Name: Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-490334H48M43S
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1–2 tablespoons cold water; Pinch of salt; 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 1/4 cup apricot jam (for glaze); 1 tablespoon water

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.8 from 37 reviews

If you have a soft spot for desserts that feel both elegant and utterly comforting, this Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe will steal your heart instantly. Picture a buttery, crisp tart crust filled with luscious, silky pastry cream, crowned with juicy, fresh strawberries glazed to a stunning shine. It’s a timeless classic that balances textures and flavors so beautifully, you’ll find it impossible not to smile with every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this recipe brings a little slice of French patisserie magic right into your kitchen.

Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet absolutely essential to capturing the authentic taste and texture that makes this tart unforgettable. Each component plays a key role—from the delicate sweetness of the pâte sucrée crust to the creamy richness of the pastry cream and the bright freshness of perfectly ripe strawberries.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our tart crust, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness for the pâte sucrée, so be sure it’s cold and cubed for best results.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust delicately without graininess.
Egg yolk: Binds the crust dough while enriching its color and flavor.
Cold water: Just enough to bring the dough together without making it tough.
Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
Whole milk: The creamy base for the pastry cream that provides a smooth canvas for the strawberries.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pastry cream for that perfect, tender mouthfeel.
Egg yolks: Create the thick, velvety texture of the crème pâtissière.
Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the cream sets beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes that elevate the cream’s flavor.
Unsalted butter: Added to the pastry cream for extra silkiness and sheen.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show—hulled and halved to perfectly display their vibrant red color and natural sweetness.
Apricot jam: Gently warmed and brushed over the strawberries to give a gorgeous glossy finish.
Water: Used to thin the apricot jam slightly for a smooth glaze.

How to Make Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust (Pâte Sucrée)

Begin by bringing your crust to life—combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt for a balanced flavor. Cut in your chilled butter until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, which ensures flakiness. Then add your egg yolk and cold water sparingly until a dough forms. Wrapping it in plastic and chilling keeps it firm and easier to handle. When ready, roll it out and line your tart pan, pricking the base so it doesn’t puff up. Baking with weights locks in a perfectly crisp base that will hold your luscious filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière)

This custard is the soul of your tart—warming milk almost to a simmer and tempering it into a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch creates a divine silky cream. Cooking over medium heat while whisking ensures it thickens without scrambling. Finish by stirring in fragrant vanilla and butter for that rich, velvety texture you’ll adore. Chill this until set to create a luscious bed for your strawberries.

Step 3: Assemble Your Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe

Spread your chilled pastry cream evenly over the cooled crust, gently creating the perfect canvas. Artfully arrange your halved strawberries in concentric circles—this not only looks stunning but allows every bite to have a balance of creamy and fruity delight. Warm apricot jam with a bit of water and brush it gently on top for that irresistible glossy glaze that seals in freshness and lends a professional finish. Chill the tart to let everything meld beautifully before serving.

How to Serve Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your tart, simplicity wins every time. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves add visual contrast and a hint of freshness without stealing the spotlight from the vibrant strawberries. You can also sprinkle a touch of toasted almond flakes around the edges for a delicate crunch that plays nicely against the creamy center.

Side Dishes

This strawberry tart pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, amplifying its creamy sweetness. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the dessert’s richness with bright acidity and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe presentation by slicing into individual servings and plating with a drizzle of coulis or chocolate sauce artfully swirled around the edge. For a casual yet charming touch, serve small tarts in individual tartlet pans or mason jars layered with pastry cream and strawberries for a deconstructed spin that still captures all the flavor and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve freshness, loosely cover with plastic wrap or a cake dome. The glaze on top helps maintain the strawberries’ vibrant look, but it’s best enjoyed soon for maximum flavor and texture.

Freezing

While the crust and pastry cream are delicious fresh, freezing the fully assembled tart is not recommended, as the strawberries lose their texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze the baked crust (without filling) wrapped well for up to a month; just thaw completely and add fresh pastry cream and strawberries before serving.

Reheating

This tart is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If your crust feels slightly less crisp after refrigeration, let the tart sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to soften the cream slightly and enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this tart?

Frozen strawberries tend to release extra moisture when thawed, which can make the tart soggy. Fresh, ripe strawberries are best for maintaining the perfect texture and presentation in the Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe.

Is there a substitute for apricot jam in the glaze?

If apricot jam is unavailable, you can use any clear fruit jam like peach or apple for glazing. Just warm it with a little water to create that beautiful shine that ties the tart together.

Can I make the pastry cream ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pastry cream can be prepared up to two days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble your tart.

What is the difference between pâte sucrée and pâte brisée?

Pâte sucrée is a sweet, buttery dough often used for dessert tarts because it holds its shape well and has a slightly crisp texture. Pâte brisée is more neutral and flaky, suitable for savory pies. For this strawberry tart, pâte sucrée is ideal for its sweetness and tenderness.

How can I tell when the pastry cream is cooked enough?

When cooking the pastry cream, it will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon and hold a line drawn through it with your finger. It should be smooth and glossy without lumps—whisk continuously and cook for 2 to 3 minutes after thickening to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about crafting a Traditional French Strawberry Tart Recipe from scratch—a perfect way to celebrate the simple elegance of fresh strawberries and classic French baking. The joyful blend of crisp crust, silky cream, and sweet, juicy fruit makes it a dessert you’ll want to return to again and again. Go ahead, try this recipe and fill your kitchen with the irresistible flavors that melt hearts and brighten any occasion.