Pin Delicate, buttery tart shells filled with luscious pastry cream and topped with a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits, beautifully arranged in a circle for an eye-catching presentation.
This recipe quickly became a favorite for gatherings, impressing guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Tartlet Shells: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed, 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp cold water, Pinch of salt
- For the Pastry Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch, 2 egg yolks, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
- For the Fruit Topping: 1/2 cup (50 g) strawberries, sliced, 1/2 cup (50 g) blueberries, 1/2 cup (50 g) kiwi, peeled and diced, 1/2 cup (50 g) raspberries, 2 tbsp apricot jam (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and rub in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 3:
- Mix in the egg yolk and cold water until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into circles and press into mini tartlet pans. Prick bases with a fork.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely before filling.
- Step 6:
- For the pastry cream: Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale.
- Step 7:
- Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened (about 2 to 3 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill.
- Step 9:
- Once cooled, spoon or pipe pastry cream into tartlet shells.
- Step 10:
- Arrange fruits in a circular pattern on top of the cream.
- Step 11:
- Warm apricot jam with 1 tsp water and brush over fruit for a glossy finish, if desired.
Pin These tartlets bring my family together every holiday, sparking joy with their sweetness and vibrant colors.
Nutritional Information
Each mini tartlet contains approximately 185 calories, 10 g of total fat, 21 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy (milk, butter). Double-check ingredients if serving those with allergies.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, rolling pin, mini tartlet pans (12), saucepan, pastry brush (for glaze).
Pin Enjoy these elegant mini tartlets as a sweet finale to any meal or festive occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make the tartlet shells crispier?
Use cold butter and avoid overworking the dough. Chilling before baking and blind baking the shells ensures crispiness.
- → What fruits work best for the topping?
Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi create vibrant color and balanced flavors.
- → Can I prepare the pastry cream in advance?
Yes, the pastry cream can be made ahead, covered directly on the surface to prevent skin, and chilled before use.
- → What is the purpose of the apricot jam glaze?
It adds a glossy finish to the fruits and helps preserve freshness while enhancing flavor.
- → Is there a nutty variation for the tartlet dough?
Adding ground almonds to the dough imparts a gentle nutty flavor and delicate texture.