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Fench strawberry tart

Tarte aux Fraises, Classic Strawberry Tart

This quick and easy French strawberry tart, know as : Tarte aux fraises, pairs crisp shortcrust pastry with silky pastry cream, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course desserts
Cuisine french cuisine
Servings 8 portions
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the shortcrust pastry:

  • 250 g all-purpose flour
  • 125 g unsalted butter diced
  • 40 g granulated sugar
  • 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 50 ml milk
  • A pinch of salt​

For the pastry cream:

  • 500 ml whole milk
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 130 g granulated sugar
  • 50 g cornstarch
  • 1 vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract​

For the topping:

  • Fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and halved
  • Strawberry jam or glaze for tart

Instructions
 

Preparing the shortcrust pastry:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and diced butter. Rub together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add the granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  • Gradually pour in the milk while mixing until a dough forms.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
  • Roll out the chilled dough and line a tart pan. Prick the base with a fork.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Let it cool completely.​

Preparing the pastry cream:

  • Split the vanilla bean and scrape out the seeds. Place both the seeds and pod into the milk and bring to a boil.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture whitens. Add the cornstarch and mix well.
  • Remove the vanilla pod from the hot milk. Gradually pour the milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
  • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
  • Pour the pastry cream into a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and let it cool completely.​

Assembling the tart:

  • Spread the cooled pastry cream over the baked tart shell.
  • Arrange the halved strawberries on top, covering the cream completely.
  • Gently heat the strawberry jam until it becomes liquid, then brush it over the strawberries to give them a shiny finish.
  • Refrigerate the tart for at least an hour before serving.