Boats with vanilla cream and fruits.

Vanilla Cream and Delicious Fruit Tartlets

These vanilla cream and fruit tartlets are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Not only are these mini-tarts visually appealing, but they are also incredibly tasty. Whether you're making them for a party, a picnic, or simply to treat your family, these tartlets will bring smiles and applause. Plus, you can use your favorite fruits to customize them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour (plus overnight in the fridge)
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 20 tartlets

The History of Vanilla Cream Tartlets
Over time, tarts have been an integral part of gastronomy, with deep roots in culinary traditions. These mini-tarts are often associated with joy and celebration, made for special occasions. The combination of a crispy crust and smooth cream is a true delight, especially when served with fresh fruit.

Ingredients Needed

For the crust:
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 70 g fine sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g flour

For the cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch

For decoration:
- Fresh fruits of your choice (raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, blueberries)
- 1 packet of clear gelatin

Helpful Tips About Ingredients
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it can be easily mixed. You can cut it into cubes and let it soften for about 30 minutes before using.
- Instead of fine sugar, you can use powdered sugar for a smoother texture in the vanilla cream.
- Cornstarch is essential for thickening the cream, ensuring that no lumps form.

Preparing the Crust
1. In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar and salt until you achieve a creamy consistency. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a light crust.
2. Add the egg and continue mixing until well combined.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and vanilla sugar, and gradually incorporate them into the butter mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid overdeveloping the gluten.
4. Once the dough is homogeneous, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. This resting time will help firm up the dough, making it easier to shape.

Preparing the Vanilla Cream
1. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until they form a creamy paste.
2. Add the cornstarch and vanilla sugar, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm (it should not boil!). Gradually add it to the egg yolk mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Place the mixture over low heat and stir constantly until it thickens. It is important not to let the cream boil to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Once the cream has thickened, transfer it to another bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it cool.

Forming the Tartlets
1. After the dough has chilled, remove it and roll it out on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick.
2. Using a knife or a cutter, cut shapes that fit your tartlet pans. Make sure the dough covers all the edges of the pan.
3. Prick a few holes with a fork in the bottom of each shape to prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
4. Place the pans back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up again.
5. Before baking, add a small amount of dried beans to each shape to prevent puffing.

Baking the Tartlets
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden.
3. After 10 minutes, remove the beans and leave them in the oven for another 5 minutes to brown evenly.
4. Once baked, let them cool completely before removing them from the pans.

Filling and Decorating the Tartlets
1. Once the tartlets are completely cool, fill each one with the vanilla cream. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spillage.
2. Arrange your favorite fruits on top of the cream. Whether you choose slices of strawberries, kiwi, or a mix of berries, each combination will add a touch of freshness.
3. Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and, using a brush, glaze the fruits for a shiny and appetizing look.

Serving
Let the tartlets chill in the fridge overnight to firm up the cream and blend the flavors. When you're ready to serve, you can arrange them on a beautiful platter and garnish with mint leaves for an extra pop of color.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of fruits?
Yes, you can experiment with any fruits you like. Seasonal fruits are the best!

- What if I don't have cornstarch?
You can use flour, but the texture will be slightly different.

- How do I store the tartlets?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, but it's best to consume them within the first week.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Each serving of vanilla cream and fruit tartlets contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the fruits used. These mini-tarts are a good source of calcium, thanks to the milk in the cream, and vitamins from the fresh fruits.

Possible Variations
- Replace the vanilla cream with chocolate cream for a decadent version.
- Add chopped nuts to the crust for a crunchy taste.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or coconut, to give a unique flavor.

These vanilla cream and fruit tartlets are easy to make, full of flavor, and, most importantly, a great way to enjoy time spent in the kitchen. Once you try them, I’m sure they will become a favorite for everyone!