Mary Berry Strawberry Tarts Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking to impress friends and family with a delicious yet simple dessert, you absolutely have to try Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts recipe. Mary Berry, the queen of baking, brings a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness to these tarts, making them an irresistible treat.

With buttery pastry, smooth custard, and a burst of juicy strawberries on top, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. Not only is it easy to follow, but it also guarantees a visually stunning and mouthwatering result that’s perfect for any occasion!.

Mary Berry Strawberry Tarts Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s delightful strawberry tarts, you’ll need a selection of fresh and high-quality ingredients. These tarts are a perfect combination of buttery, crisp pastry with creamy, flavorful fillings topped with the juiciest strawberries. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Pastry

• 225g plain flour: The base for your pastry, plain flour creates a smooth, tender crust that crisps up beautifully when baked.
• 110g unsalted butter: You’ll want to use cold butter to ensure a flaky texture. The richness of the butter gives the pastry its lovely flavor and crispness.
• 50g icing sugar: This helps to sweeten the pastry slightly, contributing to a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 egg yolk: The egg yolk helps bind the ingredients together, providing richness and color to the pastry.
• Cold water: Just a small amount, enough to bring the dough together without making it too sticky.

For The Filling

• 300ml double cream: The creamy base of the tart, which when whipped, provides the perfect balance of lightness and richness. Double cream is essential for the luxurious texture.
• 2 tbsp icing sugar: Used to sweeten the whipped cream without overpowering its natural flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: A key ingredient that adds depth and fragrance to the cream, making it even more irresistible.
• 250g fresh strawberries: The star of the dish! Look for ripe, sweet strawberries with a vibrant color. The fresher the strawberries, the better the tart will taste.

For The Glaze

• 2 tbsp apricot jam: A glossy finish to your tarts, apricot jam provides a subtle sweetness and shine, ensuring the strawberries look as good as they taste.
• 1 tbsp water: To thin the jam slightly, making it easier to brush onto the strawberries.

Equipment Needed

To recreate Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts at home, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These tools ensure that the tart-making process is smooth and efficient, helping you achieve the perfect result.

• Tartlet pans or fluted tart tins: These are crucial for shaping and baking the individual tart bases. The fluted edges of the tart tin help create those elegant, classic tart shapes, while the non-stick coating ensures easy removal once baked.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need several mixing bowls for combining the ingredients, especially when making both the pastry and the whipped cream filling.
• Food processor or pastry cutter: A food processor can quickly blend the pastry ingredients to form a dough. If you don’t have one, a traditional pastry cutter or your fingertips work just as well to incorporate the butter into the flour.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out your pastry dough to the perfect thickness. A smooth, even roll is key to achieving a uniform crust.
• Whisk or electric hand mixer: To whip the double cream into soft peaks. A whisk will work fine, but an electric hand mixer makes this process much quicker and less labor-intensive.
• Pastry brush: For applying the apricot glaze to your strawberries, giving them a beautiful glossy finish.
• Sharp knife: To slice the strawberries evenly, ensuring each tart is topped with perfectly sized pieces.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts

Creating Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts is a step-by-step process that’s easy to follow, but results in a show-stopping dessert that will impress every time. Let’s break it down:

1. Prepare the Pastry
Start by making the pastry dough. In a food processor, combine the plain flour, icing sugar, and cold butter. Pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Alternatively, if you don’t have a processor, use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour. Add the egg yolk and pulse again. Gradually add a little cold water until the dough begins to come together. Form it into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out and Bake the Pastry
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 3mm thick. Carefully press the dough into your tartlet pans, ensuring that the base and sides are well covered. Trim any excess dough with a sharp knife. Line the pastry cases with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice to prevent the pastry from rising during baking. Bake the pastry at 180°C (350°F) for around 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Once baked, remove the paper and beans, and allow the shells to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Filling
While the pastry is cooling, it’s time to prepare the creamy filling. Whip the double cream with the icing sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to remain light and fluffy, not stiff and clumpy.

4. Assemble the Tarts
Once the pastry cases are cool, spoon or pipe the whipped cream into the tarts, filling them generously. Gently place the strawberries on top, arranging them in a pattern that’s pleasing to the eye. You can slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, or leave them whole for a more dramatic look.

5. Glaze the Tarts
To give the strawberries a lovely sheen, warm the apricot jam with a tablespoon of water in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes runny. Use a pastry brush to lightly glaze the strawberries, making sure they have a beautiful, glossy finish.

6.

Serve and Enjoy
Your strawberry tarts are now ready to be served!

These tarts are perfect for afternoon tea, a summer gathering, or any special occasion. They’re best enjoyed fresh, with the pastry crisp and the cream light and fluffy.

