Get ready to fall in love with these delightful Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe, a perfect bite-sized treat bursting with fresh flavor and creamy goodness. Imagine flaky, buttery tart shells cradling smooth, vanilla-infused pastry cream topped with juicy, vibrant strawberries glazed to a shiny finish. Each element is crafted from scratch, making these tartlets not only a feast for the taste buds but also a charming showcase of your homemade baking skills. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something sweet and fresh, this recipe delivers 32 irresistible tartlets that will surely impress and satisfy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six containers on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients. At the center is a white plate with granulated white sugar, surrounded by a brown bowl with flour in the top left, a white bowl in the top right containing three bright yellow egg yolks, a small white bowl in the bottom left holding four light yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl in the bottom right filled with coarse salt, and a transparent glass cup filled with milk on the far right. The colors range from the soft white of the flour and sugar to the rich yellow of the yolks and butter, creating a simple yet inviting arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing to the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and visual appeal. From the silky pastry cream to the fresh strawberries, each component is essential but simple enough to find in your kitchen or local market.

Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the pastry cream to creamy perfection without overpowering.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): Thickens the custard for that luscious pudding-like texture.
Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness elegantly.
Large egg yolks (4): The heart of the custard, giving it richness and a beautiful golden color.
Whole milk (2 cups): Creates the creamy base for the pastry cream, making it smooth and satisfying.
Cold unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds silkiness and a glossy finish to the custard once melted in.
Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the custard with warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
Fresh strawberries (1 pound): Provides fresh, juicy topping that’s both sweet and slightly tart, making each bite unforgettable.
Apricot preserves (1/4 cup): Used as a glaze, it adds shine and a subtle fruity sweetness to the strawberry topping.

How to Make Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream

Start by whisking together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and kosher salt in a large saucepan. Add the egg yolks and beat until the mixture thickens and lightens in color, about 2 to 3 minutes—this is your base becoming luscious and creamy. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking to ensure a smooth mixture. Heat it over medium heat while stirring constantly, and watch as your custard begins to thicken and bubble like a velvety pudding.

Step 2: Strain and Cool the Custard

Immediately strain the cooked custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, creating an ultra-smooth texture. Then, stir in cold butter cubes and your choice of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, which adds depth and warmth to your custard. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge until completely cold and set.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries

While your pastry cream chills, prep the strawberries by trimming the stems and dicing them into small, uniform chunks. Their freshness and vibrant red color will brighten each tartlet, and the size makes them easy to spoon generously onto the custard base.

Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets

Once your pastry cream is chilled and ready, spoon or pipe it evenly into 32 tart shells. Top every tartlet with a big spoonful of diced strawberries, piling them up to showcase their juicy goodness.

Step 5: Glaze the Strawberries

Warm apricot preserves in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 to 30 seconds until runny, then gently brush the glaze over the strawberries. This last step adds a dazzling shine, seals in freshness, and offers a delicate layer of extra sweetness. Your Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe is now ready to wow your guests!

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe

The image shows six small tartlets placed on a white marbled surface. Each tartlet has a light brown, crumbly crust forming a round shell with a fluted edge. Inside the crust, there is a creamy white filling topped with a generous layer of bright red cut strawberries, which are shiny and fresh looking. The strawberries are chopped into small, irregular pieces and cover the filling fully. Around the tartlets, there are whole strawberries adding a fresh touch to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a stunning presentation, consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar to each tartlet. These small touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a refreshing contrast to the sweet custard and berries.

Side Dishes

These tartlets pair beautifully with a simple cup of lightly brewed tea or a sparkling lemonade, balancing their creamy sweetness with a touch of acidity. For brunch or dessert plates, offer fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as complementary sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini tartlets on a tiered dessert stand to create an inviting centerpiece at any gathering. For a fun twist, serve them in colorful mini muffin liners or on rustic wooden boards to add character and charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store your tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will remain delightful and fresh.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the tart shells (without filling) for up to one month. Assemble the tartlets fresh before serving to preserve that perfect texture and flavor contrast.

Reheating

Since these tartlets are served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, bring them to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to shine and prevent chilling the palate too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for these tartlets, as frozen berries tend to release more liquid and can make the tarts soggy. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely and drain off any excess juice before using.

Is it possible to make the custard vegan or dairy-free?

You can substitute whole milk with plant-based milk and use a vegan butter alternative; however, keep in mind it may alter the creaminess and flavor of the pastry cream slightly. Experiment with cornstarch-thickened coconut cream for a dairy-free custard.

How long does it take to chill the pastry cream?

Allow the custard to cool at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before refrigerating it, then chill for at least two hours to ensure it is fully set and ready for assembly.

Can I make the tart shells from scratch as well?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on filling and topping, making your own buttery, flaky tart shells would elevate this dish even further. Many pie crust recipes work wonderfully for mini tartlets.

What other fruits can I use instead of strawberries?

Feel free to swap in raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches to create variations on this recipe. Just keep in mind the sweetness and moisture content can affect the final texture and flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks, these Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe are exactly what your kitchen needs. They bring together rich homemade custard, fresh strawberries, and that irresistible golden crust in a way that feels both special and approachable. Grab your apron, invite some friends over, and prepare to delight everyone with these charming little bites of happiness.

Mini Strawberry Custard Tartlets from Scratch Recipe