Jam Tarts Recipe Buttery, Fruity, and So Simple to Make 🍓🥧

What Are Jam Tarts?

Jam tarts are small, open-faced pastry treats traditionally made in Britain. They consist of a shortcrust pastry base filled with a dollop of fruit jam, then baked until the pastry is golden and the jam is bubbly.

They’re delightfully simple, versatile, and perfect for holidays, picnics, afternoon tea, or sweet snacks.

Why You'll Love This Jam Tarts Recipe

✅ Buttery, crumbly pastry with gooey centers
✅ Easy to customize with any jam
✅ Kid-friendly and fun to make together
✅ Bake-ready in just 30 minutes
✅ Classic, timeless flavor

Ingredients for Traditional Jam Tarts

For the Shortcrust Pastry:

• 1 ¼ cups (160g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (1 stick or 113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional for a sweeter crust)

• Pinch of salt

• 1–2 tablespoons cold water

For the Filling:

• ½ cup of your favorite fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, apricot, blueberry, etc.)

• Optional: lemon zest, vanilla extract, or mixed fruit jam

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl

• Rolling pin

• Mini tart or muffin tin

• Round cookie cutter (3–4 inches wide)

• Spoon or piping bag

How to Make Jam Tarts – Step by Step

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt.

2. Add cold butter and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until a dough forms.

4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 15–20 minutes.

🧊 Chilling the dough helps prevent shrinkage and makes it easier to handle.

Step 2: Prepare and Fill the Tart Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.

3. Cut out rounds and gently press them into your muffin tin.

4. Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of jam into the center of each tart – don’t overfill, as jam bubbles up when hot!

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the pastry are golden and the jam is bubbly.

Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

⚠️ Jam gets extremely hot – avoid touching the filling until cooled!

Flavor Variations

🎨 Rainbow Tarts – Use different jams for a colorful batch
🍋 Lemon Curd Tarts – Swap jam with lemon curd for a zesty twist
🥜 PB&J Tarts – Add a tiny layer of peanut butter under strawberry jam
🥧 Mini Linzer Style – Cut a small star in the top dough layer and bake over the jam
🍫 Choco-Berry – Drop a chocolate chip or square into the tart before adding jam

Tips for Perfect Jam Tarts

• Keep butter and dough cold for flakier pastry

• Don’t overfill – jam expands and can spill over

• Use quality jam for best results

• Let cool before serving – the jam sets as it cools

• Want a glossy top? Brush edges with egg wash before baking

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

🧊 Storage: Store cooled jam tarts in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.

❄️ Freeze: Freeze unbaked tart shells for up to 2 months. Add jam before baking.

🕒 Make Ahead: Make the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Serve jam tarts with:

• A dusting of powdered sugar

• A side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

• Alongside tea or coffee for a cozy treat

• As part of a dessert board or afternoon tea platter

Kid-Friendly Baking Activity 👩‍🍳

Jam tarts are ideal for baking with little helpers. Kids can:

• Choose their favorite jam

• Cut out the pastry shapes

• Spoon in the jam (with supervision)

• Decorate with cut-out shapes or sprinkles (before baking)

Nutritional Info (Per Tart, Approx.)

• Calories: 120

• Carbs: 17g

• Fat: 6g

• Sugar: 9g

• Protein: 1g

Values will vary based on tart size and jam used.

FAQs About Jam Tarts

Can I use store-bought pastry?
Yes! Pre-made shortcrust or pie dough works great if you're short on time.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

What type of jam works best?
Any smooth jam or preserve—just avoid chunky pieces of fruit that can overflow during baking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're planning a tea party, packing a picnic, or simply craving a cozy treat, this classic jam tarts recipe is the perfect answer. Buttery, fruity, and delightfully simple—each tart is a little bite of joy that brings back memories and makes new ones too.

Whip up a batch today and enjoy the timeless charm of jam tarts, homemade with love.