Strawberry Tartlets Recipe

Strawberry Tartlets are charming mini desserts made with buttery pastry shells, a smooth vanilla cream filling, and sweet, juicy fresh strawberries. These individual treats are elegant, refreshing, and ideal for spring and summer celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful presentation perfect for entertaining
• Easy to make ahead with separate components
• Light and fresh, ideal for warm-weather desserts
• Combines a crisp crust, creamy center, and fruity topping
• Customizable with other fruits or flavorings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the tartlet shells:

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Cold unsalted butter
• Egg yolk
• Ice water
• Salt

For the filling:

• Mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

For the topping:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Optional: apricot jam or redcurrant jelly (for glaze)

Directions

1. Make the tartlet dough
   In a bowl or food processor, mix flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add cold butter and pulse or cut in until the mixture resembles crumbs. Add egg yolk and a little ice water until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Form and bake shells
   Roll out dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into circles and press into tartlet pans. Prick the bottoms and chill again for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake with parchment and baking weights for 10 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5–7 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
3. Prepare the cream filling
   In a bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks, then fold into the mascarpone mixture. Chill until ready to use.
4. Assemble the tartlets
   Spoon or pipe the filling into the cooled tartlet shells. Arrange sliced strawberries on top.
5. Optional glaze
   Warm a spoonful of apricot jam or redcurrant jelly with a little water. Brush gently over strawberries for a shiny finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 tartlets
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes (plus chilling)

Variations

• Lemon twist: Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy note
• Berry mix: Top with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries
• Chocolate base: Add cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolate version
• Mini cheesecakes: Use a graham cracker base instead of pastry
• Vegan option: Use a vegan crust, coconut cream, and maple syrup in the filling

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store assembled tartlets in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make-ahead: Bake the tart shells and make the filling up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before serving for best results.
• Freezing: Freeze tartlet shells separately if desired. Avoid freezing with filling and fruit.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought tartlet shells?

Yes, store-bought mini tart shells are a great time-saver and work perfectly with the filling.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Brush the inside of the cooled tart shells with melted white chocolate to create a barrier before adding the filling.

Can I make these tartlets in advance?

Yes, keep the components separate and assemble just before serving for best freshness.

What other fruits can I use?

Any berries, kiwi, mango, or stone fruits like peaches work beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend or a nut-based crust for a gluten-free alternative.

What if I don’t have tartlet pans?

You can use a muffin tin lined with parchment or silicone cupcake molds.

How do I make the glaze?

Gently melt fruit preserves with a little water and brush over the fruit for shine and flavor.

Is there a no-bake version?

Use a graham cracker crust and chill the assembled tartlets instead of baking.

What’s the difference between mascarpone and cream cheese?

Mascarpone is smoother and richer, while cream cheese is tangier. Both work well in the filling.

Can I add a layer of jam under the filling?

Yes, a thin layer of strawberry or raspberry jam under the cream adds extra flavor.

Conclusion

Strawberry Tartlets are the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity, combining a crisp crust, creamy filling, and fresh berries in one irresistible bite. Whether for a garden party, holiday table, or weekend treat, these mini desserts are sure to impress and satisfy.

Print