Expert Tips

While Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts are straightforward to make, a few expert tips can take your tarts from good to great:

1. Chill the Pastry Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps the butter firm up, which in turn makes for a flakier pastry when baked. It also helps prevent shrinkage as the dough bakes.

2. Use Fresh Strawberries: The quality of the strawberries will greatly impact the final result. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries that are firm and not overripe. If possible, select local, in-season strawberries for the best flavor.

3. Pipe the Cream: For a neat and elegant presentation, consider piping the whipped cream into the pastry cases instead of spooning it in. This ensures a clean finish and a more refined look.

4. Glaze with Care: When glazing the strawberries, don’t drown them in jam. A light brush is all you need to create a beautiful sheen without overwhelming the flavor of the fruit.

5. Serve Immediately: The tarts are best served within a few hours of assembly. The pastry will stay crisp and the cream light, ensuring a delightful texture in every bite.

Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts are a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery pastry, light whipped cream, and juicy strawberries come together in a dessert that is both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.

While the recipe itself is simple, it offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing for creative decoration and personal touches. Whether you’re making these tarts for a special event or simply to treat yourself, they are sure to impress with their elegance and taste. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of making these irresistible treats!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts

Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts are a classic dessert beloved for their balance of buttery shortcrust pastry, smooth custard, and fresh strawberries. While the original recipe is delicious as is, it’s also flexible enough to be customized in many ways, allowing you to add a personal twist. Whether you want to explore different textures, flavors, or fillings, there are plenty of variations to make this iconic dessert even more exciting.

1. Swap the Custard for Pastry Cream: The traditional recipe calls for a simple vanilla custard, but you can elevate the filling by making a rich, velvety pastry cream. Pastry cream is made by cooking milk, sugar, eggs, and cornstarch until thickened, creating a more luxurious and firm texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the pastry.

2. Incorporate a Fruit Glaze: Adding a fruit glaze can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. You can make a simple glaze by heating up apricot jam with a little water and straining it to remove the solids. Brush the glaze lightly over the strawberries before serving for a beautiful, glossy finish.

3. Use Other Berries: If you’re craving a berry medley, feel free to substitute the strawberries for other fresh fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or even a mix of all three work exceptionally well. Each berry offers its own unique sweetness and tartness, which can add more complexity to the flavor profile of the tart.

4. Add a Nutty Twist: If you’re a fan of nuts, you can sprinkle crushed almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts over the custard filling before adding the strawberries. The crunch will provide a satisfying contrast to the soft pastry and smooth custard, as well as add a nutty depth to the flavor.

5. Chocolate Strawberry Tarts: For those who love a chocolatey twist, you can spread a thin layer of melted dark chocolate on the base of the pastry shell before filling it with custard. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a decadent dessert that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

6. Vegan Strawberry Tarts: For a plant-based version, substitute the traditional butter in the pastry for coconut oil or vegan margarine, and opt for a dairy-free custard made with plant-based milk and egg alternatives such as cornstarch or tofu. Top with fresh strawberries for a vegan treat that doesn’t compromise on taste.

7. Lemon or Orange Zest: Infuse your custard filling with citrus zest to add a refreshing, aromatic twist. A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest can bring out the natural brightness of the strawberries, creating a more zesty and uplifting flavor profile.

These variations allow you to personalize your Strawberry Tarts to suit your preferences or cater to dietary restrictions, all while staying true to the essence of the dessert. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, these variations will bring an extra dimension to Mary Berry’s famous tarts.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftover Strawberry Tarts properly is crucial to maintain their freshness and prevent the delicate pastry and custard from becoming soggy or overly soft. Here are some best practices to ensure your leftovers stay delicious:

1. Refrigeration is Key: Since the tarts contain custard and fresh fruit, they should be refrigerated if you’re not planning to eat them right away. Custard-based desserts are perishable and need to be kept cool to avoid spoilage. Place your leftover tarts in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge and to keep the crust from getting soggy.

2. Avoid Storing Tarts with Strawberries for Too Long: Fresh strawberries release moisture, which can cause the pastry to become soft. If you want to store leftover tarts, it’s best to keep the strawberries separate from the rest of the tart. You can remove the berries and store them in a separate container, then top the tarts with fresh strawberries when you’re ready to serve them again.

3. Wrap Tarts Individually: If you have multiple tarts leftover, consider wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap or wax paper. This helps to preserve the shape and quality of each tart and prevents them from becoming squashed or sticking to each other.

4. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep leftover tarts for a longer period, freezing is an option. To freeze, place the tarts on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply bake the tarts in a preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the pastry is crisp again. However, be aware that the fresh strawberries will not have the same texture once thawed, so this method is best used for the pastry and custard elements.

5. Reheat Carefully: When reheating, it’s important to ensure you don’t overheat the custard or pastry. A gentle reheat in the oven or a few seconds in the microwave (without the berries on top) can bring the tarts back to life without compromising their delicate texture.

