If you are looking for a stunning dessert that tastes like a slice of springtime joy, this Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe is your new best friend. With a crisp, buttery vegan shortcrust pastry base, a luxuriously smooth and creamy vegan pastry cream, and fresh, juicy strawberries layered like a fragrant blossom, every bite bursts with freshness and sweet delight. It’s an elegant yet approachable treat that will wow anyone lucky enough to share it, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple ensures that each element shines naturally, bringing texture, flavor, and vibrant color to this tart. From the flaky vegan pastry to the luscious pastry cream and bright strawberries, each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting this masterpiece.
- Vegan shortcrust pastry: This forms the crisp and buttery foundation of your tart, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy filling and juicy fruit.
- Vegan pastry cream: Smooth, rich, and dairy-free, this cream adds luxurious texture and decadent flavor without overwhelm.
- Fresh strawberries (500 g): The star of the show, these bring the perfect blend of tartness and sweetness, plus a gorgeous red pop of color.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Used to macerate the strawberries, it draws out their natural juices and enhances their sweetness.
- Strawberry preserves (60 g): Creates a glossy jam glaze that makes the tart look irresistible and seals in freshness.
How to Make Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe
Step 1: Bake and Cool the Pastry
Start by preparing your vegan shortcrust pastry following your favorite recipe, then blind bake it until golden and crisp. This ensures your shell stays firm and flaky, a wonderful base for all the delightful fillings to come. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before moving forward to keep textures perfect.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
Wash, hull, and halve the fresh strawberries, then toss them with the granulated sugar. Let them sit covered for 30 minutes so they release their natural juices and develop an extra burst of sweetness. This step really elevates the flavor and keeps your tart juicy without becoming soggy.
Step 3: Prepare the Jam Glaze
Gently warm the strawberry preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the jam liquefies into a glossy, spreadable glaze. Brush this glaze over the base and sides of the cooled pastry shell to create a sticky barrier that locks in deliciousness and keeps moisture at bay. Combine the drained strawberry juices with some leftover preserves to use as a final glaze later—this adds shine and flavor.
Step 4: Fill the Tart with Pastry Cream
Whip the vegan pastry cream until luxuriously smooth, then spoon it into the prepared tart shell. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful layer of creamy richness that will contrast perfectly with the fresh fruit topping.
Step 5: Layer the Macerated Strawberries
Arrange the strawberry halves neatly on top of the pastry cream, starting from the center and working outward in a graceful circular pattern. This not only looks spectacular but also ensures each bite has a perfect balance of cream and fruit. Chill the tart in the refrigerator for one to two hours so the pastry cream can set firmly, making every slice hold beautifully.
Step 6: Glaze the Strawberries
Right before serving, brush the strawberries with the reserved strawberry juice and preserve mixture. This final glaze adds a brilliant shine and a touch of extra sweetness that makes the whole tart simply irresistible.
Step 7: Storage
Once assembled, you can cover the tart with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the freshest taste and best texture, I highly recommend enjoying it the same day it’s made—as this is when the flavors and textures truly come alive. Avoid freezing to keep the delicate vegan pastry cream smooth and luscious.
How to Serve Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe
Garnishes
Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves on top for an extra pop of contrast and a refreshing hint of herbal brightness. Thinly sliced almonds toasted to golden perfection also add a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries and pastry cream.
Side Dishes
This tart stands delightfully on its own as a dessert, but if you’d like to serve it alongside something else, a simple glass of chilled vegan vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of coconut cream make for a dreamy complimentary duo. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, slice the tart into neat, even wedges and arrange them on a long wooden board garnished with edible flowers or fresh strawberry halves. Alternatively, serve individual tartlets using mini versions of the same recipe—perfect for an elegant tea party. Another idea is to scatter crushed pistachios or a drizzle of vegan chocolate over each slice for a touch of surprise and decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the tart tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep its fresh, vibrant flavors for up to three days, although the best experience is always on day one when the textures are at their peak.
Freezing
Due to the delicate nature of the vegan pastry cream and fresh strawberries, freezing is not recommended for this tart. Freezing can cause the cream to separate and the pastry to lose its crispness, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Reheating
Because this tart is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and can compromise the texture and taste. Simply allow it to come to room temperature from the fridge if needed before serving, ensuring the flavors open up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and texture better, but if fresh are unavailable, thaw frozen strawberries and drain well before using. Keep in mind that frozen berries may release more juice, potentially making the tart slightly soggier.
Is the vegan pastry cream difficult to make from scratch?
Not at all! While it might seem intimidating, vegan pastry cream is surprisingly straightforward to make with simple pantry staples like plant-based milk, cornstarch, and vanilla. Plus, it’s wonderfully rewarding to create your own silky, dairy-free filling.
Can I prepare the tart in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the pastry shell and pastry cream ahead of time and assemble the tart on the day of your event. Just add the strawberries and final glaze right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What can I substitute for strawberry preserves?
If you’re out of strawberry preserves, apricot preserves work beautifully as a glaze because of their mild sweetness and smooth texture. Alternatively, you could gently warm fresh strawberry jam or homemade fruit syrup as a replacement.
Is this Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The traditional shortcrust pastry uses wheat flour, but you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend that behaves well for baking. Just be mindful that gluten-free pastry can be a bit more delicate, so handle it with care during blind-baking.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe is truly a showstopper that combines elegance, simplicity, and the naturally delightful flavors of fresh strawberries with rich vegan cream and crisp pastry. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself to something special, this tart promises smiles, compliments, and the comforting joy that comes from homemade goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Vegan French Strawberry Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Tarte Aux Fraises is a classic French strawberry tart featuring a crisp vegan shortcrust pastry base filled with smooth vegan pastry cream and topped with fresh, macerated strawberries glazed with a shiny strawberry preserve. This elegant dessert is perfect for showcasing fresh strawberries and can be prepared ahead of time for a stunning presentation at any occasion.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 batch vegan shortcrust pastry (see note 1)
Pastry Cream
- 1 ½ batches vegan pastry cream (see note 2)
Strawberries and Glaze
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 60 g strawberry preserves (or strawberry jam/apricot preserves)
Instructions
- Bake and cool the pastry: Prepare a batch of vegan shortcrust pastry and blind-bake it according to the specified recipe instructions. Once baked, allow the pastry shell to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the next step.
- Macerate the berries: Wash, hull, and halve the strawberries. Place them in a bowl with the granulated sugar and toss gently to coat. Cover the bowl and let the strawberries macerate for 30 minutes, allowing them to release their juices and become tender.
- Prepare the jam glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the strawberry preserves while stirring continuously until the jam becomes thin and glossy. Using a pastry brush, coat the base and sides of the cooled pastry shell with this jam glaze. Drain the juices released from the macerated strawberries and mix them with the leftover strawberry preserves to create a glaze for finishing the tart later.
- Fill the tart: Whisk the vegan pastry cream to ensure it is smooth, then spread it evenly into the glazed pastry shell using an offset spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Arrange the strawberries: Neatly place the macerated strawberry halves on top of the pastry cream, starting from the center of the tart and working outward in a circular pattern to create an attractive presentation. Refrigerate the tart for 1 to 2 hours to allow the pastry cream to set firmly.
- Glaze the strawberries: Just before serving, use a pastry brush to apply the strawberry reserve glaze over the arranged strawberries to add shine and enhance flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover tart covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, serve on the day it is made. Avoid freezing the tart as it may affect the texture.
Notes
- Note 1: Vegan shortcrust pastry should be prepared following a reliable recipe that uses plant-based fats to ensure crispness and flavor.
- Note 2: Vegan pastry cream can be made using plant-based milk, cornstarch, sugar, and a flavoring such as vanilla extract. Ensure it is thickened properly to hold the tart filling without being runny.
