Ingredients
Pastry Dough Ingredients






Pastry Cream Ingredients
Garnish
Instructions
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, combine 165 grams of all-purpose flour, 30 grams of powdered sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add 75 grams of cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Incorporate one egg and knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
After chilling, roll out the dough and place it in a tart pan, smoothing it evenly. Poke the crust with a fork and freeze it for at least 2 to 3 hours.
Once frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) until golden brown. Let the tart shell cool completely.
Step 2
In a saucepan, heat 150 grams of milk until it's almost boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 70 grams of sugar, 15 grams of cornstarch, a pinch of salt, and one egg until smooth.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Transfer this mixture back to the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 30 grams of butter.
Pour the pastry cream into a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until fully set, about several hours.
Step 3
Once the tart crust has cooled and the pastry cream is set, slice fresh strawberries.
Spread the pastry cream evenly over the cooled tart shell.
Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cream, decorating as desired. If you choose, brush a neutral glaze over the strawberries for a shiny finish.
Enjoy your delicious strawberry tart!
Servings
Once your French Strawberry Tart is assembled and beautifully decorated with sliced strawberries, you'll want to serve it fresh. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
**Pair with whipped cream!** A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream adds a heavenly touch for those who love a creamy texture. π₯³
**Add a scoop of ice cream!** For a classic dessert experience, serve a slice with your favorite ice creamβvanilla or strawberry would be divine! π¦
**Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!** This tart pairs wonderfully with a fragrant cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. β
Equipment
Choose a pan with removable bottom for easy release of your tart; it helps maintain the shape and presentation.



Use a large bowl for mixing the dough and a medium bowl for the pastry cream to keep things organized.
A sturdy whisk is essential for beating the egg and sugar mixture and ensuring a smooth pastry cream.



A good-quality rolling pin is your best friend for achieving a perfectly even pastry crust.



Use a spatula to gently fold the pastry cream and to spread it smoothly in the tart shell.



Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are some fantastic **gluten-free** and **vegan** alternatives for this delicious tart:
Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute regular flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and butter, are certified gluten-free to keep this dessert safe for anyone with gluten intolerance. β¨
Vegan Variation: Swap the egg in the tart crust with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). For the pastry cream, use plant-based milk and substitute the butter with coconut oil for a creamy texture that's entirely vegan! π±
Faq
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! While fresh strawberries have the best texture and flavor, you can certainly use frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid sogginess.
- How long can I store the tart?
The best way to enjoy this tart is fresh, but you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep it covered to prevent it from drying out!
- How do I prevent my tart crust from being soggy?
Make sure to bake the tart shell until itβs fully golden and crisp before adding the pastry cream. You can also brush it with a little melted chocolate as a barrier before filling!
- What can I do if my pastry cream is too runny?
If your pastry cream is runny, it may need a little more time on the heat to thicken. Just keep stirring on medium-low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge until youβre ready to use it.
- Is it necessary to chill the pastry cream?
Yes! Chilling the pastry cream is crucial for it to set correctly, giving you that perfect creamy texture when you spread it on the tart. So, patience is key!