Bitesized Bliss Perfectly Petite Strawberry Tarts
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Bite Sized Bliss!
Ever just crave a little something sweet? Strawberry tarts mini are exactly what you need. Honestly, these are so addictive, I had to hide half of them from myself!
A Little Tart History, Eh?
These aren't your average supermarket tarts. This strawberry shortbread tarts recipe brings that classic taste of summer. They're medium difficulty.
You'll need about an hour and ten minutes, plus chilling time. And you get two dozen perfect easy mini tarts !
Why You'll Love These
One of the best things? Strawberries are packed with vitamin C. These dessert tarts are great for a picnic. This vanilla custard strawberry tarts recipe will have your friends begging for more!
Get Started: Ingredients You'll Need
Okay, right, let's get this sorted. If Mary Berry herself were asking, I'd want to provide the absolute best to make sure this " Strawberry Tarts Mini " recipe gets seen.
So the first thing you'll need is flour. You can use normal everyday flour for the crust. And of course, you are going to need some strawberries!.
First, The Shortbread
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
Next, The Custard
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Lastly, The Topping
- 1 pound fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup apricot jam
- 1 Tablespoon water
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Strawberry Tarts Mini
Okay, right, let's get this sorted. We're making strawberry tarts mini , and trust me, it's easier than you think! I'm all about keeping things simple.
Think bite sized happiness! If Mary Berry herself were asking, I'd want to provide the absolute best to make sure this strawberry tarts mini recipe gets seen.
Main Ingredients: Let's Break It Down
For these petite strawberry tarts , quality ingredients are key. You can't go wrong with using fresh berries.
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) ice water
Pro-tip: The butter must be cold. Seriously. This is super important. If it is not cold, your crust will not be flaky.
It will be a bit of a disaster, if I am being honest. For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
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1 cup (237ml) whole milk
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1/2 cup (118ml) heavy cream
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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3 large egg yolks
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1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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1 pound (454g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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¼ cup (50g) apricot jam, for glaze (optional)
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1 Tablespoon (15ml) water, for glaze (optional)
Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavor
Vanilla extract is a must for that classic custard flavour. A pinch of salt enhances sweetness. Oh my gosh, it's so good! Apricot jam gives the summer strawberry tartlets a lovely shine.
It's optional, but really elevates them! This is perfect for a vanilla custard strawberry tarts. If you have never tried it before, you are in for a treat.
Equipment Needed: Keeping It Simple
You don't need fancy stuff, honestly!
- Mini tart pans (24 capacity)
- Rolling pin
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Don't have mini tart pans? You can use muffin tins in a pinch. A fork works just fine instead of a pastry blender.
Let's make these homemade mini strawberry tarts! I once tried to make these without a whisk. It was a nightmare, honestly! Save yourself the trouble.
The right tools make all the difference, right?
Bite Sized Bliss: Mastering Strawberry Tarts Mini
Okay, right , let's get this sorted. We are diving into the world of mini strawberry tart recipe ! These little beauties are the perfect way to impress your friends and family.
Honestly , who can resist a dessert tart filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with juicy strawberries?
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, essential mise en place . Gather all your ingredients. It is a fancy chef term, and basically means getting everything ready.
Measure out 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (113g) cold butter, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, and a smidge of salt.
Time saving organization tips : Chop your 1 pound (454g) of strawberries now. Get out all the stuff. This makes everything so much easier.
Remember, safety reminders : Wash those strawberries!
step-by-step: From Kitchen Chaos to Culinary Creation
- Make the Dough : Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until it looks like crumbs. Add 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) of ice water until it forms a dough. Chill for 30 minutes .
- Roll and Shape : Roll out the dough and press it into your mini tart pans. Prick the bottoms.
- Bake the Crusts : Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes , until golden. Cool completely.
- Custard Time : Whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat until thick. Stir in vanilla.
- Assemble : Spoon custard into the cooled crusts. Top with strawberries.
Pro Tips for Strawberry Tart Perfection
Want to elevate your homemade mini strawberry tarts ? Pro tip : Use a pastry bag to pipe the custard for a professional look.
Common mistakes to avoid : Don't overbake the crust! Soggy bottoms are a bummer. These petite strawberry tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the crusts and custard a day ahead.
