INTRODUCTION
Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts are small, sweet pastries that taste like a warm hug. They use ready-made pie dough and your favorite jam. You can make a tray in less than 30 minutes. These tarts work well for snacks, tea, or a light dessert.
If you like fruit tastes, try a quick strawberry jam recipe to fill them. Using low-sugar jam and small portions makes these tarts a healthier option than many store-bought sweets. They can fit a low calorie plan, be part of meal prep, or be made as a lighter option for guests.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Fast: From dough to oven in minutes. Great for busy days.
- Simple: No special skills needed. Kids can help.
- Flexible: Use any jam or jelly for many flavors.
- Portion control: Mini tarts help manage eating size, which is good for weight loss goals.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch, freeze, or reheat for a quick treat. This recipe is great for meal prep and for packing small desserts.
- Health-friendly choices: With small changes you can make a healthy version that is low sugar or diabetic-friendly.
HOW TO MAKE Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts
This recipe uses store bought refrigerated pie dough to save time. You can make a lighter option by choosing whole wheat or a low-carb dough. For a high protein meal twist, top with a spoon of Greek yogurt mixed with vanilla protein powder after baking.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mini muffin pan or mini tart pan (greased)
- Rolling pin (if you re-roll scraps)
- Glass cup or round cookie cutter for rounds
- Small spoon or measuring spoon for jam
- Oven (or air fryer if you use the air fryer version)
- Cooling rack
- Sharp knife for removing tarts from the pan
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- Store bought refrigerated pie dough (each roll of dough will give you about 11-12 tarts)
- Assortment of jams or jellies
- Powdered sugar or cream cheese frosting
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat the oven to 400.
- Use a glass cup or a round cookie cutter, (I use a 2.5 inch pastry round), to cut out rounds from the pastry dough. I always take the scraps and re-roll it to get as many as I can out of the crust.
- Push the rounds gently into greased mini-muffin/brownie pan holes.
- Put about 3/4-1 tsp of jam or jelly in each round.
- Bake in your 400 degree oven for 14-16 minutes.
- Let cool in the pans for about 2 minutes then use a sharp knife to help get them out and cool on racks the rest of the way.
- Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar or put a dab of frosting on each one.
HOW TO SERVE Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts
Serve warm or at room temperature. For a lighter option, dust lightly with powdered sugar instead of a heavy glaze. For a protein boost, add a small spoon of Greek yogurt or a low-sugar cream cheese frosting mixed with a scoop of vanilla protein powder — this turns the tart into a small high protein meal-like snack.
Portion control tips:
- Limit to one or two mini tarts per person if serving after a meal.
- Pair a tart with fruit and a protein source, such as a handful of nuts or a small cup of plain Greek yogurt, to make a balanced snack.
- If you follow a low calorie or weight loss plan, measure servings and enjoy one tart as a controlled treat.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts
Store cooled tarts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator up to 5 days. To freeze:
- Place tarts on a tray and freeze until firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warm. This makes them great for meal prep and quick snacks during busy weeks.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a balanced snack, serve one tart with a small bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries. This adds protein and fiber to a sweet treat.
- For a party, set up a small plate of mixed nuts, slices of cheese, and fresh fruit alongside the tarts. A little protein and fat will slow sugar absorption and make the plate more filling.
- If you want a savory contrast, make a simple tea-time board with mild cheeses and whole grain crackers. You can even plan a mixed menu that includes a savory main like homemade butter chicken for a cozy dinner followed by these tarts for dessert — the contrast of sweet and savory works well after a rich meal. Try this homemade butter chicken as the savory main if you plan to serve a full meal.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use a whole wheat or reduced-fat refrigerated dough. Fill with low-sugar jam or homemade jam made with less sugar. Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin smear of reduced-fat cream cheese. These steps help make a healthy version that is lower in sugar and fat.
- High-protein or low-carb version: Use a protein-enriched crust by mixing a scoop of unflavored protein powder into a simple dough or use almond flour pastry for a lower carb base. Top with sugar-free jam and a dollop of Greek yogurt blended with protein powder for a true high protein meal snack. This option is great if you want a filling treat that supports muscle repair and satiety.
- Diabetic-friendly option: Choose sugar-free or very low-sugar jam. Use smaller pastry rounds and serve with a protein or fiber-rich side to reduce blood sugar spikes.
- Air fryer version: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the filled tarts in a single layer in the basket and cook for 8–10 minutes until golden, watching closely to avoid burning. This air fryer method is fast and gives a crisp crust, making the recipe air fryer friendly.
- Oven-baked classic: Follow the main recipe for the traditional oven-baked tarts. Baking in the oven gives even browning and a classic look.
If you prefer fruit-only flavors, try using a blueberry jam and follow a simple jam recipe that pairs well with these tarts. You can find an easy guide to a blueberry jam recipe to make your fillings fresh and low in added sugar.
FAQs
Q: Are these jam tarts healthy?
A: They can be a healthy version if you use low-sugar jam, whole wheat dough, and control portions. Pair with protein for a balanced snack. This makes them a lighter option compared to many desserts.
Q: Can I make these diabetic-friendly?
A: Yes. Use sugar-free or no-sugar-added jam and small pastry rounds. Serve with protein or fiber like nuts or Greek yogurt to lower the blood sugar impact. These steps make the tarts more diabetic-friendly.
Q: How long do jam tarts last in the fridge?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For best texture, reheat briefly before serving.
Q: Can I freeze baked or unbaked tarts?
A: You can freeze both. Freeze on a tray until firm, then move to a freezer bag. Baked tarts last up to 2 months. Unbaked rounds with jam also freeze well; bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.
Q: Is there a high protein version?
A: Yes. Use a protein-fortified dough or top with Greek yogurt mixed with protein powder after baking. This can make the snack closer to a high protein meal.
Q: Can I use gluten free dough?
A: Absolutely. Use a store-bought gluten free pie dough or make a simple gluten free crust. The baking time may vary slightly, so watch for golden edges.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts
- Make and freeze unbaked tarts: Place filled tart rounds on a tray and freeze. Store in a bag and bake straight from frozen for a quick treat.
- Bake ahead and freeze: Bake fully, cool, then freeze on a tray. Move to a bag for long storage. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer.
- Pre-measure filling: Spoon jam into small containers so you can fill rounds quickly when you are ready to bake.
- Pack for lunch or snack: These tarts are great for meal prep. Keep in a small airtight box with a cup of Greek yogurt and fruit for a balanced snack or dessert.
Quick & Easy English Jam Tarts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Use a glass cup or a round cookie cutter (about 2.5 inches) to cut out rounds from the pastry dough. Reroll scraps to maximize usage.
- Gently push the rounds into greased mini muffin pan holes.
- Put about 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of jam or jelly into each round.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes.
- Let cool in the pans for about 2 minutes, then use a sharp knife to remove them and cool on racks.
- Before serving, sprinkle with powdered sugar or add a dab of frosting on each tart.