Tarte aux Fraises

Tarte aux Fraises is a delightful French dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy cookie crust filled with creamy vanilla pastry cream and topped with fresh strawberries, this tart is a showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or just enjoying a sunny day, Tarte aux Fraises brings elegance and flavor to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Creamy: The vanilla pastry cream provides a rich and smooth texture that pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of the strawberries make this tart visually stunning, impressing anyone who sees it.
• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated appearance, the steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or an elegant dinner, this tart suits various events and celebrations.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal strawberries enhances the flavor and makes each bite refreshing.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Tarte aux Fraises, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help ensure that your tart turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Small paring knife
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Offset spatula
• Tart pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes whipping egg yolks quick and easy, ensuring the pastry cream reaches the right texture.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading the pastry cream evenly across the tart crust without damaging it.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and ensuring there are no lumps in your pastry cream.

Ingredients

This Tarte aux Fraises features a cookie crust filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream topped with fresh strawberries. A classic French dessert perfect for strawberry season!

For the Pastry Cream

• 1/2 vanilla bean
• 6 tablespoons sugar (divided)
• 1 1/3 cups milk (divided (330 ml total))
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon butter

For Assembling the Tart

• 9-inch baked pâte sucrée or pâte sablee tart crust (or pie crust)
• 1 pint strawberries
• 2 tablespoons strawberry or apricot jam

How to Make Tarte aux Fraises

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. Start by making the pastry cream filling. Use a small paring knife to slit open the vanilla bean half.
2. Open the bean and press flat with your knife, scraping the vanilla bean seeds onto your knife edge.
3. Add to 3 tablespoons sugar, and use your fingers to break up the seeds and combine with the sugar.
4. Put the vanilla sugar, empty vanilla bean pod, and 1 cup milk into a saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking to dissolve the sugar.

Step 2: Whip Egg Yolks

1. Meanwhile, put egg yolks in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment and set to medium speed.
2. Slowly add 3 tablespoons sugar, then whip together on high speed. Scrape down the mixer bowl as needed.
3. When egg mixture gets to ribbon stage and lightens (about 3-4 minutes), stop whipping.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Meanwhile, whisk cornstarch into the remaining 1/3 cup of milk until smooth. Set aside.
2. When milk in saucepan has just come to a low boil (watch carefully), add cold milk mixture to stand mixer and combine on low.
3. Once well combined, slowly pour in hot milk with mixer on low.

Step 4: Thicken Pastry Cream

1. As soon as incorporated, turn off mixer and pour entire mixture back into saucepan.
2. Over low heat, stir with a whisk constantly until mixture comes to boil again and starts to thicken (about 2 minutes).
3. Then whisk for another 2 minutes over low heat to ensure any raw taste from cornstarch is gone.

Step 5: Finish Pastry Cream

1. Whisk in butter; then turn off heat. Remove vanilla bean.
2. Scrape pastry cream into a bowl; press plastic wrap directly over top.
3. Let cool; then refrigerate until cold.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tart

1. Remove outer ring from tart pan; put pâte sucrée tart shell on serving dish or cake stand carefully.
2. Whisk pastry cream until smooth; spread evenly over base of tart crust using an offset spatula.
3. Cut off tops of strawberries; slice each into 3 or 4 thin vertical slices.

Step 7: Decorate With Strawberries

1. Lay strawberry slices on top of pastry cream overlapping them from outside inward until covered completely.
2. Combine 2 tablespoons strawberry or apricot jam with a tablespoon of water in small bowl; microwave for about 10 seconds until melted.

Step 8: Glaze And Chill

1. Use pastry brush to coat jam over strawberry slices for shine.
2. Chill until ready to serve.

Enjoy your homemade Tarte aux Fraises! This dessert is sure to delight friends and family alike!

How to Serve Tarte aux Fraises

Tarte aux Fraises is a delightful dessert that shines during strawberry season. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful contrast to the tartness of the strawberries, enhancing the overall experience.

Accompany with Fresh Mint

• Adding fresh mint leaves not only enhances presentation but also provides a refreshing flavor that balances sweetness.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce can elevate this classic French dessert to new heights.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or tea serves as a perfect beverage pairing, enhancing the flavors of the tart and providing a cozy touch.

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How to Perfect Tarte aux Fraises

Creating a stunning Tarte aux Fraises requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out perfectly every time.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and vibrant color for your tart.
• Make pastry cream in advance: Preparing the pastry cream ahead allows it to chill properly, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Use an offset spatula: This tool helps you spread the pastry cream evenly in the crust without damaging it.
• Let it chill before serving: Chilling the assembled tart allows flavors to meld and makes cutting easier.
• Brush jam carefully: When applying jam on top, use gentle strokes to avoid disturbing the strawberry arrangement.
• Experiment with different jams: While strawberry jam is traditional, apricot or raspberry jams can add unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Tarte aux Fraises

While Tarte aux Fraises is delightful on its own, pairing it with certain side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Chocolate Mousse: A light and airy dessert that pairs well with fruit tarts, offering a rich chocolate contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can complement the tart and add variety to your meal.
3. Cheese Platter: Combining soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese balances sweetness with savory flavors.
4. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches serve as a delightful appetizer that prepares your palate for dessert.
5. Scones with Clotted Cream: These British treats provide a rich, buttery flavor that contrasts nicely with fruity desserts.
6. Panna Cotta: This creamy Italian dessert offers a smooth texture and can be flavored with vanilla or citrus to match the tart’s theme.
7. Savory Crepes: Light crepes filled with cheese or spinach can serve as an excellent counterpoint to sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Tarte aux Fraises can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes ensures your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Using stale strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key to a great Tarte aux Fraises. Always choose ripe and juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the pastry cream: If you cook the pastry cream too long, it can become lumpy or grainy. Stir continuously and watch closely as it thickens.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the pastry cream is essential for achieving a smooth texture. Don’t skip this step; allow it to cool completely before assembling.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients is crucial in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Rushing the assembly: Take your time when layering the strawberries on top. A careful arrangement not only looks beautiful but also enhances the flavor with every bite.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep leftover Tarte aux Fraises in an airtight container.
• It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tarte aux Fraises

• Freezing is not recommended for assembled Tarte aux Fraises because the strawberries may become mushy upon thawing.
• If necessary, freeze only the pastry cream and crust separately, and assemble when ready to serve.

Reheating Tarte aux Fraises

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices individually on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can affect texture.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick pan over low heat for a few minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarte aux Fraises?

Tarte aux Fraises is a traditional French strawberry tart featuring a sweet pastry crust filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh strawberries.

Can I use frozen strawberries for Tarte aux Fraises?

While fresh strawberries are ideal, you can use frozen ones if you’re in a pinch. Just be aware that they may not hold their shape as well after thawing.

How do I make my Tarte aux Fraises more flavorful?

You can enhance flavors by adding lemon zest to the pastry cream or a splash of vanilla extract. Fresh mint leaves also make a lovely garnish.

Can I prepare Tarte aux Fraises ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the pastry cream and crust in advance. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

What other fruits work well with this recipe?

Aside from strawberries, you can experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for delicious variations of Tarte aux Fraises.

Final Thoughts

Tarte aux Fraises is not just a classic French dessert; it’s also versatile and customizable. You can add different fruits or flavors to suit your taste preferences. With its beautiful presentation and delightful taste, this tart is sure to impress friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try!