The first time I made Strawberry Brioche Tarts, I felt like I had discovered a hidden treasure in my kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked brioche wafting through the air was intoxicating, and the anticipation of biting into those luscious strawberries nestled in the warm, buttery pastry was overwhelming. This recipe has become a cherished part of my baking repertoire, often bringing friends and family together for special occasions or just a cozy afternoon treat. I remember the excitement on my children’s faces as they watched the transformation of simple ingredients into something so beautiful and delicious.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
290 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Food Processor, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon

Making Strawberry Brioche Tarts is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories. I often find myself reminiscing about warm summer days spent picking strawberries, and now I can capture that essence in each tart. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a sweet indulgence at home. You’ll find that each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, with the soft brioche perfectly complementing the vibrant strawberries.

As you embark on this baking journey, I encourage you to embrace the process. The dough requires patience and love, which makes the end result all the more rewarding. Trust me, the joy of serving these beautiful tarts, still warm from the oven, will bring a smile to your face and to everyone you share them with.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
290 kcal

Protein:
5 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Food Processor, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon

Why This Strawberry Brioche Tarts Works

There are countless reasons to love this recipe, but let me share a few that stand out:

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweetness

The sweetness of fresh strawberries combined with the rich, buttery brioche creates a delightful balance that tantalizes your taste buds. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that leaves you craving more.

2. A Feast for the Senses

Not only do these tarts taste amazing, but they also look stunning! The vibrant red strawberries against the golden brioche make for a beautiful presentation, perfect for any gathering or special occasion.

3. Versatile Enjoyment

Strawberry Brioche Tarts can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet snack. They are perfect for brunch gatherings or cozy family dinners, making them incredibly versatile.

4. Simple and Fun to Make

While some might think that making brioche from scratch is intimidating, this recipe is approachable and fun! It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in the kitchen, and the results are so rewarding.

5. Perfect for Seasonal Celebrations

Using fresh strawberries makes this recipe ideal for spring and summer celebrations. They’re especially delightful during picnics, birthday parties, or even holiday gatherings.

Main Ingredients for Strawberry Brioche Tarts

The ingredients for Strawberry Brioche Tarts are simple yet incredibly effective in creating a delightful dessert. The combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and butter works together to create a soft, airy brioche that serves as the perfect base for the fresh strawberries. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in ensuring that the tarts are not only delicious but also beautifully textured.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the brioche, providing structure while allowing the dough to rise beautifully.
Granulated Sugar: Adds necessary sweetness to the dough and enhances the flavor of the strawberries.
Yeast: This magical ingredient helps the dough rise, creating that light and fluffy texture we love in brioche.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the pastry.
Warm Whole Milk: Helps activate the yeast and adds richness to the dough.
Large Eggs: Contributes to the richness of the brioche and helps bind the ingredients together.
Unsalted Butter: A key player in achieving that buttery flavor and soft texture.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show, bringing brightness and freshness to each tart.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that complements the strawberries beautifully.
Pearl Sugar: For a crunchy topping that adds a beautiful finish.

How to Prepare Strawberry Brioche Tarts

Preparing Strawberry Brioche Tarts is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

