Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream
Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Whenever I think of summer desserts, these Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream come to mind. The combination of flaky pastry, sweet strawberries, and luxurious cream is simply irresistible. I love how easy they are to prepare, and they always impress guests. The crispy tart shell pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and fresh fruit, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. They make for a delightful treat at picnics, gatherings, or even a quiet night in. Trust me, you'll want to add these to your recipe collection!
Making Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream has become a cherished tradition for me. I remember the first time I made them; I was determined to perfect my tart crust. After several attempts, I finally discovered that chilling the dough before baking yielded that delightful flaky texture I was after. It’s a game changer!
Each tart is like a mini work of art. I love arranging the fresh strawberries on top of the cream, and I always make sure to sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar for that extra touch. It’s amazing how a simple dessert can bring so much joy to gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh strawberries bursting with flavor in every bite
- Rich, creamy filling that perfectly complements the tart shell
- Easy to make and beautiful for any occasion
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare these delightful mini tarts:
For the Tart Shells
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure you have everything ready before you start preparing the tarts!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Mini Strawberry Tarts:
Prepare the Tart Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk, then add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Bake the Tart Shells
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circles to fit your tart pans. Press them into the pans and prick with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely.
Make the Cream Filling
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Assemble the Tarts
Fill each cooled tart shell with whipped cream, and top with sliced strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream!
Pro Tips
- Make sure your butter is cold when making the dough to achieve a flaky crust. You can also substitute other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a twist on the classic flavors.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the tart shells in advance?
Yes, you can bake the tart shells in advance and store them in an airtight container for a few days.
→ How do I keep the cream from deflating?
Ensure that your whipping bowl and cream are very cold, and avoid overwhipping to maintain that light and airy texture.
→ Can I use store-bought pastry instead of making my own?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pastry can save time and still yield delicious results.
→ What can I use instead of strawberries?
You can use any berries or even peaches for a different flavor. Just make sure they are fresh and sweet!
Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream
Whenever I think of summer desserts, these Mini Strawberry Tarts with Cream come to mind. The combination of flaky pastry, sweet strawberries, and luxurious cream is simply irresistible. I love how easy they are to prepare, and they always impress guests. The crispy tart shell pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and fresh fruit, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. They make for a delightful treat at picnics, gatherings, or even a quiet night in. Trust me, you'll want to add these to your recipe collection!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 tarts
What You'll Need
For the Tart Shells
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
For the Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk, then add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and cut into circles to fit your tart pans. Press them into the pans and prick with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Fill each cooled tart shell with whipped cream, and top with sliced strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Extra Tips
- Make sure your butter is cold when making the dough to achieve a flaky crust. You can also substitute other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a twist on the classic flavors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g