Description
Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets are bite-sized treats with flaky shells, smooth vanilla pastry cream, and juicy fresh strawberries. These stunning tartlets are perfect for parties, showers, and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pastry Cream:
- 100 grams granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- 24 grams cornstarch (3 Tablespoons)
- Pinch of Kosher salt
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 480 milliliters whole milk (2 cups)
- 42 grams cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes (3 Tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
Strawberry Tarts:
- 454 grams fresh strawberries (1 pound)
- 80 grams apricot preserves (1/4 cup)
Assembly:
- 32 mini tart shells or store-bought
- Whipped cream, for serving – optional
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add egg yolks and whisk until thick and pale, about 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
2. Place the pan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture boils. Let it boil for 1–2 minutes, until thick like pudding.
3. Immediately strain the pastry cream through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
4. Press plastic wrap directly on top of the pastry cream. Let cool at room temperature 30–60 minutes, then refrigerate until chilled.
5. Hull and dice strawberries into small chunks.
6. Once pastry cream is fully chilled, spoon or pipe it evenly into 32 tart shells.
7. Top each tartlet with a generous spoonful of diced strawberries.
8. Microwave apricot preserves until runny, 20–30 seconds. Brush strawberries with glaze using a pastry brush.
9. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Cook pastry cream until just thickened and boil only briefly to avoid eggy flavor.
Top with strawberries right before serving to prevent soggy crusts.
Glazing the berries with apricot preserves adds shine and visual appeal.
Store-bought shells and pudding can be used for a quick shortcut.
If strawberries aren’t in season, substitute with strawberry compote.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 42mg