Lemon curd cups with berries

Lemon Cream and Berry Tartlets

Looking for a dessert recipe that combines the freshness of berries with a fine and delicious lemon cream? Then these lemon cream and berry tartlets are exactly what you need! This dessert is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true visual pleasure, perfect for any special occasion.

The history of the lemon curd recipe used in this dish is fascinating. Although its origins are not completely clear, it is known to have been popularized in England in the 19th century as a type of tart paste, often used as a filling for cakes or tarts. This dessert has evolved over the years, becoming a staple ingredient in many pastry recipes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 tartlets

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 80 g butter (at room temperature)
- seeds from one vanilla pod
- 1 egg

For the lemon cream:
- 200 g lemon curd
- 200 g mascarpone
- 50 ml sweet milk

For decoration:
- 300 g fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Add the soft butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture. This technique helps achieve a tender texture.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla seeds. Mix well with a spatula or hand mixer until the dough becomes homogeneous. If necessary, sprinkle a little extra flour to achieve a more manageable consistency.

3. Chilling the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Although we recommend a chilling time of at least 30 minutes, leaving the dough in the fridge overnight will enhance its flavor and texture.

4. Preparing the tartlets: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. After the dough has chilled, remove it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you achieve a sheet about 3 mm thick. Cut circles from the dough using a cookie cutter or a glass and place them in muffin tins, pressing gently to shape them into tartlets.

5. Baking: Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they turn slightly golden. Once baked, let them cool completely.

6. Preparing the lemon cream: In a bowl, combine the lemon curd with the mascarpone and gradually add the milk. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. The milk will help achieve a creamier and lighter texture.

7. Filling the tartlets: Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each tartlet with the prepared lemon cream.

8. Decorating with berries: Carefully place the berries on top of the cream, ensuring each tartlet is beautifully decorated.

9. Final chilling: Place the tartlets in the fridge for a few hours so that the cream sets slightly and the flavors meld.

10. Serving: When you are ready to serve them, remove the tartlets from the fridge and bring them to the table. They are delicious both plain and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Tips and tricks:

- Alternative to berries: If you don’t have berries on hand, you can experiment with other fresh fruits such as peaches, strawberries, or kiwi, which will add a touch of freshness and a contrast of textures.
- Quick dessert: Lemon cream tartlets can also be made without baking, using crushed cookies mixed with melted butter for a quick base.
- Nutritional benefits: Berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, providing a health boost while being delicious.
- Calories: Each tartlet contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the serving sizes and ingredients used. It’s a perfect dessert to indulge without overdoing it.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another cream instead of lemon curd?
- Absolutely! You can try chocolate cream or vanilla cream for a delicious variation.

2. How can I keep the tartlets fresh?
- Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but consume them within 2-3 days to enjoy the crispy texture.

3. Can I prepare the tartlets in advance?
- Yes, you can bake the tartlets a day ahead and fill them with cream a few hours before serving.

These lemon cream and berry tartlets are not just a simple dessert but also an excellent way to bring a touch of sunshine to gloomier days. Cook them with love and enjoy every bite!