If you’re in the mood for a delightful dessert that’s both rich and elegant, these irresistible chocolate tartlets are the perfect choice. With a buttery tartlet shell and a creamy, decadent chocolate filling, these treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Best of all, they’re easy to make and impressive enough to serve at any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 egg yolk
- 300 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 25 g corn starch
- 5 g vanilla sugar
- 80 g dark chocolate: For a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- 50 g butter: Adds creaminess and a smooth texture to the filling.
For the Tartlet Shell:
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter: Provides a rich, flaky texture.
- 50 g sugar
- 170 g flour: The base of the tartlet dough.
- 5 g vanilla sugar
- A dash of salt: Amplifies the flavors and counteracts the sweetness.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tartlet Shell:
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Refrigerate the Dough: Form the dough into a flat disc, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This process helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.
2. Shape and Bake the Tartlet Shells:
- Get the Oven Ready: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to reach the desired temperature.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3-4 mm).
- Cut and Shape: Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough slightly larger than your tartlet pans.
- Bake the Shells: Prick the bottoms of the tartlet shells with a fork to prevent them from puffing up. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool completely before filling.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Filling:
- Mix the Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, corn starch, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
- Heat the Milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency.
- Add Chocolate and Butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the dark chocolate and butter until fully melted and smooth.
- Cool the Filling: Let the chocolate filling cool slightly before filling the tartlet shells.
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
- Fill the Shells: Spoon the cooled chocolate filling into the baked tartlet shells, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon or a small offset spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, you can garnish the tartlets with a dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a few shavings of dark chocolate.
- Serve: These chocolate tartlets are best served slightly chilled, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.
Conclusion
These irresistible chocolate tartlets are the perfect combination of a crisp, buttery shell and a smooth, rich chocolate filling. They’re easy to make yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests or simply indulge in yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the classic pairing of chocolate and pastry. Try these tartlets today, and watch them disappear in no time!