Open Strawberry Tart

These Open Strawberry Tarts make a light and elegant summer dessert for family meals or dinner parties. The soft flan base pairs beautifully with cool vanilla cream and fresh strawberries. Simple preparation and fresh flavours make these individual tarts both impressive and easy to serve.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings Tarts

Ingredients

Flan Bases:

The Filling:

The Topping:

250 g fresh strawberries chopped
6 sprigs fresh mint

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Tins:

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan or 200°C conventional. Grease the individual tart tins lightly with butter.

Make the Flan Batter:

Add the flour, caster sugar, baking powder and salt to a mixing bowl. Stir well.
125 g plain flour, 75 g caster sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch salt
Next, add the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract and milk. Mix until a smooth and soft batter forms.
75 g unsalted butter, 1 medium egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp milk

Fill the Tins:

Divide the batter evenly between the tart tins. Spread the mixture gently so it rises slightly around the edges to create a small lip for the filling.

Bake the Bases:

Place the tins onto a baking tray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bases turn lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Cool the Bases:

Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes in the tins. Then transfer them onto a cooling rack. Do not chill the bases, as they taste best soft and fresh at room temperature.

Prepare the Cream:

Pour the double cream into a chilled bowl. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until soft peaks form. Keep the cream chilled until needed.
300 ml double cream, 2 tbsp icing sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract

Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash and chop the strawberries into small pieces. Chill them in the fridge until serving time.
250 g fresh strawberries

Assemble the Tarts:

Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream into the centre of each tart. Top with chopped strawberries and finish with a fresh mint sprig.
6 sprigs fresh mint

Serve:

Serve the tarts straight away for the freshest flavour and texture.

Equipment

Notes

Notes and Tips:

Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavour.

Chill the bowl before whipping the cream for quicker results.

You can prepare the cream and strawberries several hours ahead.

Add a little grated lemon zest to the cream for a fresh citrus flavour.

These tarts pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or sparkling wine.

Nutrition