Strawberry Custard Tarts (also known as Tim Tarts)

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Delicious homemade Strawberry Custard Tarts with fresh strawberries and creamy filling
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Strawberry Custard Tarts (Tim Tarts)

Strawberry Custard Tarts, also known as Tim Tarts, are delightful little pastries that bring together a buttery crust and smooth custard filling topped with fresh strawberries. These tarts are perfect for dessert lovers and can be made for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Strawberry Custard Tarts is a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with a homemade treat. They are not only delicious but also visually stunning with their vibrant toppings. Plus, you have the joy of creating something from scratch, using real ingredients you can trust. Whether you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or find a fun baking project, these tarts are a great choice.

How to Make Strawberry Custard Tarts

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup soft butter
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for custard)
  • 2/3 cup sugar (for custard)
  • Pinch of salt (for custard)
  • 3 extra-large egg yolks, slightly beaten
  • 4 tbsp butter (for custard)
  • 1-2 tbsp good-quality vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jelly or jam (optional for glaze)
  • 1-2 tbsp water (optional for glaze)

Directions:

To Prepare the Pastry:

  1. Cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the beaten egg and mix until light and fluffy.
  2. Combine the flour and salt in another bowl. Slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut out circles for tart pans, chill the pans in the fridge for 20 minutes, and poke holes in the bottoms.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tart shells for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.

To Prepare the Vanilla Custard:

  1. Heat the milk until just under boiling.
  2. In a saucepan, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly whisk in 1/3 of the scalded milk over medium heat until thickened, repeating with the remaining milk.
  3. Temper the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of the mixture, then return to the saucepan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until pudding-like. Stir in butter and vanilla, then cool.

To Assemble the Tarts:

  1. Place a whole strawberry in the center of each pastry shell, pipe the custard around it.
  2. Top with strawberry halves.
  3. (Optional) For glaze, microwave strawberry jelly with 1-2 tbsp water, stir, and brush over strawberries.
  4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Strawberry Custard Tarts

Serve the tarts chilled or at room temperature. They make a great dessert for lunch gatherings or dinner parties. You can also enjoy them as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee!

How to Store Strawberry Custard Tarts

Store any leftover tarts in the refrigerator. Cover them with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They are best eaten within two to three days, as the pastry can become soft over time.

Tips to Make Strawberry Custard Tarts

  • Make sure the butter is soft but not melted for the best pastry texture.
  • Chill the dough well before rolling it out to prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor; try to pick ones that are ripe and sweet.
  • You can prepare the custard a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tarts.

Variation

You can substitute strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for different flavors. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pastry for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought pastry if you want to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.

2. How can I make the custard thicker?
If you want thicker custard, try adding a bit more flour to the mixture or cooking it for a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

3. Is it possible to freeze the tarts?
Freezing is not recommended for baked tarts, as they can lose their texture. However, you can freeze the baked tart shells and fill them with custard later before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Custard Tarts, and happy baking!

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Strawberry Custard Tarts (Tim Tarts)

  • Author: krmibk110
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Delightful pastries featuring a buttery crust and smooth custard filling topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup soft butter
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 extra-large egg, lightly beaten
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for custard)
  • 2/3 cup sugar (for custard)
  • Pinch of salt (for custard)
  • 3 extra-large egg yolks, slightly beaten
  • 4 tbsp butter (for custard)
  • 1–2 tbsp good-quality vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup strawberry jelly or jam (optional for glaze)
  • 1–2 tbsp water (optional for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the beaten egg and mix until light and fluffy.
  2. Combine the flour and salt in another bowl. Slowly add to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Divide the dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest in the fridge for about 1 hour.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface, cut out circles for tart pans, chill the pans in the fridge for 20 minutes, and poke holes in the bottoms.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tart shells for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool.
  6. Heat the milk until just under boiling.
  7. In a saucepan, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Slowly whisk in 1/3 of the scalded milk over medium heat until thickened, repeating with the remaining milk.
  8. Temper the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of the mixture, then return to the saucepan, cooking for 1-2 minutes until pudding-like. Stir in butter and vanilla, then cool.
  9. Place a whole strawberry in the center of each pastry shell, pipe the custard around it.
  10. Top with strawberry halves. (Optional) For glaze, microwave strawberry jelly with 1-2 tbsp water, stir, and brush over strawberries.
  11. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure to chill the dough well before rolling it out to prevent sticking. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tart
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: strawberry tarts, custard tarts, dessert, baking, pastries

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