse the cream with lemon zest or almond extract for added flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart crust a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after making and keep it in the fridge.
2. Can I use store-bought crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought tart or pie crust can work just fine.
3. How can I make the filling less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese mixture to suit your taste.
