There’s something undeniably comforting about a tray of freshly baked mini jam tarts. Their buttery pastry, glistening jewel-toned fillings, and irresistible aroma transport you to cozy kitchens and childhood tea parties. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion — from elegant afternoon teas to quick holiday treats.
What makes this recipe special? It’s simple enough for beginners, yet refined enough to impress at formal gatherings. With a crisp, golden pastry and a sweet burst of jam in every bite, these mini tarts will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof method — no blind baking required
- Customizable flavors — works with any jam or curd
- Perfect for gifting — keeps well and travels easily
- Quick prep time — ready in under 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pastry
- 200g (1 ⅔ cups) plain flour
- 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar
- 1 medium egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
For the Filling
- 200g (about ¾ cup) jam of your choice — strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry
Ingredient Notes & Variations
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
- Flour: All-purpose/plain flour gives the right texture — avoid bread flour.
- Jam: Seedless jam creates a smoother bite, but fruit pieces add rustic charm.
- Flavor Twists:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the pastry for a warm note.
- Mix two jams in each tart for a layered flavor.
- Top with almond flakes before baking for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pastry
- In a large bowl, rub butter into flour with fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar.
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix gently until a dough forms. If too dry, add the remaining water a little at a time.
Pro Tip: Handle the dough lightly to avoid a tough pastry.
2. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 20 minutes — this helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
3. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a mini muffin or tart tin.
4. Roll & Cut the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about 3mm (⅛ inch) thick. Cut into circles slightly larger than the tart tin holes.
5. Fill the Tarts
Place pastry rounds into the tin. Add ½–1 tsp of jam into each case — do not overfill, as the jam will bubble during baking.
Pro Tip: Stir jam before spooning to ensure smooth consistency.
6. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until pastry is golden and jam is bubbling gently.
7. Cool & Serve
Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Baking Tips & Troubleshooting
- Jam Overflowing: Use slightly less filling — jam expands when hot.
- Pastry Shrinking: Chill dough before baking to relax gluten.
- Sticking to Tin: Lightly grease tin or use non-stick spray before adding pastry.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea.
- Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon for edible gifts.
Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked pastry cases for up to 3 months; bake from frozen and fill with jam after partial baking.
Nutrition (Per Tart, Approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes, ready-rolled shortcrust pastry works well if you’re short on time.
Q: What’s the best jam for mini tarts?
Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot are classics, but any thick-set jam will work.
Q: How do I make them less sweet?
Use a low-sugar jam or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Mini Jam Tarts Recipe delivers bakery-quality treats with minimal effort. With buttery pastry, jewel-bright fillings, and endless flavor options, they’re perfect for everyday indulgence or special celebrations.
