Mini orange tarts

Mini Orange Tarts

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will guide you in making mini orange tarts, a simple and quick recipe, perfect for surprising your guests or indulging your senses. These tarts have a delicate and crunchy crust, while the orange cream filling is simply irresistible.

A brief story of the recipe:
Mini tarts have a long history in various culinary cultures, being appreciated for their versatility. Whether filled with fruits, chocolate, or delicate creams, these treats are often served on special occasions. The orange, a symbol of freshness and joy, brings a touch of sunshine in every bite.

Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 125 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 125 g powdered sugar
- 1 whole egg
- Zest of one large orange
- 280 g flour

For the cream and decoration:
- 200 g condensed milk
- 3 eggs
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Orange slices for decoration
- Physalis or berries for an extra splash of color (optional)

Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a mixer or spatula, beat well until the mixture becomes creamy and homogeneous. This step is essential for obtaining a light and airy crust.

2. Add the whole egg and the orange zest, continuing to mix. The aroma of orange will transform the dough and give it a fresh and vibrant taste.

3. Finally, gradually incorporate the flour, mixing by hand until the dough becomes homogeneous. Avoid kneading too much to prevent it from becoming elastic.

4. Forming the tarts:
Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet using a rolling pin. Using a glass or a special tart cutter, cut out circles of dough the size of the tart pans you have (preferably disposable aluminum pans or special tart molds). Place the circles in the prepared pans, ensuring they fit well to the edges.

5. Preparing the cream:
In a small bowl, mix the condensed milk, eggs, milk, and liquid cream using a whisk. It’s important to obtain a homogeneous mixture to ensure a smooth filling.

6. Filling the tarts:
Carefully pour the cream into each mold, filling them about three-quarters full to allow for expansion during baking.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 °C and place the tarts inside. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cream sets and the edges turn golden. You will smell the delightful aroma of oranges spreading throughout the kitchen!

8. Cooling and decorating:
Once the tarts are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. After they have completely cooled, decorate them with thin slices of orange, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and possibly some berries or physalis for an elegant and sophisticated look.

Practical tips:
- For an even more aromatic dough, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture.
- If you want a dairy-free version, you can use margarine instead of butter and plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
- Experiment with other flavors – add a few drops of almond essence for a fragrant touch.

Nutritional benefits:
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, helping the immune system and having antioxidant properties. They also contain fiber, which supports digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of oranges?
Absolutely! Mini tarts can be filled with any kind of fruit, such as lemons, strawberries, or rose hips.

2. How can I store the tarts?
These mini orange tarts store well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.

3. What can the tarts be served with?
These treats pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a glass of sweet white wine or a fruit tea can perfectly complement the taste.

I hope I have inspired you to try this delicious mini orange tart recipe! I invite you to experiment and bring your own variations, turning every meal into a celebration of flavor. Enjoy!