Ingredients – Crust: Recipe

Imagine slicing into a Classic French Strawberry Tart: crisp golden crust, silky pastry cream, and a spectacular crown of glistening strawberries. This French pâtisserie classic is a showstopper, but don’t be fooled by its beauty – with the right Ingredients – Crust:, and a bit of patience, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Every bite is pure joy, balancing buttery richness, creamy vanilla, and sunny, jam-kissed berries!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate how simple, honest ingredients come together for this recipe. Each component shines on its own, but when combined, they create the dreamy contrast of crunch, creaminess, and fruitiness that makes a Classic French Strawberry Tart unforgettable.

• Ingredients – Crust: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour — This everyday staple forms a tender, sturdy base and creates the perfect canvas for all your toppings.
• Ingredients – Crust: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold — Cold butter is essential for a flaky, crisp pastry; it’s what gives the crust that irresistible crumb.
• Ingredients – Crust: 1/4 cup sugar — Sugar brings a delicate sweetness and helps the crust brown beautifully.
• Ingredients – Crust: 1 egg yolk — Adding richness and just the right amount of tenderness to your pastry.
• Ingredients – Crust: 2 tbsp cold water — Use ice-cold water to bring the dough together without overworking it for the flakiest result.
• Pastry Cream: 2 cups milk — Milk is the lush base for a smooth, rich custard.
• Pastry Cream: 1/2 cup sugar — Sweetens every creamy spoonful without being overpowering.
• Pastry Cream: 4 egg yolks — Infuse silkiness and depth of flavor into the pastry cream.
• Pastry Cream: 1/4 cup cornstarch — The unsung hero that thickens your custard to perfection.
• Pastry Cream: 2 tsp vanilla extract — Vanilla brings warmth, elegance, and aroma to the filling.
• Pastry Cream: 2 tbsp butter — Stirred in at the end for a glossy, sumptuous finish.
• Topping: Fresh strawberries, halved — Chosen at their ripest for juiciness and vibrant color, they’re the edible jewels of your tart.
• Topping: 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze) — When warmed, this jam transforms into a stunning, professional-looking sheen that locks in moisture and flavor.

How to Make Ingredients – Crust:

Step 1: Make and Chill the Dough

Start by pulsing the flour, sugar, and cold butter together in a food processor until the mixture looks sandy and the butter is distributed in pea-sized clumps. Add the egg yolk and cold water, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Press the dough into a disc, wrap it well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This prevents shrinking in the oven and lets those bits of butter work their magic for a crisp finish.

Step 2: Roll Out and Bake Ingredients – Crust:

Once your dough is thoroughly chilled, place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out about 1/8 inch thick and gently transfer it into a tart pan, letting the edges overhang before trimming. Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment, and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, removing the weights halfway through for even browning. Let it cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry Cream

In a medium saucepan, simmer the milk gently until steam rises. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl until pale. Slowly pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly (this prevents the eggs from scrambling). Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and whisk over medium heat until thickened and bubbling. Remove from the heat, stir in vanilla and butter until the cream turns velvety and smooth. Let it cool completely, pressing plastic wrap against the surface to prevent a skin.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart with Ingredients – Crust:

Once the crust and pastry cream are both cool, spread the pastry cream evenly into the tart shell. Arrange halved strawberries on top in elegant concentric circles or any playful way you like. For that classically glossy finish, gently melt the apricot jam with a splash of water and brush it over the fruit. Each glossy berry glows and stays beautifully fresh.

Step 5: Chill and Enjoy

Place your finished tart in the refrigerator to chill until set, ideally for at least an hour. This step lets all the flavors meld and ensures each slice holds together perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, cut yourself a generous piece and bask in the compliments!

How to Serve Ingredients – Crust:

Garnishes

Give your Classic French Strawberry Tart a patisserie-worthy touch by sprinkling a bit of powdered sugar over the berries just before serving. You could also add a handful of toasted sliced almonds for some crunch or a whisper of fresh mint for a pop of color and refreshing aroma. These little extras are simple but make your tart feel truly special for guests or a quiet afternoon treat.

Side Dishes

The tart’s flavor is so delicate, it pairs well with subtle sides. Consider a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. If you’re serving it after dinner, a glass of chilled rosé or a pot of herbal tea really brings out the strawberry flavors and makes the whole experience feel even sweeter.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! You can make individual mini-tarts using smaller pans for personalized desserts, or slice the tart into elegant bars for a picnic-ready treat. For a fancier twist, alternate rows of strawberries with thinly sliced kiwi or raspberries for beautiful color contrast. However you present it, Ingredients – Crust: and the fresh fruit topping are your blank canvas for delicious creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tart in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. The Ingredients – Crust: stays crisp for a day or two, and the chilled pastry cream and strawberries keep everything tasting fresh. Just remember – the sooner you enjoy your leftovers, the better!

Freezing

While the assembled tart (especially with strawberries) doesn’t freeze well due to the fruit’s high water content, you can freeze the baked Ingredients – Crust: on its own. Wrap the cooled, baked crust tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw before filling and finishing fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

This is a tart best served cold or at cool room temperature, so skip reheating. If you’ve frozen just the Ingredients – Crust:, allow it to thaw at room temperature before filling with cream and fruit. This way, the crust remains deliciously crisp against the soft filling.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?

Absolutely! While classic strawberries are a favorite, try raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even a mix for a glorious berry medley. Sliced kiwi and peaches also look and taste fantastic. The apricot glaze works its magic on any fruits you choose.

What if I don’t have a food processor to make the Ingredients – Crust:?

No worries! Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour and sugar until it’s crumbly, then mix in the yolk and water. It takes a few extra minutes, but you’ll achieve a beautiful dough just the same.

Can I make the pastry cream ahead?

Definitely! Prepare the pastry cream up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface. Just give it a quick whisk before spreading into the tart shell for maximum creaminess.

Why does my Ingredients – Crust: shrink during baking?

Shrinkage usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or was stretched too much when lining the tart pan. Try to let the dough rest, press it gently into shape, and avoid stretching for a beautiful, even shell.

How do I get that shiny finish on the berries?

The secret is a simple apricot jam glaze. Warm the jam with a splash of water until it liquefies, then brush it gently over the fruit. It gives your tart a professional, eye-catching gloss and keeps the berries fresh!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a bit of French bakery magic into your own kitchen, this Classic French Strawberry Tart is the best place to start. With a perfect Ingredients – Crust:, luscious pastry cream, and show-stopping strawberries, it’s every bit as wonderful as it looks. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with someone you love!

Print