The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the sun-drenched island of Crete in Greece 🌞. Growing up, my grandmother and I used to spend long summer afternoons in her bright white kitchen, surrounded by baskets of freshly picked strawberries. She’d make traditional shortcakes, layering them with cream and fruit so sweet you could smell them from the garden.
One day, when I was experimenting with her recipe, I thought what if we made them bite-sized? Something elegant, fun, and easy to share with family and friends. That’s how these bite-sized strawberry shortcake tarts were born. They’re the perfect blend of buttery crust, fluffy cream, and juicy strawberries everything you love about shortcake, just in mini form!
These little tarts are perfect for brunch, baby showers, or a cozy tea afternoon. Plus, they’re easy enough for beginner bakers and look stunning when served. Whether you make them for a summer picnic or a quick dessert after dinner, these bite-sized strawberry shortcake tarts bring happiness in every crumb.
Ingredients
You’ll need only a few simple ingredients to bring these tarts to life:
For the tart shells:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (optional but adds rich flavor!)
For the topping:
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to sweeten slightly)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Tart Shells
In a large bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and ice water, then knead gently until a dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut small circles using a cookie cutter. Press them into a mini muffin tin to form tart shells.
Prick the bottoms with a fork and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden. Cool completely before filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone cheese for a creamy texture. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Tarts
Spoon or pipe the cream filling into each cooled tart shell. Top generously with diced strawberries tossed lightly in honey. Add a mint leaf on top for a pop of color.
Serving & Tips
Serve these adorable tarts chilled or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or a chilled glass of rosé.
💡 Tips for Success:
- Chill your tart dough before baking to prevent shrinking.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness.
- If you’re preparing ahead, keep the tart shells and cream separate until just before serving.
🍓 Bite-Sized Strawberry Shortcake Tarts — A Sweet Taste of Summer in Every Bite
These bite-sized strawberry shortcake tarts are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! With buttery mini tart shells, fluffy vanilla cream, and juicy strawberries, they’re perfect for tea parties, gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet treat in miniature form. Simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor.
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini tarts
Ingredients
For the tart shells:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ice water
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup mascarpone cheese (optional but adds rich flavor)
For the topping:
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the tart dough:
In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and ice water, and knead lightly until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.Bake the tart shells:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough and cut circles using a cookie cutter. Press into a mini muffin tin to form shells. Prick the bottoms and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden. Let cool.Make the filling:
Whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone cheese. Chill until ready to use.Prepare strawberries:
Toss diced strawberries with honey or sugar. Let sit 5 minutes to release natural juices.Assemble the tarts:
Spoon or pipe cream filling into tart shells. Top with strawberries and garnish with mint. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
For best results, keep tart shells crisp by filling just before serving.
You can replace mascarpone with cream cheese for a slightly tangier flavor.
Try topping with blueberries or raspberries for a colorful variation!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Greek-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: : 95 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
Conclusion
These bite-sized strawberry shortcake tarts are everything I love about baking simple, joyful, and filled with flavor. They remind me of summer days with my grandmother, sharing laughter over something sweet.
I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own little moments of happiness in the kitchen. Food connects us, and these tarts are a sweet reminder that even the smallest bites can carry big love 💕.
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! These bite-sized strawberry shortcake tarts are my twist on my grandmother’s favorite summer dessert. Made with buttery tart shells, whipped vanilla cream, and juicy strawberries, they capture the essence of sunshine in every bite. I love serving them at gatherings they’re simple to make, beautifully elegant, and always a hit. Whether you’re baking for friends or just treating yourself, these mini tarts bring joy and a little Greek warmth to your kitchen.