By following these storage tips, your leftover Strawberry Tarts will retain their original flavor and texture for a few days, ensuring you can enjoy this delectable treat long after you’ve made it.

What Goes Well With Strawberry Tarts

Strawberry Tarts are already a delightful dessert on their own, but pairing them with complementary foods and beverages can elevate the overall experience. Here are a few ideas of what goes wonderfully with these sweet and fruity tarts:

1. Fresh Whipped Cream: For a light and airy addition, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is an excellent choice. Its smoothness and subtle sweetness balance the tartness of the strawberries and provide a creamy contrast to the crisp pastry. You can even flavor the whipped cream with vanilla or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier for a refined touch.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream or Sorbet: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a tangy lemon sorbet pairs beautifully with Strawberry Tarts. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the warm, flaky pastry, while the lemon sorbet adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavors of the tart.

3. Champagne or Prosecco: For an elegant pairing, a glass of chilled champagne or prosecco is perfect. The bubbles and crispness of the sparkling wine contrast with the rich custard and the sweet strawberries, making for a sophisticated dessert experience.

4. Mint Tea or Earl Grey Tea: A fragrant mint tea or a cup of Earl Grey complements the fresh fruit and custard with its aromatic notes. Mint offers a refreshing, herbaceous quality that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries, while Earl Grey’s hint of bergamot creates a more complex pairing.

5. Chocolate Shavings or a Dusting of Cocoa Powder: For chocolate lovers, adding chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the tarts can enhance the flavor profile. The bitter richness of dark chocolate works wonderfully with the sweet and tart strawberries, creating a sophisticated contrast.

6. A Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi can make a vibrant and refreshing side dish to accompany your Strawberry Tarts. The juicy fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich custard, while the combination of colors and textures creates a visually appealing plate.

By carefully selecting complementary side dishes, drinks, and toppings, you can make your Strawberry Tarts feel like an extraordinary dessert experience that pleases both the palate and the eyes.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts are a timeless and versatile dessert that can be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and occasions. From classic variations like a fruit glaze or a nutty topping to adventurous twists like vegan adaptations or chocolate-filled tarts, there’s no limit to how you can put your spin on this delicious treat.

By following proper storage techniques, you can extend the shelf life of your tarts, ensuring they remain just as delightful even after a few days. And, when it comes to pairing, there are so many options-whether it’s a simple dollop of whipped cream or an elegant glass of sparkling wine-that can enhance the experience. No matter how you choose to serve them, Strawberry Tarts are a charming and satisfying dessert that will continue to win over hearts and appetites alike.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts require ingredients such as shortcrust pastry, butter, sugar, flour, eggs, double cream, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberries. The tart shell is made from the pastry, while the filling combines mascarpone, cream, and vanilla for a rich and smooth texture.

How Do I Make The Pastry For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

To make the pastry, combine plain flour, butter, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add a little cold water to bring the dough together.

Roll out the dough and line individual tart cases, then chill before baking. Bake the pastry blind for around 15-20 minutes at 180°C (350°F), then let it cool.

Can I Use Store-bought Pastry For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

Yes, you can use store-bought shortcrust pastry if you’re short on time. It saves preparation time, but the homemade pastry will provide a fresher taste and a crispier texture. Just make sure to line the tart shells properly and follow the same baking instructions.

How Do I Prepare The Filling For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

For the filling, whisk together mascarpone cheese, double cream, sugar, and a drop of vanilla extract until the mixture thickens and forms soft peaks. This creates a smooth, creamy filling that will pair wonderfully with fresh strawberries.

Can I Use A Different Fruit In Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

Yes, you can experiment with different fruits!

While strawberries are the classic choice, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries work wonderfully too. You can also create a mixed berry tart using a combination of fruits.

What’s The Best Way To Assemble Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

To assemble the tarts, spoon the mascarpone filling into the cooled pastry shells. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the filling, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Optionally, you can glaze the strawberries with a little apricot jam or melted jelly to give them a shiny finish.

How Do I Store Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

Store the assembled tarts in the refrigerator to keep the cream filling fresh. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making them, as the pastry may soften if left too long in the fridge. If you plan to make the pastry ahead, you can freeze the shells before baking.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the tart shells and the filling in advance. The pastry can be made and baked the day before, while the filling can be prepared and kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Assemble the tarts on the day you plan to serve them for the best results.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts More Decadent?

To make the tarts even more decadent, you can add a layer of lemon curd or a chocolate ganache on top of the mascarpone filling before adding the strawberries. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra indulgence.

Is There A Gluten-free Option For Mary Berry’s Strawberry Tarts?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry’s strawberry tarts by using a gluten-free shortcrust pastry or a gluten-free flour blend for the tart shell. Be sure to check the rest of the ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the mascarpone and cream.