Mini chocolate tarts

Mini delicate chocolate tarts

Who can resist a delicate tart with a perfect crust and decadent chocolate cream? These mini tarts are an ideal choice for any occasion, from parties to a simple indulgence at home. Their fragile texture melts in your mouth, and the combination of chocolate and mascarpone makes them truly irresistible. Let's discover together how to prepare them!

Preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 150 g cold butter
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- approx. 300 g flour

For the cream:
- 150 g chocolate (choose dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 tablespoon mascarpone

Step 1: Preparing the dough

The first step in creating these delicious mini tarts is to prepare the dough. Start by cutting the cold butter into small cubes. This will be the key ingredient for achieving a fragile and flavorful crust.

In a large bowl, add the cut butter and powdered sugar. Use a fork or a hand mixer to rub the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture. Then, add the egg yolks, baking powder mixed with vinegar, and cold water. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Now gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or your hands. Knead the dough until it becomes non-sticky and firm. It is important not to knead too much, as this could activate the gluten, leading to a less fragile crust.

Once you have obtained the desired dough, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours. This step not only cools the dough but also helps develop the flavors.

Step 2: Baking the crust

After the dough has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator and divide it into 12 equal parts. This even division will ensure the mini tarts have consistent sizes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare the mini tart molds (ideally use molds with a diameter of 10 cm) greased with a little butter and dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle and carefully place it in each mold. Make sure the dough reaches well to the edges of the mold. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the dough; this will prevent air bubbles from forming.

Bake the mini tarts in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they become slightly golden at the edges. After baking, let them cool completely before adding the chocolate cream.

Step 3: Preparing the chocolate cream

While the crusts are cooling, you can prepare the chocolate cream. In a heatproof bowl, add the chopped chocolate and liquid cream. Place the bowl over a double boiler, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth.

Once the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the heat and add the egg yolk. Mix well, ensuring that the yolk is fully incorporated into the chocolate cream.

Soak the gelatin in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water, then add it to the hot chocolate, stirring constantly. The gelatin will help the cream set, giving it a perfect texture.

Step 4: Assembling the mini tarts

Now that both the dough and cream are ready, it's time to assemble the mini tarts. Fill each mold with the chocolate cream, leaving a little space on top to add the mascarpone.

In a small bowl, mix the mascarpone with the rum essence. Use a teaspoon to add a dollop of this mixture on top of the chocolate cream in each tart. Using a toothpick, gently swirl the mascarpone into the chocolate cream to create a beautiful visual effect.

Place the mini tarts in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the cream sets. This step is crucial as it will ensure a smooth and delicious texture.

Step 5: Serving and variations

Once the mini tarts have set, they are ready to serve! You can decorate them with a little cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or even fresh fruit for a contrast of textures and flavors. These mini tarts are perfect for serving at a party or as an elegant dessert after dinner.

If you want to experiment, you can add different flavors to the chocolate cream, such as coffee or orange, or you can replace the chocolate with a vanilla cream for a slightly different version.

Nutritional information

Each mini tart contains approximately 220 calories, making it an indulgent yet delicious choice. They provide an energy source from sugars and fats, but also contain antioxidants from chocolate, which can have health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, white chocolate will provide a different flavor, but it will work well for this recipe.

2. How can I make these tarts vegan?
You can replace the butter with vegan margarine, and the egg yolks can be replaced with a mixture of flaxseeds or chia seeds with water.

3. Can I prepare the mini tarts a day in advance?
Yes, mini tarts keep very well in the refrigerator and can be made a day ahead of serving.

These mini delicate chocolate tarts are a treat that will surely impress anyone who tastes them! So don't wait any longer and start preparing this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will bring a smile to everyone's face! Enjoy!