The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together, especially women who want to share warmth and happiness through cooking. I like to keep things simple but tasty, mixing classic recipes with a little creativity. Sometimes my kitchen gets messy, but that’s where the fun is! Whether you’re new to cooking or have some experience, I’m here to help you enjoy making delicious meals that feel like home. Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.

Today I want to invite you into my kitchen to make something that always feels like sunshine on a plate: my Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe. This tart brings back so many memories of spring afternoons in Crete, when the strawberries arrive sweet and red and impossible to resist. My grandmother did not make fancy pastries, but she knew how to take fresh fruit and turn it into something unforgettable.

Whenever I prepare this Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe, I feel that same excitement I felt as a little girl washing strawberries at the sink, sneaking one into my mouth when nobody watched. The smell of buttery crust baking in the oven fills the whole house, and suddenly everyone walks into the kitchen asking, “What are you making?”

This Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe stays true to what I love most: simplicity. I do not use complicated techniques or ingredients you cannot pronounce. I use fresh strawberries, a tender homemade crust, and a creamy filling that tastes light but rich at the same time. And every time I serve this Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe, I see smiles before anyone even takes the first bite.

Let me show you how I make it.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I love this strawberry tart because it feels elegant but stays completely simple. I can prepare it for a family Sunday lunch, a women’s gathering with coffee, or even a birthday celebration. It always looks beautiful on the table without too much effort.

I also love how this tart celebrates fresh fruit. Strawberries shine in this recipe. I do not hide them under heavy cream or too much sugar. I let their natural sweetness speak.

This tart reminds me that desserts do not need to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes the simplest things create the warmest memories.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here is everything I use for my Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe.

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• Pinch of salt

For the filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 2 egg yolks
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the topping:

• 2–3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon warm water

My Little Kitchen Secrets

I always use cold butter for the crust. Cold butter creates that tender, slightly crisp texture that melts in the mouth.

I never rush the chilling step. When I let the dough rest in the refrigerator, it becomes easier to roll and keeps its shape beautifully.

I choose strawberries that smell sweet. If they do not smell like strawberries, they will not taste like strawberries.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Step 1: I Prepare the Crust

1. I place the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and mix them gently.
2. I add the cold butter cubes and rub them into the flour with my fingers until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
3. I add the egg yolk and two tablespoons of cold water.
4. I mix gently until the dough comes together. If it feels dry, I add one more tablespoon of water.
5. I shape the dough into a disk, wrap it, and chill it for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: I Bake the Crust

6. I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. I roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface.
8. I place it carefully into a tart pan and press it gently into the edges.
9. I prick the base with a fork.
10. I bake it for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
11. I let it cool completely.

Step 3: I Make the Cream Filling

12. I heat the milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling.
13. In a bowl, I whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
14. I slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking.
15. I return everything to the saucepan.
16. I cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
17. I remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter.
18. I let the cream cool completely.

Step 4: I Assemble the Tart

19. I spread the cooled cream evenly over the crust.
20. I arrange sliced strawberries beautifully on top.
21. I mix strawberry jam with warm water.
22. I brush the glaze gently over the strawberries for shine.

Then I refrigerate the tart for at least one hour before serving.

How I Serve It at Home

I serve this tart slightly chilled. I slice it carefully and place each piece on small plates. Sometimes I add a few mint leaves for color. When friends visit, I serve it with Greek coffee or iced coffee in summer.

When my family gathers, we sit outside if the weather allows it. The strawberry tart sits in the center of the table, and everyone reaches for a slice.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

I store the tart in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I cover it gently with plastic wrap.

I do not recommend freezing it because the strawberries release too much water when thawed.

If I want to prepare ahead, I bake the crust one day before and store it covered at room temperature. I also prepare the cream and refrigerate it separately. I assemble everything on the day I serve it.

100-Word Short Version

I make this Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe with a buttery homemade crust, smooth vanilla cream filling, and fresh sweet strawberries on top. I bake the crust until golden, cook a simple pastry cream, and assemble everything with a light strawberry glaze. This tart tastes fresh, light, and comforting. I chill it before serving for the best texture. It works perfectly for family gatherings, spring celebrations, or weekend desserts. I keep it simple, use fresh ingredients, and let the strawberries shine. Every slice feels like sunshine and sweet memories shared around the table.

Recipe Card

⏱️ Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 45 minutes

🛒 Ingredients
1 ½ cups flour
½ cup butter
¼ cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2–3 tbsp cold water
Pinch salt
1 cup milk
2 egg yolks
¼ cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp butter
2–3 cups strawberries
2 tbsp strawberry jam
1 tbsp warm water

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Mix dry crust ingredients.
2. Add butter and rub until crumbly.
3. Add egg yolk and water.
4. Chill dough.
5. Bake crust at 180°C for 15–18 minutes.
6. Prepare cream and cook until thick.
7. Cool cream.
8. Fill crust.
9. Add strawberries.
10. Brush with glaze.
11. Chill before serving.

📝 Notes

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for best flavor. Chill tart before slicing. Do not freeze.

🍽️ Nutrition
Approx. 280 calories per slice
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 14g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 18g

Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe

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• Author: INAYA
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe features a buttery homemade crust, smooth vanilla cream filling, and fresh juicy strawberries glazed to perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert perfect for spring gatherings, family dinners, or weekend treats.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons cold water
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 egg yolks
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2–3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
• 1 tablespoon warm water

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Rub in cold butter until crumbly.
4. Add egg yolk and water to form dough.
5. Chill for 30 minutes.
6. Roll out and place in tart pan.
7. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
8. Heat milk until warm.
9. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
10. Combine with milk and cook until thick.
11. Stir in vanilla and butter. Cool.
12. Spread cream in crust.
13. Arrange strawberries on top.
14. Mix jam and water, brush over strawberries.
15. Chill 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for best flavor. Chill well before slicing. Store refrigerated up to 3 days. Do not freeze as strawberries release excess moisture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 95mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Conclusion

Every time I make this Simple Strawberry Tart Recipe, I feel connected to my grandmother and my childhood kitchen in Crete. I feel proud when I place it on the table. I feel joy when I see everyone take that first bite.

I hope you make this tart in your own kitchen. I hope you share it with someone you love. And I hope it brings sweetness, comfort, and beautiful memories into your home — just like it does in mine.