Strawberry Tarts
Delightful strawberry tarts featuring flaky pastry filled with strawberry jam, topped with cinnamon sugar, nuts, and a golden, crispy finish—perfect for a sweet treat or elegant dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the cream cheese and butter into the sifted flour.
- Work the mixture until it clings together in a ball.
- Chill the dough well in the refrigerator.
- Roll the cream cheese pastry out into a thin layer on a lightly floured board.
- Cut into small circles.
- Place a small amount of strawberry jam on each pastry circle.
- Fold the pastry over the jam and crimp the edges together with a fork.
- Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle lightly with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar, and finely chopped nuts.
- Place the tarts on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier pastry, ensure your butter is cold when mixing with the flour. You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile. If you want to add a twist, consider mixing in some finely chopped fresh strawberries into the jam before filling the tarts. These Strawberry Tarts can also be made with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Strawberry Tarts as a delightful dessert at gatherings or tea parties. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving or garnish with fresh mint leaves. Complement them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Tarts contains roughly 176 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries by slicing them thinly and mixing them with a bit of sugar to macerate. However, you might need to adjust baking time to ensure the pastry cooks properly without becoming soggy. Using fresh strawberries adds a great texture and flavor to the tarts.
How can I make the tarts more colorful?
To make the tarts more colorful, consider adding a layer of colorful fruit preserves beneath the strawberry jam, such as raspberry or apricot. You can also top the finished tarts with additional fresh fruits like blueberries or kiwi slices for a vibrant look.
Is it possible to freeze these tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked tarts. Assemble the tarts and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time while they are still frozen.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).