In a stand mixer, fit the bowl with a paddle attachment and begin by adding 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 grams), ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams), 1 package of yeast (7 grams), and 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt. Mix on low speed until everything is combined.
Next, slowly add 80 grams of warm milk (120°F to 130°F) to the mixture, beating just until everything is combined. This step is crucial for activating the yeast.
Add 2 large eggs (100 grams) and 1 egg yolk (19 grams) to the mix. Beat at medium-low speed until just combined, about 1 minute. Make sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Gradually add the remaining 1½ cups all-purpose flour (188 grams) at low speed, mixing until just combined.
Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until the dough becomes relatively smooth and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, which should take about 6 to 9 minutes. Remember to scrape the bowl and dough hook as needed.
Add 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter (84 grams) one tablespoon at a time, beating until combined after each addition. Continue this for about 6 to 8 minutes. Your dough may look slightly broken, but worry not—it will come together beautifully.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-low and beat until smooth and elastic, about another 6 to 9 minutes. Your dough should pass the windowpane test at this point, which means it can stretch thin without tearing.
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it gently 4 to 5 times to shape it into a smooth round.
Spray a large bowl with cooking spray, place the dough inside, turning to grease the top. Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm, draft-free environment until doubled in size, which can take between 1 to 2 hours.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Once the dough has risen, punch it down, cover it, and let it stand for 10 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and divide it into 12 portions (about 52 grams each). Shape each portion into a smooth ball, ensuring to pinch any seams to seal.
Press or roll each dough ball into a 3½-inch round, spaced 1½ to 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. Allow them to rise again until puffed, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare the filling by mixing 8 ounces of sliced fresh strawberries (226 grams) with 1½ teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and the remaining 2 teaspoons (8 grams) of granulated sugar. Let this mixture sit and stir occasionally.
Using a ¼-cup glass jar or dry measuring cup dusted with flour, make a well in the center of each dough round, about 2¼ inches wide and ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Fill each well with about 1 scant tablespoon of Lemon Pastry Cream and spread it out evenly. Top the cream with the arranged strawberries as desired.
In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg (50 grams) with some milk. Brush the tops of the dough with this egg wash and sprinkle with pearl sugar.
Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Be sure to rotate the pans halfway through for even baking. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy your delicious Strawberry Brioche Tarts!

Things Worth Knowing

Windowpane Test: To check for proper gluten development, lightly flour your hands and pinch off a small piece of dough. If you can stretch it thin without tearing, it’s ready!
Rising Time: Ensure your dough rises in a warm place. If it’s too cold, the yeast will take longer to activate.
Egg Wash: This gives your tarts a beautiful golden crust. Make sure to brush it on generously!
Extra Strawberries: If you have leftover strawberries, reserve them for a topping or garnish when serving.

Helpful Hints

Here are some helpful hints to ensure your Strawberry Brioche Tarts turn out perfectly:

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can lose their crispness if refrigerated.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the baked tarts individually. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.
Pairing: These tarts pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits, like raspberries or peaches, for different flavor profiles.

Perfect Matches for Strawberry Brioche Tarts

To elevate your dining experience with Strawberry Brioche Tarts, consider these perfect matches:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad complements the sweetness of the tarts beautifully.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some homemade granola over the tarts for added crunch and flavor.
Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea makes for a soothing pairing that balances the sweetness.
Special Occasions: These tarts are perfect for brunches, dessert at dinner parties, or any festive gathering.
Seasonal Serving: Enjoy these tarts during spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak freshness.
Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for the next day.

FAQ

While fresh strawberries are ideal for Strawberry Brioche Tarts, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just remember to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture, which can make the filling soggy. Since frozen strawberries tend to be softer, they may not hold their shape as well as fresh ones, but they can still impart a delicious flavor.

When your brioche dough has risen enough, it should double in size and feel light and airy to the touch. You can also do the ‘poke test’: gently poke the dough with your finger. If the indentation remains, the dough is ready. If it springs back quickly, it needs more time to rise. Ensuring the dough has adequately risen is crucial for achieving that soft and fluffy texture in your Strawberry Brioche Tarts.

Yes! You can make the brioche dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise as instructed, then punch it down and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before shaping it into tarts. This can actually enhance the flavor of the dough!

Strawberry Brioche Tarts are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate them even further by serving them with whipped cream or ice cream for added richness. A fresh fruit salad or some fresh mint can also compliment the flavors nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch of elegance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Strawberry Brioche Tarts are a delightful treat that combines the wonderful flavors of buttery brioche and fresh strawberries. They are perfect for any occasion, bringing joy and sweetness to your table. So why not whip up a batch today? Your friends and family will be so impressed, and you’ll relish every moment spent enjoying these delicious tarts together!