Jam tarts are a delightful, bite-sized pastry filled with sweet, fruity jam. These traditional treats are simple to make and perfect for tea time, parties, or a quick dessert. The buttery shortcrust pastry provides a crisp contrast to the gooey jam filling, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. You can customize them with different jam flavors, from strawberry and raspberry to apricot and blackcurrant.
Ingredients:
- 250g plain flour
- 125g unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1 medium egg yolk
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
- 100g jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp caster sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add a pinch of salt.
- Rub the cold diced butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar if using.
- Add the egg yolk and mix with a knife. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Knead briefly until smooth, then flatten into a disc, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll Out the Pastry:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the chilled pastry to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a round cutter (about 8cm in diameter) to cut out 12 pastry circles.
- Prepare the Tart Cases:
- Place the pastry rounds into a non-stick tart tin or muffin tray, pressing them gently into the wells.
- Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of jam into each tart case. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will bubble during baking.
- Bake the Tarts:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the jam is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Jam Tarts:
- Chill the pastry dough to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use different jam flavors for variety—mixing jams can create unique combinations.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent jam from spilling over the edges.
- For a decorative touch, cut out small pastry shapes (stars or hearts) and place them on top before baking.
Enjoy your homemade jam tarts! Let me know if you’d like variations or additional serving ideas. 😊