These mini fruit tartlets with creamy vanilla pudding and fresh berries are a perfect bite-sized dessert. The buttery tart shells filled with silky homemade vanilla pudding and topped with colorful berries make for a stunning and delicious treat, ideal for any occasion. Here’s how to make them step by step.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Pudding:
- Egg yolk – 1 large
- Sugar – 50 g (about 3 tablespoons)
- Cornstarch – 25 g (2.5 tablespoons)
- Milk – 300 ml (1 1/4 cups)
- Butter – 50 g (3 1/2 tablespoons)
- Vanilla sugar – 1 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
For the Tart Dough:
- Butter (softened) – 100 g (7 tablespoons)
- Powdered sugar – 50 g (about 1/3 cup)
- Egg – 1 large
- Salt – A pinch
- Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla sugar – 1 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- Flour – 170-180 g (about 1 1/4 cups)
For Decoration:
- Berries/fruit – to taste (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
- Powdered sugar – For dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 100 g softened butter and 50 g powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and gradually add 170-180 g of flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Bake the Tart Shells
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
- Shape the Tartlets: Cut out circles slightly larger than your mini tartlet pans. Gently press the dough into each tartlet pan and prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tart shells turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding
- Whisk the Base: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 egg yolk, 50 g sugar, and 25 g cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in 300 ml of milk, making sure the mixture is smooth without lumps.
- Cook the Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
- Finish the Pudding: Remove from heat and stir in 50 g butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar. Mix until smooth.
- Cool the Pudding: Cover the pudding with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets
- Fill the Tartlets: Once the tart shells and pudding have cooled, spoon or pipe the vanilla pudding into each tart shell, filling them generously.
- Decorate with Fruit: Arrange your choice of fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries) on top of each tartlet.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the tartlets with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the tartlets chilled for a refreshing and elegant dessert, or at room temperature if preferred. They make the perfect bite-sized treat for any gathering or celebration.
Tips:
- Tart Dough: If the dough feels sticky when rolling, dust lightly with flour to make it easier to handle.
- Fruit Topping: Feel free to use any seasonal fruits you have on hand, such as strawberries, kiwi, or grapes.
- Make Ahead: The tart shells and pudding can be made in advance. Assemble them just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.
Nutrition Information (per tartlet, assuming 10 tartlets):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sugars: 10 g
These mini fruit tartlets are a delightful combination of buttery pastry, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh, juicy berries. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat, they’re guaranteed to impress!