Mini Fruit Tartlets with Vanilla Pudding

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

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 100 g softened butter and 50 g powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in 1/2 teaspoon baking powder and gradually add 170-180 g of flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
  4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Bake the Tart Shells

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  1. Whisk the Base: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1 egg yolk, 50 g sugar, and 25 g cornstarch until smooth.
  2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in 300 ml of milk, making sure the mixture is smooth without lumps.
  3. Cook the Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
  4. Finish the Pudding: Remove from heat and stir in 50 g butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar. Mix until smooth.
  5. 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

  1. Fill the Tartlets: Once the tart shells and pudding have cooled, spoon or pipe the vanilla pudding into each tart shell, filling them generously.
  2. Decorate with Fruit: Arrange your choice of fresh berries (e.g., raspberries, blackberries, blueberries) on top of each tartlet.
  3. 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!