If you’ve ever dreamt of a simple yet utterly delightful sweet treat that radiates cozy charm, this Jam Tart Recipe is the one to keep close to your heart. Imagine biting into a buttery, crumbly pastry shell that gives way to a vibrant, glossy jam center bursting with fruity goodness. These little tarts are wonderfully nostalgic yet fresh enough to brighten any afternoon tea, a casual dessert, or just a special snack that feels like a hug in pastry form. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients and easy steps, the Jam Tart Recipe brings classic British baking right to your kitchen with joyous results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Jam Tart Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. The simplicity here is the secret: nothing fancy, just good basics that come together magically.
- White sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that enhances both the dough and the jam’s natural fruity notes.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The star for that rich, tender, and crumbly pastry base—soft to cream easily with sugar.
- Plain flour: Provides structure, ensuring the tart shell holds together just right without being tough.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle aromatic boost that deepens the flavor complexity in the crust.
- Jam or lemon curd: The jewel in the center, offering a burst of fruity or citrusy brightness that makes each tart unforgettable.
How to Make Jam Tart Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced) or 350°F. Ready your baking trays—two 12-hole non-stick patty pans or muffin tins will work perfectly here. Having everything prepped keeps your baking workflow smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until it turns pale and fabulously creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key because it helps make a tender, light texture for your tart base. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate every bit of buttery goodness.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then gently beat just until combined. No need to overdo it here—the dough is delicate and a little rustic texture is all part of the charm.
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Now, it’s time for flour. Sprinkle half of it into your bowl and mix on the lowest speed until it just comes together. Repeat with the remaining flour. You’ll notice the dough beginning to clump, showing it’s ready for the next stage.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface and sprinkle some flour on top before gently rolling it out to about 4mm thickness. The dough is fragile, so moving it carefully to avoid tears is important—it should slide freely on your floured surface.
Step 6: Cut and Shape the Tart Shells
Using a 6 ½ cm (2 ½ inch) fluted cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough. You can re-roll the scraps once or twice if needed, just be gentle. Place these rounds into your prepared patty pans or muffin tins, pressing down lightly to shape and fitting them snugly into the corners.
Step 7: Chill Before Filling
Chill the tart shells in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. This step is important—it helps maintain their shape and gives the pastry a wonderful crumbly texture when baked. If you want to prepare ahead, you can cover and refrigerate them up to two days before baking.
Step 8: Add Jam and Bake
Fill each chilled shell with 2-3 teaspoons of your favorite jam or lemon curd. Pop the trays into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start turning a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let them cool for at least half an hour in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Jam Tart Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, dust your jam tarts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. A small dollop of fresh cream or a few fresh berries on the side can make them feel even more special, turning humble tarts into elegant treats.
Side Dishes
Jam tarts are delightfully versatile. Pair them with a vibrant cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a classic combo. For brunch or dessert, serving alongside yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a lovely balance of textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends? Arrange multiple mini jam tarts on a tiered serving platter with edible flowers scattered around for a beautiful presentation. Alternatively, place them in individual parchment-lined boxes as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Jam tarts keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Ensure they’re completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy them over a few days without losing that delightful crispness.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the baked and cooled tarts on a tray first, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to regain their fresh-baked charm.
Reheating
To revive that just-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop the thawed jam tarts into a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crispness of the pastry and warms the filling slightly, enhancing that homemade feeling with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use any type of jam for the Jam Tart Recipe?
Absolutely! Whether it’s strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or even a tangy lemon curd, any jam or curd you love will work splendidly and give a unique twist to your tarts.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made and rolled out ahead, then chilled well wrapped in plastic. This allows for more flexibility and means you can bake fresh tarts whenever the craving hits.
What can I do if I don’t have a fluted cookie cutter?
A plain round cookie cutter or even a glass with a sharp rim will work just fine. The fluted edges add a pretty decorative touch, but the flavor and texture remain delicious regardless.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blend that suits baking, you can certainly adapt this Jam Tart Recipe. Just be mindful that the texture might change slightly but will still be tasty.
How long do the tarts stay fresh after baking?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy them within three days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their crispness, but they can still taste lovely if properly stored.
Final Thoughts
Making this Jam Tart Recipe is like inviting a little piece of kitchen joy into your day. There’s something truly special about crafting these delicate pastries with simple ingredients, then savoring that perfect combo of crumbly crust and luscious jam. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—you’ll find it’s not only straightforward but also deeply satisfying, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a timeless classic.
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Jam Tart Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 21 servings
Description
These classic Jam Tarts are buttery, delicate pastry shells filled with your favorite jam or lemon curd, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or a light dessert, they combine a simple shortcrust pastry with a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened (4 oz)
- 195 g plain flour (all purpose flour) (1 ½ cups / ~7 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup jam or lemon curd
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) or 350°F. Prepare two 12-hole non-stick patty pan pans or regular muffin pans for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until pale and creamy. Use an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix as the batter doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth.
- Add Flour: Add half of the plain flour and mix on the lowest speed until just combined. Repeat with the remaining flour, mixing gently until the dough just starts to clump.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle flour on top and gently roll out the dough to approximately 4mm (about 1/6 inch) thickness. Handle delicately and ensure there is enough flour underneath to prevent sticking.
- Cut Dough Circles: Using a 6 ½ cm (2 ½ inch) round fluted cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed, shaking off excess flour before reworking the dough.
- Prepare Tart Shells: Carefully place each dough circle into the patty pan or muffin tin holes, pressing gently to shape and pressing around the corners if using a muffin pan. An offset spatula can help lift delicate dough pieces.
- Chill Tart Shells: Chill the shaped tart shells in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up. They can also be covered with plastic wrap and chilled for up to 2 days in advance.
- Fill Tart Shells: Spoon 2-3 teaspoons of your chosen jam or lemon curd into each tart shell, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Bake: Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the jam tarts to cool completely before serving. Use a small palette knife to gently lift them out if they were baked in a muffin tin. Enjoy and don’t forget to leave a comment and rating!
Notes
- The dough is delicate and sticky; use plenty of flour when rolling it out to prevent sticking.
- Chilling the tart shells before baking helps to maintain their shape and produces a better texture.
- You can prepare the tart shells up to 2 days ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
- Use an offset spatula for ease when transferring dough and finished tarts.
- Feel free to experiment with different jam flavors or lemon curd for variety.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
