Jam Tarts are crispy pastries filled with delicious flavored jam. It has a balance of crispiness and sweetness in every bite which are just irresistible. No fancy tools or ingredients needed to make this fancy colorful treats. These little sweet treats are both pretty to look at and delightful to eat. It is an easy and quick to make recipe, whether you serve them at parties, pack them for school snacks, or gift them during the festive season, they’re always a hit.

Baking jam tarts at home is not just easy but also fun – especially when you get to play with different jam flavors and shapes. The tart shell is flaky and tender, while the melted jam turns slightly sticky and glossy after baking. You’ll find that these vanish quickly from the cookie jar.
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About Jam Tarts
Jam Tarts are small pastry treats made with a crisp short crust base and a jam filling, baked until golden at the edges with bubbly jam in the center. The dough comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and needs a quick chill before shaping. The trick lies in rolling it slightly thin and even so the tarts stay flaky and crisp after baking.
The jam is softened before spooning in to make sure it spreads evenly and doesn’t turn too chewy. You can use any jam you have – pineapple, strawberry, orange marmalade, or even homemade fruit preserves. These are ideal for gifting during Christmas or other celebrations.
Traditionally, these are made in tart molds, but you can use muffin pans or silicon molds as substitutes. Each tart holds a small spoonful of jam that bakes into a shiny, sticky center. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or even casual snacking with your evening tea. They stay fresh for a week when stored right and make a beautiful edible present.
The first time I made these, everyone was amazed at how simple yet delicious they were. I enjoy baking these with my kids, letting them choose their favorite jam — it’s always a fun and tasty time. This perfectly fits into the Christmas gifting pack.

Jam Tarts Ingredients
- Maida (all-purpose flour) – The key ingredient for making tarts which forms the base of the tart shell and provides structure.
- Salt – Added with the flour to enhance and balance the sweetness of the tart. Just a pinch, as it helps to balance the taste.
- Baking powder – Acts as rising agent, also keeps the tart shell light and prevent it from becoming tough after baking.
- Castor sugar – Adds sweetness to the tart . You can also regular granulated sugar.
- Unsalted cold butter – Cut it into small pieces and rub into the flour mixture to incorporate to form the dough. Cold butter is essential to create flaky layers in the crust, gives the tarts a rich, buttery taste and a tender crumb.
- Jam (any flavor) – The filling that adds sweetness and gooey texture. Choose your favorite flavor like pineapple or mixed fruit jam. Slightly melting the jam before filling.
Why This Recipe Works
- This recipe is made with minimal, pantry ingredients.
- It’s quick and easy to make recipe even for beginners.
- This recipe has flaky and crispy texture with gooey jam.
- It can be customized with different jam flavors.
- It’s great for festive occasions, parties or for gifting.
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How to make Jam Tarts Step by Step
1.Take maida in a bowl, add salt, baking powder and sugar to it. Sieve it once then whisk it well.

2.Now add butter to it. Rub it with your fingers, It will look more like bread crumbs. Now add few drops of water and bring it together to form a soft non sticky dough.

3.Cling wrap it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile prepare your tart molds, brush it well with melted butter. Set aside.

4.Take the dough from the fridge and roll it slightly thin and even to about 1/4inch thickness, cut small squares slightly bigger than your tart moulds.Lay the dough on the tart mold.

5.Trim the extras and line it well. Now scrap the remaining dough and repeat the process till the entire dough finishes. Now the tart molds are neatly lined. I had 2 extra so arranged it in my individual silicon muffin pan. Arrange it in a baking tray and prick each tart using a fork. Preheat oven at 180 deg C.

6.Meanwhile prepare your jams. I used pineapple and mixed fruit jams. Double boil a vessel and to this add the jam and melt it, keep stirring for 3-4 minutes for the jam to melt slightly, this helps to easily spoon the jam.

7.Now spoon the jam till 2/3rd of the tart and refrigerate for 5 minutes. Then bake it at 180 deg C for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Cool down for 10 minutes then slide the tarts using a fork.

