Mini tarts with cream cheese and berries

Mini tarts with cream cheese and berries

Welcome to the world of miniature delights! Today, I will share with you an enticing and delicious recipe for mini tarts with cream cheese and berries, perfect for any occasion, from parties to romantic dates. These tarts are not only beautiful but also extremely tasty, and the combination of creamy cheese and fresh fruits will make you fall in love. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, you will find that this quick and simple dessert will delight you.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 150 g brown sugar
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 200 g cream cheese
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 100 g chocolate (you can choose dark or milk chocolate, according to your preference)
- Chocolate or coffee liqueur (optional, for a more sophisticated taste)

For decoration:
- 200 g berries (blackberries and raspberries are ideal, but you can also use blueberries or strawberries)

A Brief History

Mini tarts have become a popular dessert due to their versatility. They can be filled with a variety of creams and fruits, and their small size makes them adorable and easy to serve. The origins of the tart are lost in the mists of time, but the need to create desserts that are both aesthetic and tasty led to the emergence of these small culinary jewels.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl to avoid lumps. Add the brown sugar and the softened butter, cut into cubes. Use your fingers to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. This is a classic technique that ensures a tender dough.

2. Adding the egg
Add the egg and mix well until everything is incorporated. If you feel that the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water. Now, it's time to form a ball from the dough and wrap it in cling film.

3. Chilling the dough
Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This will help solidify the butter, making the dough easy to roll out.

4. Preparing the molds
While the dough is chilling, prepare the tart molds. Make sure they are greased with a little butter to prevent sticking. You can use individual molds or a larger one, depending on your preference.

5. Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C. It's essential to have the oven well-heated to achieve a perfectly baked crust.

6. Rolling out the dough
Once the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Work quickly, as the dough will soften due to the heat of your hands. Use a rolling pin to achieve an even thickness.

7. Shaping the tarts
Cut circles from the dough and place them in the tart molds. Make sure to press the dough well against the edges and remove the excess. Prick the bottom of each mold with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

8. Baking the crust
Bake the molds in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough turns golden. Let them cool slightly before removing them from the molds. This step is crucial to avoid cracking the crust.

9. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. If you want a more sophisticated taste, melt the chocolate and mix half of it into the cream cheese. You can also add a bit of chocolate or coffee liqueur for an extra flavor boost.

10. Filling the tarts
Once the crusts have completely cooled, fill each tart with the cream cheese, being careful not to overfill to prevent spillage. Add the berries on top, arranging them nicely for an attractive appearance.

11. Finishing
Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over each tart for an impressive visual effect. This final step will add an extra layer of flavor and make the dessert irresistible.

12. Final cooling
Place the mini tarts in the refrigerator overnight. This cooling time is essential to allow the dough to soften and the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving and combinations

Serve these mini tarts with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can add a dollop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert. These tarts are also excellent for brunch, alongside fresh fruit juices or refreshing cocktails.

Useful tips

- Gluten-free option: You can use gluten-free flour to make this recipe accessible to those with intolerance.
- Seasonal fruits: Experiment with different berries depending on the season. Strawberries or peaches can be a delicious choice!
- Other fillings: Instead of cream cheese, you can use a chocolate filling or vanilla cream to diversify the recipe.

Nutritional information

These mini tarts with cream cheese and berries are a healthier choice than many other desserts, thanks to the fresh fruits and protein-rich cheese. One serving (1 tart) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.

2. Can I make the dough a day in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be stored in the refrigerator or even in the freezer for later use.

3. What if I don't have tart molds?
You can use a muffin tin as an alternative, thus creating mini tarts.

These mini tarts with cream cheese and berries are not just a dessert but a culinary experience that you will savor with every bite. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors!