Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits

Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits

Who can resist mini tarts with vanilla cream and fresh fruits? These delights are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a true culinary work of art that will enchant any table. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or to indulge yourself and your loved ones, these mini tarts are the perfect choice. Let’s start this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 15 mini tarts

Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 150 g flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 100 g butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- Vanilla cream:
- 250 ml milk
- ½ packet vanilla pudding (Dr. Oetker)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Decoration:
- 10 cherries (fresh or canned)
- 2 apricots (sliced)
- 1 kiwi (sliced)
- 1 sachet gel for cakes (clear, Dr. Oetker)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the powdered sugar and salt. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and knead with your fingers until the mixture resembles wet sand. This step is essential for achieving a flaky dough, so take your time!

2. Adding the egg:
Add the egg and continue kneading until a homogeneous but slightly sticky dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This cooling time will help firm up the dough, making it easier to handle later.

3. Baking the mini tarts:
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and divide it into 15 equal portions. Place each portion into the tart molds (make sure the molds do not require greasing beforehand, but if in doubt, you can use a little butter). Roll out the dough in each mold, raising it on the edges. Use a fork to prick the dough here and there – this will prevent it from puffing up during baking.

4. Bake the mini tarts:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the tarts with the dough for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Once baked, let them cool slightly, then carefully remove them from the molds while they are still warm. If they have puffed up, you can gently cut out the center with a small cutter to make room for the cream.

5. Preparing the vanilla cream:
In a saucepan, bring 200 ml of milk to a boil. In another bowl, mix the pudding powder with 50 ml of milk and sugar, then add the vanilla essence. When the milk in the saucepan starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the pudding mixture. Mix well and return to low heat, stirring constantly until the cream thickens. Once ready, let it cool.

6. Assembling the mini tarts:
Once the cream has cooled, fill each mini tart with it. Arrange the fruits on top, such as cherries, apricots, and kiwi, for a vibrant and appetizing look.

7. Preparing the gel for decoration:
According to the instructions on the package, prepare the cake gel and carefully apply it over the fruits. This will add a shiny appearance and keep the fruits fresh.

8. Cooling and serving:
Place the mini tarts in the refrigerator to cool completely before serving. This step is important to allow the flavors to meld and achieve the perfect texture.

Serving suggestions:
These mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits are ideal for serving at a party or at a brunch with friends. You can accompany the tarts with green tea or a sweet white wine. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce could be a delicious addition!

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have vanilla pudding on hand, you can use a mixture of milk, cornstarch, and vanilla to create a similar cream.
- Vary the fruits according to the season. You can use berries, peaches, or even mango for an exotic taste.
- Make sure not to over-knead the dough to maintain a flaky texture.

Nutritional information:
These mini tarts are an excellent choice for a balanced dessert, offering a combination of carbohydrates from flour and sugar, proteins from eggs and dairy, as well as vitamins and antioxidants from fruits. The calories may vary depending on the type of fruits used and the exact quantities, but one tart has approximately 120-150 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different, and the tarts will be denser.

2. How can I make the cream less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use an alternative sweetener.

3. Can I prepare the mini tarts a day in advance?
Of course! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Enjoy every bite of these mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits! These delights are not just a feast for the eyes, but also an unforgettable pleasure for the senses. Bon appétit!