Cool down and store.

Expert Tips
- Cold Butter – Always use cold butter for flaky texture. Don’t let it soften before rubbing into flour.
- Roll Thin – Rolling the dough too thick will make the tarts chewy instead of crisp. Aim for even, thin sheets.
- Don’t Overfill Jam – Only fill 2/3rd of each tart or it may ooze out while baking.
- Chill the Dough – Resting the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps prevent shrinkage while baking.
- Jam Consistency – Slightly melt the jam before filling to make it easier to spoon and spread.
Serving and Storage
Jam Tarts are best enjoyed once cooled down to room temperature. The crust sets perfectly and the jam firms up a bit after cooling. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to a week.
You can serve them as a sweet snack with tea or pack them into lunch boxes. They also make great edible gifts during festive times when placed in pretty boxes.

FAQS
1.Can I use wheat flour instead of maida?
Yes, but the tarts may turn a bit dense. You can try a half-maida, half-wheat mix for better texture.
2.What jam flavors work best?
Pineapple, strawberry, orange marmalade, or mixed fruit all work well. Use any thick, good quality jam.
3.Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated. The tarts also stay fresh for a week after baking.
4.Why are my tarts chewy?
The dough may have been rolled too thick or overbaked. Make sure to roll it thin and even.
5.Can I use this dough for other fillings?
Definitely! Try chocolate spread, lemon curd, or savory fillings like cheese and herbs.

If you have any more questions about this Jam Tarts Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .
Tried this Jam Tarts Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.
📖 Recipe Card
Jam Tarts Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup maida
- 1/3 cup unsalted cold butter
- 2 tablespoon castor sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tiny pinch salt
- 2 tablespoon jam (I used mixed fruit and pineapple jam)
- water as required
Instructions
- Take maida in a bowl, add salt, baking powder and sugar to it. Sieve it once then whisk it well.
- Now add butter to it. Rub it with your fingers, It will look more like breadcrumbs.
- Now add few drops of water and bring it together to form a soft non-sticky dough.
- Cling wrap it and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile prepare your tart moulds, brush it well with melted butter. Set aside.
- Take the dough from the fridge and roll it slightly thin and even to about 1/4 inch thickness , cut small squares slightly bigger than your tart molds.
- Lay the dough on the tart mould. Trim the extras and line it well.
- Now scrape the remaining dough and repeat the process till the entire dough finishes.
- Now the tart molds are neatly lined. I had 2 extra so arranged it in my individual silicon muffin pan.
- Arrange it in a baking tray and prick each tart using a fork.
- Preheat oven at 180 deg C.
- Meanwhile prepare your jams. I used pineapple and mixed fruit jams. Double boil a vessel and to this add the jam and melt it, keep stirring for 3-4 minutes for the jam to melt slightly, this helps to easily spoon the jam.
- Now spoon the jam till 2/3rd of the tart and refrigerate for 5mins.
- Then bake it at 180 deg C for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
- Cool down for 10 minutes then slide the tarts using a fork.
- Cool down and store in airtight container.
- Rich buttery flaky melt in the mouth jam tarts ready.
Notes
- Cold Butter – Always use cold butter for flaky texture. Don’t let it soften before rubbing into flour.
- Roll Thin – Rolling the dough too thick will make the tarts chewy instead of crisp. Aim for even, thin sheets.
- Don’t Overfill Jam – Only fill 2/3rd of each tart or it may ooze out while baking.
- Chill the Dough – Resting the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps prevent shrinkage while baking.
- Jam Consistency – Slightly melt the jam before filling to make it easier to spoon and spread.
Divs
These mini jam tarts are looking fab. love the clicks with the white platter or cloth. i can't tell but love the presentation.
Selvarani Ganesan
So cute jam tarts,Love the way you clicked and presented.
sowjanya d
How to make tarts with out oven
SHARMILEE J
I haven't tried tarts without oven so not really sure
bheem
you can use toaster oven