Tarte aux fraises fleur

The Tarte aux Fraises Fleur is a refined French dessert that marries the natural sweetness of strawberries with the delicate fragrance of orange blossom water. Its defining feature is its elegant floral arrangement, where sliced strawberries are meticulously layered to resemble flower petals. Light, fragrant, and beautifully presented, this tart makes for an exceptional treat on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A visually striking centerpiece for gatherings or special occasions
• Combines classic pastry with a fresh, seasonal fruit topping
• Delicately infused with orange blossom for a sophisticated aroma
• Simple to customize with your favorite crusts or additional fruits
• Ideal for spring and summer celebrations

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shortcrust pastry (pâte sablée)
• Fresh strawberries
• Crème pâtissière (pastry cream)
• Orange blossom water
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Egg yolks
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter
• Optional: edible flowers for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust
   Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, then line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden. Let cool.
2. Make the Pastry Cream
   In a saucepan, bring milk and vanilla to a simmer. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and cornstarch until light. Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture while whisking. Return to the saucepan and cook on medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and orange blossom water, and cool completely.
3. Assemble the Tart
   Spread the cooled pastry cream into the baked crust. Slice strawberries thinly and arrange them in overlapping layers from the outer edge inward, creating a flower pattern.
4. Chill and Serve
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the tart to set. Optionally, decorate with edible flowers before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Twist: Add lemon zest to the pastry cream for a bright, citrus flavor
• Almond Crust: Use an almond-based tart shell for a nuttier profile
• Mixed Berries: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for more variety
• Chocolate Base: Brush a thin layer of melted chocolate on the crust before adding the filling
• Glazed Finish: Lightly brush strawberries with a warm apricot glaze for added shine

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container; best consumed within 2 days
• Freezing: Not recommended, as strawberries and cream may lose texture upon thawing
• Reheating: Not necessary or advised; this tart is served chilled

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought tart crust?

Yes, a good quality store-bought shortcrust pastry works well and saves time.

What is the purpose of orange blossom water?

It adds a subtle floral aroma that complements the strawberries beautifully.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Ensure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the cream filling.

Can I make the tart a day in advance?

Yes, but it is best eaten within 24 hours to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I substitute for orange blossom water?

Rose water or a few drops of citrus zest can be used as alternatives.

How should I slice the strawberries for the flower design?

Slice them evenly and thinly, then layer from the outside in to create a petal effect.

Is pastry cream the same as custard?

They are similar, but pastry cream is thicker and commonly used as a tart filling.

Can I make this tart gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free tart shell and ensure all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I sweeten the strawberries?

If they are not sweet enough, lightly toss them in a bit of sugar before arranging them.

Do I need a glaze for the tart?

A glaze is optional but adds shine and can help preserve the freshness of the fruit.

Conclusion

The Tarte aux Fraises Fleur is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration of elegance and flavor. Its flower-like design and fragrant, creamy base make it a showstopping addition to any dessert table. Whether for a spring luncheon or a festive celebration, this tart promises to impress both in taste and appearance.

Print