Easy Jam Tarts with Pastry

Name: Easy Jam Tarts with Pastry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 tarts
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons cold water; 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

These Easy Jam Tarts with Pastry are a delightful treat that brings a homemade touch to your dessert table. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts are simple to make and incredibly delicious.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T04:02:27.221Z

These Easy Jam Tarts with Pastry are a family favorite that have been passed down for generations. With a buttery pastry crust and a sweet jam filling, they are perfect for tea time or as a quick dessert after dinner.

        Why You'll Love These Jam Tarts
        Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for beginners
Versatile with any jam flavor you desire
Golden, flaky pastry that adds the perfect crunch

      

The Perfect Pastry Base

Creating the perfect pastry base is crucial for any jam tart, and this recipe ensures that you achieve a golden, flaky crust every time. By using chilled butter and a minimal amount of cold water, you retain the pastry's flakiness, allowing it to rise beautifully during baking. The addition of powdered sugar not only sweetens the dough but also contributes to a tender texture, making each bite melt in your mouth.

Don't worry if you're new to pastry-making; this recipe is designed for simplicity. The dough comes together quickly, and the chilling step is essential for achieving that perfect crust. If you find your dough a bit sticky, simply dust your work surface with a little extra flour while rolling it out. With a bit of practice, you'll impress your family and friends with your pastry skills!

Versatility of Jam Fillings

One of the best aspects of these Easy Jam Tarts is their versatility. You can use any fruit jam that tickles your taste buds—be it classic strawberry, tangy raspberry, or even exotic mango or apricot. The flexibility in flavor allows you to customize these tarts to suit any occasion or preference. Feel free to mix different jams to create unique combinations that everyone will love.

For those who prefer a thicker filling, adding cornstarch is a simple yet effective trick. It helps prevent the jam from becoming too runny during baking, ensuring that each tart holds its shape beautifully. Experiment with different fruit jams and textures to discover your favorite filling, and make these tarts your signature dessert.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These Easy Jam Tarts are delightful on their own, but they can also be elevated with a few simple pairings. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add an elegant touch, making them suitable for special occasions or gatherings.

For a more sophisticated presentation, you might want to pair your tarts with fresh fruit or a fruit coulis. A side of fresh berries not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile. Whether it's a casual afternoon tea or a formal dinner party, these jam tarts are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling

1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)

Feel free to mix and match your favorite jams for a variety of flavors!

Steps to Make Jam Tarts

Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add the chilled butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until a dough forms.

Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll Out the Dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into circles to fit your tart pans.

Assemble the Tarts

Place the dough circles into the tart pans. Spoon a tablespoon of jam into each tart shell. If desired, sprinkle a little cornstarch over the jam to thicken it.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the pastry is lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Serve these tarts warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a cup of tea!

Tips for Success

To ensure your jam tarts turn out perfectly, always use chilled ingredients. This not only helps to create a flaky pastry but also makes it easier to handle. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling your mixing bowl and rolling pin as well to keep the dough at the right temperature.

When rolling out your dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure that all tarts bake uniformly. Uneven dough can lead to some tarts being undercooked while others are overcooked, which can affect your overall results.

Storage and Shelf Life

These jam tarts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating them. However, be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the pastry, making it less flaky.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked tarts. Simply prepare the tarts and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, and you'll have fresh tarts ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pastry for these jam tarts? Absolutely! If you're short on time, store-bought pastry is a great alternative. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for baking times, as they may differ from homemade pastry.

What should I do if my jam is too runny? If you find your jam is particularly runny, adding cornstarch as suggested in the recipe can help. Alternatively, you can simmer the jam on low heat to reduce it slightly before filling the tarts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought pastry?

Yes, store-bought pastry can be a great time-saver and will work perfectly for this recipe.

→ How long do these tarts last?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ What types of jam can I use?

You can use any type of jam you like, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.

→ Can I freeze these tarts?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.