Mini Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream

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If you’re seeking a dessert that’s both visually stunning and delightfully indulgent, look no further than Mini Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream. These elegant treats feature a buttery tart shell, silky-smooth pastry cream, and a colorful array of fresh fruits, making them a perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a sweet treat to brighten your day. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making these irresistible delights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Fruit Tarts bring together the best of flavors and textures—crispy, buttery crusts; creamy, velvety filling; and the juicy sweetness of fresh fruits. This dessert is not only delicious but also highly customizable. From berries to tropical fruits, you can top these tarts with your favorites to suit any season or occasion.

Ingredients

For the Mini Tart Crust

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1 egg
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 1 ¾ cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 egg yolks
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Toppings

• Fresh strawberries and blueberries (or fruits of choice)
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• ½ teaspoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Tart Dough

1. Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a food processor. Blend until mixed.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. (If mixing by hand, ensure your hands stay cold.)
3. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Shaping and Baking the Tart Shells
5. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface into a rectangle.
6. Cut rounds slightly larger than your mini tart pans using a cookie cutter or bowl.
7. Gently press the pastry into the tart pans, trimming the excess edges.
8. Poke holes in the base with a fork and freeze for 20 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the tart shells for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Preparing the Pastry Cream
10. Heat the milk and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat, reserving ¼ cup.
11. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking to temper the eggs.
12. Return the saucepan to low heat and slowly incorporate the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
13. Cook until the cream thickens. Be patient—low heat ensures a silky texture!
14. Transfer the cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate for several hours.

Assembling the Tarts
15. Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the pastry cream. Pipe into the cooled tart shells.
16. Arrange fresh fruits on top of the cream.
17. For a glossy finish, mix apricot jam with water and lightly brush over the fruits.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mini Fruit Tarts

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky crust.
• Gradually temper the eggs to prevent curdling during the pastry cream preparation.
• Experiment with a variety of fruits, such as kiwi, raspberries, or mango, for a unique twist.
• Opt for a gluten-free flour blend if needed to create a gluten-free version.

Variations

• Add melted chocolate to the tart shells before piping in the pastry cream for a rich chocolate base.
• Incorporate citrus zest, like lemon or orange, into the pastry cream for a zesty flavor boost.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts or toasted coconut over the fruit for added texture and flavor.

Serving and Storage

• Serve freshly assembled tarts for the best flavor and texture.
• Store fully assembled tarts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• For optimal freshness, keep tart shells and pastry cream separate and assemble just before serving.

The Experience

Biting into a Mini Fruit Tart is a sensory delight. The crisp, buttery crust melts into the creamy richness of the pastry cream, while the fresh fruit adds a burst of sweetness and acidity. The apricot glaze enhances the fruit’s natural shine and flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, these tarts promise to impress both visually and gastronomically. Try this recipe and let these little jewels bring joy to your table!