Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits

Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Introduction

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines fine textures, delicate flavors, and vibrant colors? Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits are not only a culinary treat but also an excellent choice for any occasion. These delicacies are perfect for summer evenings, parties, or simply to add a touch of joy to your weekend days. The rich and velvety vanilla cream perfectly pairs with fresh fruits, bringing a delicious contrast. Let’s discover together how to prepare these wonderful tarts!

History of the Tart

The tart, a dessert with deep historical roots, has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of culinary creativity. Its origin is lost in the mists of time, associated with various cultures that used dough to create sweet or savory delights. Today, tarts are appreciated for their versatility, being able to be filled with any combination of ingredients. Mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits are a modern variant that combines tradition with innovation.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 125 g margarine (or butter for a more intense flavor)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream:*
- 500 ml milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 vanilla essence (or to taste)
- 1 vanilla pod
- 5 tablespoons sugar

*For decoration:*
- Fresh fruits of your choice (strawberries, berries, kiwi, peaches)

Step by step for a perfect result

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, add the flour, diced margarine, egg yolks, sugar, and salt. It is important that all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
2. Knead the ingredients with your fingers until you obtain a sandy mixture. This process allows the butter to incorporate well into the flour.
3. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour. This will help the dough become firmer and easier to roll out.

Step 2: Baking the crust

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a sheet about 3 mm thick. Use a rolling pin to ensure even thickness.
3. Using a tart mold or a glass, cut circles from the dough. These should be slightly larger than the tart molds you will use.
4. Grease the tart molds with a little oil or use muffin liners to facilitate the removal of the tart after baking.
5. Place the dough circles into the molds, gently pressing the edges. To prevent the dough from puffing up during baking, add a few beans or pasta into each mold.
6. Bake the tarts for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a rack.

Step 3: Preparing the vanilla cream

1. In a pot, combine the milk with the contents of a vanilla pod (cut lengthwise to release the seeds). Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Add the cornstarch and mix well to avoid lumps.
3. Once the milk has boiled, gradually pour it over the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Place the mixture back on low heat and continue to stir until the cream thickens. It is important not to let the cream boil to avoid curdling.
5. Once the cream reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla essence to taste. Let the cream cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Assembling the mini tarts

1. Once the tarts are completely cooled and the cream has cooled, fill each tart with the vanilla cream, using a spoon or a piping bag for a more elegant look.
2. Decorate each tart with fresh fruits, arranging them beautifully on top of the cream. Choose fruits that contrast well in color and flavor for the most appetizing appearance.

Step 5: Serving and storing

1. Let the tarts sit in the refrigerator for a while before serving, so the flavors can blend.
2. These mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best served fresh.
3. A serving suggestion is to add a caramel or berry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Practical tips

- If you prefer a more crumbly dough, replace part of the margarine with butter. The flavor will be much more intense and aromatic.
- Experiment with different fruits depending on the season. Berries, peaches, or even mango are excellent choices.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a bit of rum or vanilla liqueur to the vanilla cream.

Nutritional benefits

These mini tarts are an excellent source of calcium due to the milk used, and they provide vitamins from fresh fruits. The flour used in the dough contributes essential carbohydrates for energy. However, it is important to enjoy them in moderation as they are also high in calories.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use plant-based milk for the cream?
Yes, you can use almond, soy, or coconut milk to make the cream more friendly for vegan or lactose-free diets.

2. How can I make the tarts less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and cream. Also, choose more tart fruits to balance the sweetness.

3. Is it possible to prepare the tarts a day in advance?
Absolutely! Preparing them ahead of time can be a great idea to save time. Just make sure to keep them in the refrigerator.

Now that you’ve discovered all the secrets of these mini tarts with vanilla cream and fruits, all that’s left is to get cooking! Be creative and adapt the recipe to your tastes. We look forward to hearing about your variations and how you personalized these delicious tarts. Enjoy!