If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a sunny afternoon, the Mini Strawberry Pies with Homemade Shortcrust, Diplomat Cream, and Fresh Strawberries Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful treat combines buttery, flaky homemade shortcrust pastry filled with a luxuriously smooth diplomat cream and topped generously with fresh, juicy strawberries. Every bite bursts with freshness and creamy indulgence, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings, celebrations, or an everyday sweet moment worth savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The left side shows a flat sheet of light beige dough rolled out on a white marbled surface with seven circle shapes lightly pressed into it, arranged in a scattered pattern. On the right side, a woman's hand gently presses one dough circle inside a white metal muffin pan cup, forming a small bowl shape with soft edges hanging slightly over the rim. The dough has a smooth, matte texture with a pale yellowish color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are incredibly simple yet thoughtfully chosen to bring together the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery cold butter in the shortcrust to the fresh strawberries that add a vibrant pop of color and juiciness.

All-purpose flour (375 g): Provides the perfect structure and delicate crumb for the shortcrust without being tough.
Unsalted butter (270 g + 50 g): Use very cold butter for the dough to achieve a flaky texture; room temperature butter enriches the diplomat cream.
Cold water (120 g): Helps bind the dough without warming the butter, keeping the crust tender.
Salt (¾ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances sweetness.
Whole milk (500 g): Adds richness to the diplomat cream while keeping it smooth and velvety.
Granulated sugar (100 g): Sweetens the cream just enough to complement the tartness of strawberries.
Egg yolks (80 g): Give structure and creaminess to the pastry cream base.
Corn starch (25 g): Thickens the diplomat cream without any graininess.
All-purpose flour (25 g): Works alongside corn starch to stabilize the cream filling.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the cream.
Gelatin sheets (3 sheets): Stabilize the diplomat cream so it holds beautifully in mini pie form.
Heavy cream (200 g): Whipped and folded into the cream for that luscious lightness.
Fresh strawberries (250 g): The star of the show, sliced for both filling and decoration.

How to Make Mini Strawberry Pies with Homemade Shortcrust, Diplomat Cream, and Fresh Strawberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mini Pie Crust

Start by mixing the flour and salt, then chilling this mixture in the freezer. Keep your butter nice and cold as you cut it into small chunks and chill again; cold butter ensures a wonderfully flaky crust. When ready, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles sand, leaving little butter chunks intact for texture. Slowly add cold water, bring the dough together without overworking it, then shape into a disk and chill for at least two hours.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

Once rested, allow the dough to warm slightly so it can be rolled without cracking. Using either silicone baking mats or a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a precise rectangle. Measure your muffin tin to cut circles that fit perfectly. Press the dough into the muffin cavities, then chill again to firm the crust before baking. This layering of chilling is what keeps your shortcrust flaky and tender.

Step 3: Bake the Mini Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 200°C (372°F) without a fan. Bake the chilled dough-laden muffin tin for 20 minutes, then gently remove the shells and brush them with a delicate egg wash to give them a delightful golden sheen. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until beautifully browned and crisp. This careful baking guarantees that the crust stays firm enough to hold the luscious diplomat cream and strawberries.

Step 4: Make the Diplomat Cream

Prepare the diplomat cream by first soaking gelatin sheets. Whisk sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy, then stir in corn starch, flour, and vanilla for a smooth paste. Warm milk is slowly combined with this mixture before being cooked to thicken. Gelatin sheets are added to stabilize the cream. Soft butter is incorporated gradually for richness. Let the pastry cream cool, whisk gently to smooth, then fold in softly whipped heavy cream to add airy lightness that balances the richness perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Mini Strawberry Pies

Place fresh sliced strawberries at the bottom of each baked crust for a juicy foundation. Spoon or pipe the diplomat cream over the strawberries to fill the pies generously. Finish each mini pie with more strawberry slices and a sprig of mint for a fresh, inviting presentation. These individual pies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

How to Serve Mini Strawberry Pies with Homemade Shortcrust, Diplomat Cream, and Fresh Strawberries Recipe

A small round tart held by a woman's hand shows three main layers: a light golden brown crust at the bottom with a soft texture, a smooth white cream filling in the middle, and topped with fresh red strawberry slices arranged closely in a circle with their seeds visible. Small green mint leaves are placed between the strawberries, adding a fresh touch. The white marbled surface underneath holds more tarts with the same layers and decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing herbal touch and a burst of green that contrasts beautifully with the red strawberries. A gentle dusting of powdered sugar can lend a festive, snowy appearance. For a touch of elegance, edible flowers also make a perfect natural garnish.

Side Dishes

These mini pies shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. A light, sparkling rosé or chilled lemonade complements the fresh fruit flavors without overwhelming them.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these pies on a rustic wooden board to highlight their homemade charm, or plate them elegantly on white porcelain with fresh strawberry halves arranged artfully around. For a party, place them on tiered serving stands to add height and visual interest, making them the star of any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these delightful mini pies, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh cream and strawberries, consume them within 2-3 days to maintain freshness and texture. The shortcrust crust may soften slightly but will still be delicious.

Freezing

Freezing fully assembled pies is not ideal due to the fresh cream and berries, which can become watery after thawing. However, you can freeze the baked pie crusts separately for up to one month. Simply thaw in the fridge before filling with freshly prepared diplomat cream and strawberries for best results.

Reheating

The mini pie crusts reheat wonderfully if you prefer them warm. Gently warm in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5-7 minutes, taking care not to melt the cream. Reheat the crusts alone and fill with cream and berries after cooling for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen berries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture that could make the crust soggy.

What makes diplomat cream different from regular pastry cream?

Diplomat cream is essentially pastry cream enriched with whipped cream and stabilized with gelatin. This combination creates a lighter, airier texture while still maintaining a rich and creamy consistency that holds shape well.

Can I prepare the shortcrust dough in advance?

Absolutely! The dough can be made and chilled for up to 2 days before baking. Just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. This makes meal prep much easier if you want to break the process into different days.

Is there a substitute for gelatin in diplomat cream?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar can be used as a substitute. However, it sets differently and requires careful handling to avoid a jelly-like texture. Experiment in small batches to get the consistency just right.

How do I avoid the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-baking the crust until golden brown and applying the egg wash helps seal the dough and create a barrier. Also, fill the pies shortly before serving to keep the shortcrust crisp and the filling fresh.

Final Thoughts

Making the Mini Strawberry Pies with Homemade Shortcrust, Diplomat Cream, and Fresh Strawberries Recipe is a rewarding experience that brings together simple ingredients in a beautiful, delicious way. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied taste buds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite sweet treat to savor again and again.