How to Make Tarte aux Fraises – A Classic French Strawberry Tart Recipe

 

If you're searching for a stunning and summery dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful, look no further than the Tarte aux Fraises – the classic French strawberry tart. This iconic treat features a crisp buttery pastry base, luscious pastry cream, and a glossy layer of ripe strawberries on top. In this post, you’ll discover how to make Tarte aux Fraises at home using British English, with full SEO optimisation to make your food blog shine.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

🍓 What Is Tarte aux Fraises?

Tarte aux Fraises translates to Strawberry Tart. It’s a popular French dessert made with a sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucrée), filled with rich crème pâtissière (pastry cream), and topped with fresh strawberries. The tart is finished with a shiny glaze to make it visually irresistible and preserve the fruit's freshness. It’s a perfect showstopper for spring and summer occasions like garden parties, birthdays, or even afternoon tea.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the sweet pastry (pâte sucrée):

200g plain flour

100g unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

50g icing sugar

1 egg yolk

2–3 tbsp cold water

Pinch of salt

For the pastry cream (crème pâtissière):

500ml whole milk

4 egg yolks

100g caster sugar

40g cornflour

1 tsp vanilla extract or ½ vanilla pod

30g unsalted butter

For the topping:

400g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

2 tbsp apricot jam or redcurrant jelly (for glaze)

1 tbsp water

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Make the pastry base

1. In a mixing bowl, rub the flour, salt, and butter together with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Add icing sugar and mix well.

3. Stir in the egg yolk and just enough cold water to bring the dough together.

4. Shape into a disc, wrap in cling film, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

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2. Bake the pastry case

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas Mark 4.

2. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a 23cm tart tin.

3. Prick the base with a fork and chill for another 15 minutes.

4. Line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans.

5. Bake blind for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.

6. Cool completely.

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3. Prepare the pastry cream

1. Heat the milk and vanilla in a saucepan until just boiling. Remove from heat.

2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour until smooth.

3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.

4. Return to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.

6. Pour into a bowl, cover with cling film (touching the surface to prevent skin forming), and chill completely.

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4. Assemble the tart

1. Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly over the cooled tart shell.

2. Arrange the halved strawberries on top in concentric circles or a decorative pattern.

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5. Glaze the tart

1. Gently heat the apricot jam or redcurrant jelly with water until smooth.

2. Brush over the strawberries using a pastry brush to give a glossy finish.

3. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Best enjoyed on the day it's made, though it can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Pair with a glass of rosé wine or a cup of Earl Grey tea.

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💡 Tips for Success

Use the ripest, freshest strawberries for the best flavour and presentation.

Don’t skip chilling the pastry – it helps prevent shrinkage when baking.

For extra flavour, try brushing the pastry base with melted chocolate before filling.

Add a few mint leaves or edible flowers for an elegant finish.

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❄️ Storage Advice

Store the tart in the fridge for up to 48 hours.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pastry cream and strawberries can be affected.

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✅ 

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🔍 

Learn how to make Tarte aux Fraises, the classic French strawberry tart made with buttery pastry, pastry cream, and fresh strawberries. Step-by-step British English recipe with full Google SEO.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Now you know exactly how to make Tarte aux Fraises – a dessert that’s as tasty as it is photogenic. With its crisp base, creamy centre, and fresh strawberry topping, this classic French tart will become a favourite at your table. Whether you're hosting a summer party or treating yourself to a taste of France, this recipe is sure to delight.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.