Introduction
The easy strawberry tart recipe is one of those timeless desserts that never fail to impress — elegant, fruity, and irresistibly fresh. Whether served at a family gathering, a spring brunch, or a summer dinner party, this dessert adds a touch of charm and color to your table.
This easy strawberry tart recipe combines a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry (pâte sablée), a smooth homemade pastry cream, and juicy, ripe strawberries arranged beautifully on top. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it — just a bit of patience and quality ingredients.
For best results, choose seasonal strawberries. French varieties like Ciflorette (early-season, bright red-orange, sweet, and delicate) or Gariguette (the queen of strawberries, juicy and melt-in-your-mouth) work perfectly.
Ingredients for Strawberry Tart Recipe
For the pastry crust (pasta frolla):
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250 g all-purpose flour
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125 g cold butter, cut into cubes
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70 g sugar
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2 egg yolks
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5 cl cold water
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1 pinch of salt
For the pastry cream (crema pasticciera):
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25 cl milk
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30 g flour
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40 g sugar
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1 egg
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1 packet (or 1 tsp) vanilla sugar or extract
For the topping:
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500 g fresh strawberries (or more, depending on the size)
Preparation for easy strawberry tart recipe
Step 1: Make the Pastry Dough
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until slightly thickened. Add a bit of water to loosen the mixture.
In another bowl, mix the flour and cold butter with your fingertips until the texture becomes sandy. You need to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting — this is key to a crisp crust.
Make a well in the center, pour in the egg mixture, and combine using a knife or spatula. Don’t overwork the dough; it should just come together.
Shape into a ball, flatten slightly, wrap in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Crust Blind
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick. Line a 25 cm tart pan with it. Pierce the bottom with a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with baking beans or rice.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Remove the paper and beans, then let cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream
In a saucepan, bring the milk and vanilla to a gentle boil.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, and flour until smooth. Pour the hot milk gradually into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until thick and creamy. Once bubbles appear, cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat.
Let it cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the baked crust.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries in half. Arrange them neatly on top of the cream, starting from the outer edge and working inward to form a beautiful spiral.
If desired, brush the strawberries with a bit of apricot jam or neutral glaze to give them a glossy, professional finish.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for the Perfect easy strawberry tart recipe
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Use cold butter for the pastry: It keeps the crust flaky and prevents it from becoming tough.
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Chill the dough before baking: This prevents shrinkage in the oven.
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Don’t overcook the cream: Once thickened, remove from heat to avoid curdling.
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For extra shine: Mix one tablespoon of apricot jam with a teaspoon of water, heat it slightly, and brush over the strawberries.
Variations You’ll Love
🍓 Mini Strawberry Tartlets
Use the same dough and cream recipe but make small individual tart shells — perfect for brunches or buffets.
🍰 Chocolate Strawberry Tart
Add 100 g of melted dark chocolate over the crust before adding the pastry cream. The chocolate layer creates a beautiful contrast with the fruit.
🍋 Lemon Strawberry Tart
Replace vanilla with lemon zest in the pastry cream for a citrusy twist. Garnish with mint leaves for freshness.
🫐 Mixed Berry Tart
Use a blend of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful summer dessert.
Storage Tips
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Refrigerate: Store your strawberry tart in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days.
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Avoid freezing: The pastry cream and strawberries don’t freeze well — the texture changes after thawing.
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Add strawberries just before serving: If you’re preparing in advance, keep the baked crust and cream ready, and top with strawberries right before serving.
- Strawberry Tart Recipe
Nutrition Facts (per slice)
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Calories: 310 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 35 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 16 g
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Sugar: 20 g
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Fiber: 2 g
Pair It With
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A cup of espresso or iced coffee for a light afternoon treat.
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A glass of Prosecco for a festive touch.
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A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Internal & External Links
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Try our Soft Apple Cake Recipe for another fruit-based dessert.
- Discover more about French Strawberry Varieties for the best results.
Conclusion
This easy strawberry tart recipe brings together the essence of French pastry and home baking simplicity.
With a crisp base, creamy filling, and fresh fruit topping, it’s the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for spring and summer, it’s a showstopper that proves homemade baking can be both effortless and elegant. 🍓✨
Easy strawberry tart recipe