Ingredients
Puff Pastry Shells
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Chantilly Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
Ganache
- 1/2 cup dark or milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Toppings
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Mint leaves (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Special Equipment
- 3-inch circle cookie cutter
- 2-inch circle cookie cutter
- Pastry bag or zip-lock bag
- Star tip (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Thaw puff pastry on the counter until soft but still cold.
- Place one sheet on top of the other and roll them gently with a rolling pin until they reach 12×16 inches. Doubling the sheets creates taller pastry shells.
- Using a 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out circles as closely as possible to minimize scraps.
- Transfer circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 1-inch space between each.
2. Create the Pastry Borders
- Using a 2-inch cookie cutter, press gently into the center of each circle without cutting all the way through. This indentation helps form a well for the filling.
3. Apply the Egg Wash and Sugar
- Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the circles using a pastry brush (or a scrunched-up paper towel).
- Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a golden, slightly caramelized crust.
4. Bake the Puff Pastry
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the pastries puff up and turn golden brown.
- Once out of the oven, use your fingers or the smaller cookie cutter to gently press down the center, leaving the raised edges intact.
- Let pastries cool completely before assembling.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until it’s almost boiling.
- Pour over 1/2 cup chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes before stirring until smooth.
- Transfer the ganache into a zip-lock bag, snipping off a small corner to create a piping bag.
6. Make the Chantilly Cream
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 2/3 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Transfer to a piping bag with a star tip (or a zip-lock bag with a corner snipped off).
7. Assemble the Tarts
- Pipe a generous drizzle of ganache into each pastry shell, reserving some for decoration.
- Fill each tart with Chantilly cream, piping it in a circular motion for a professional look.
- Top each tart with one raspberry and two blueberries.
- Drizzle the remaining ganache over the berries in thin lines for added elegance.
8. Add the Finishing Touches
- Lightly dust the tarts with powdered sugar before serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Pastry: Let the pastries cool completely before adding cream. Warm pastry will cause the filling to melt.
- Get Crisp Layers: For extra crispiness, bake at a high temperature and avoid over-handling the dough.
- Whipping Cream Tip: Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping to achieve stiff peaks faster.
- Make Ahead: Bake pastry shells in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving.
- Even Filling: Hold the piping bag close to the tart while applying gentle pressure for smooth, even cream distribution.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes