Mini tarts with vanilla cream

Mini tarts with vanilla cream - a delicious and elegant recipe

Total time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12 mini tarts

Welcome to the sweet world of mini tarts with vanilla cream! These delights are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual pleasure that will enchant any table. Inspired by old culinary traditions, these tarts are perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings. Let's get to work and create these little masterpieces!

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 300 g flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

*For the cream:*
- 500 ml milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (fresh and well washed)

*Optional for decoration:*
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Mint leaves for a fresh look

Recipe history:
Mini tarts with vanilla cream have a long history, being part of European pastry tradition. These delights were originally created to use leftover dough or cream, transforming into refined desserts appreciated on everyone's tables. Today, they are served as a symbol of refinement and good taste, often being the stars of parties or family gatherings.

Preparing the dough:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the powdered sugar. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature to help with homogenization. Add the diced butter and flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a smooth dough.

2. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step is essential as it helps to firm up the butter and achieve a flaky texture.

3. Preparing the molds: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the tart molds with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

4. Rolling out the dough: After it has been in the fridge, remove the dough and roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a cutter or a glass to cut circles slightly larger than the tart mold.

5. Forming the tarts: Place the dough circles in the molds, gently pressing on the edges. Use a fork to make small perforations in the bottom of the tart, which will help with even baking.

6. Baking: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough turns golden. Let them cool completely before removing them from the molds.

Preparing the vanilla cream:

1. Boiling the milk: In a pot, add the milk and heat it over medium heat until it starts to boil. It is important not to leave it unattended to avoid burning.

2. Preparing the yolk mixture: In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the cornstarch and mix well.

3. Combining the ingredients: When the milk starts to boil, gradually add the yolk mixture, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling. Continue stirring until the cream thickens.

4. Flavoring the cream: Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest to give a fresh taste to the cream. Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.

5. Filling the tarts: Once the mini tarts with vanilla cream are completely cooled, fill them with the vanilla cream using a spoon or a pastry bag for a uniform appearance.

Decorating the tarts:
For an attractive look, decorate mini tarts with fresh fruits. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only add a color contrast but also a note of acidity that perfectly complements the vanilla cream. Add a few mint leaves for a touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- If you want a more intense flavor, use quality vanilla extract instead of vanilla sugar.
- Mini tarts with vanilla cream can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to decorate them with fruits only before serving to maintain freshness.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other flavors in the cream? Yes, you can add other flavors, such as cocoa or coffee, to vary the taste.
2. How can I make the mini tarts healthier? You can use whole wheat flour instead of white flour and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.
3. What other fruits can I use for decoration? Any fresh fruit is suitable, but berries are the most popular due to their natural acidity.

Interesting variations:
- You can experiment with different fillings for the tart, such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit pudding.
- Instead of lemon zest, try adding lemon or orange for a stronger citrus flavor.

These mini tarts with vanilla cream are more than just a simple dessert; they are a true culinary experience. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these delights will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Don't forget to savor every bite and share the joy of cooking!