Store them separately.
These summer strawberry tartlets are totally lush. With this foolproof guide, even you can whip up a batch of vanilla custard strawberry tarts that are seriously pro level.
Oh my gosh! People are going to be begging you for the recipe. If Mary Berry herself were asking, I'd want to provide the absolute best guide to making them.
Now, you are ready to make these bite sized strawberry desserts and easy mini tarts !
Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Sorted!
Okay, right, let's get this sorted. Before you dive into making these delightful strawberry tarts mini , I wanted to share a few extra pointers.
Think of it as me whispering in your ear as you bake. Trust me; these tips will make a difference!
Serving Suggestions: A Little Bit Fancy
These petite strawberry tarts are already adorable, but presentation matters, right? Plating ideas? Absolutely! Try arranging them on a tiered cake stand for a proper afternoon tea vibe.
A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
Complementary sides? A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is always a winner. For drinks, I like to serve these with a crisp glass of Prosecco or a refreshing elderflower cordial.
Makes it feel extra special, you know?
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
Honestly, these easy mini tarts rarely last long in my house! But if you do have leftovers, here's the lowdown.
Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . The crust might soften a bit, but they'll still taste amazing.
Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing fully assembled tarts. The custard can get a bit weird. However, you can freeze the baked tart shells.
Just wrap them well and freeze for up to 2 months . When ready to use, let them thaw completely before filling.
Reheating: Nope. These are best enjoyed cold!
Variations: Make 'Em Your Own
Fancy a twist? Here are a couple of ideas.
Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free option? Sub in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Works a treat! For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk for the custard (the texture will be slightly different, though).
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Strawberries not in season? No worries! Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches would be delicious. These dessert tarts are super versatile.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat
Simplified nutrition info? Each tart is roughly 150 calories , 2g protein, 9g fat, 16g carbs, and 8g sugar. They aren't a health food, but every now and then, it's good to treat yourself.
After all these are homemade mini strawberry tarts!
Key Health Benefits: Strawberries are packed with antioxidants. Plus, baking is great for stress relief, right?
And there you have it! Ready to whip up some strawberry shortbread tarts ? They are really a Bite Sized Bliss.
Trust me, you've got this. With these tips, you’ll be turning out perfect strawberry tarts mini in no time. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
My shortbread crust is tough! What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded tough crust! Chances are you overmixed the dough. Think of it like making scones - gentle is key. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less than-ideal texture. Also, make sure your butter is properly chilled that helps create those lovely flaky layers.
Next time, mix until just combined, then chill, chill, chill!
How can I prevent my mini strawberry tarts from having a soggy bottom?
Soggy bottoms are a baker's worst nightmare! To avoid this, make sure to prick the bottom of the tart shells with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape. Chilling the filled tart shells for a bit before baking also helps.
Finally, ensure your oven is properly preheated a hot oven helps the crust set quickly.
Can I make the vanilla custard filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The vanilla custard filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard while it cools in the fridge this prevents a skin from forming. Give it a good whisk before using to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.
Think of it as your "Blue Peter" moment be prepared!
What's the best way to store these mini strawberry tarts? Will they keep?
These strawberry tarts mini are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the filling and strawberries. To maintain quality, store them in an airtight container.
Consider adding the strawberries just before serving for optimal freshness, which is good 'housewife' skill
Can I use other fruits besides strawberries for these mini tarts?
Definitely! While these are strawberry tarts mini, feel free to get creative. Raspberries, blueberries, sliced kiwi, or even a mix of berries would be delicious. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the fruit; juicier fruits might make the crust a bit softer, so you could brush the baked crust with melted chocolate to create a moisture barrier.
I'm on a diet. Is there any way to make these strawberry tarts mini healthier?
You can certainly lighten them up a bit! Consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit in both the crust and the filling. You could also use a lighter milk (like skim milk), although this will affect the richness of the custard.
For the crust, you could even try incorporating some whole wheat flour, bearing in mind this will affect the texture. Remember, everything in moderation a small indulgence can be part of a balanced diet!
Bitesized Bliss Perfectly Petite Strawberry Tart

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |