Name: Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 7 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg yolk; 1-2 tsp cold water; 3 large egg yolks; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups whole milk; 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 1 tsp vanilla extract; About 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled; 1/4 cup apricot jam (optional, for glaze); 1 tsp water (to thin jam)

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If you’re looking to delight your guests with a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises) is your go-to recipe. This classic French tart combines a delicate, buttery crust with luscious pastry cream and a fresh, juicy strawberry topping. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this dessert balances crisp textures with natural sweetness, making it an unforgettable treat that’s simple yet impressively elegant.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic French Elegance: This tart showcases the timeless elegance of French patisserie with stunning visual appeal.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy filling creates a bright and natural sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh fruit, this recipe is approachable for any home baker.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether a casual brunch or a formal dinner, this tart fits right in.
Impressive Presentation: The glossy strawberry topping looks like it belongs in a high-end bakery.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises) plays a crucial role, from building the crisp crust to creating a smooth filling that perfectly complements the fresh fruit. These essentials come together to deliver that irresistible French charm.

All-purpose flour: Provides the base for a flaky, tender tart shell.
Unsalted butter: Contributes rich flavor and buttery flakiness to the crust.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both dough and pastry cream without overpowering the fruit.
Egg yolks: Key for binding the dough and thickening the creamy filling.
Whole milk: Gives the pastry cream a silky, smooth texture.
Vanilla bean or extract: Enhances the cream with warm aromatic notes.
Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient providing vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
Apricot jam (optional): Used to glaze the strawberries for that irresistible sheen and added sweetness.

Variations for Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your favorite flavor combinations or dietary needs.

Mixed berry tart: Swap strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
Almond crust: Add almond flour for a nutty flavor and extra crumbly texture in the pastry shell.
Lemon zest filling: Infuse the pastry cream with lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and vegan butter to make it friendly for lactose intolerance.
Gluten-free crust: Substitute with gluten-free flour blends for those with sensitivities.

Traditional French Strawberry Tart Tarte aux Fraises Recipe

How to Make Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough

Begin by combining flour, sugar, and cold, cubed butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add an egg yolk and a splash of cold water to bring the dough together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to rest and firm up.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Tart Shell

Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it evenly into a tart pan with a removable bottom. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent bubbling. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Pastry Cream

Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla just until simmering, then slowly pour into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return the mix to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap to prevent skin, and chill.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly into the cooled tart shell. Arrange hulled, fresh strawberries neatly on top, either halved or whole, depending on their size and your design preference.

Step 5: Glaze the Strawberries

Warm some apricot jam with a teaspoon of water until smooth and brush gently over the strawberry tops. This adds a beautiful shine and a hint of extra sweetness that keeps the fruit looking fresh.

Pro Tips for Making Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

Cold ingredients for crust: Ensure your butter and water are cold to achieve a flaky crust texture.
Don’t skip chilling dough: Resting the dough prevents shrinking and improves handling.
Continuous stirring of cream: Stir pastry cream constantly to avoid lumps and curdling.
Use ripe strawberries: The best flavor and color come from fresh, perfectly ripe berries.
Brush glaze while warm: Applying the apricot glaze warm helps it spread smoothly and dry with a shine.

How to Serve Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

Garnishes

Complement your tart with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves for color and freshness. Whipped cream on the side adds a luscious contrast to the tart’s crispness.

Side Dishes

Pair this strawberry tart with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to enhance the creamy texture and balance sweetness. A light green salad with citrus dressing can also refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the tart on a beautiful china platter for an elegant touch, or slice into individual tartlets for a party. Adding edible flowers or delicate chocolate curls brings a fancy bakery vibe right to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover tart covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid airtight sealing to protect the delicate crust from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this tart because the fresh strawberries lose their texture upon thawing, and the pastry cream can become watery.

Reheating

This tart is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and may affect texture and flavor negatively.

FAQs

Can I substitute frozen strawberries for fresh in the Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)?

Using frozen strawberries is not ideal as they release excess moisture when thawed, which can make the tart soggy and affect the pastry cream’s texture.

How long does the tart crust need to chill before baking?

At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is recommended. This resting period helps relax the gluten for a tender crust and solidifies the butter for flaky layers.

What can I use instead of apricot jam for the glaze?

Clear or red fruit jellies work well as alternatives. You can also lightly brush warmed honey for a natural glaze.

Is the pastry cream difficult to make?

Not at all! With gentle heat and constant stirring, the pastry cream thickens smoothly and quickly, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.

Can I make the tart without eggs?

Eggs are essential for both the crust and the pastry cream structure; however, vegan or egg-free substitutes exist but require adjustments to texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Traditional French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises) is a stunning, delicious way to bring a touch of France to your kitchen and table. With its harmonious blend of buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries, it’s a recipe that promises smiles and compliments every time. Go ahead and try it—you’ll soon discover why this classic never goes out of style.