Tartlets are the perfect blend of crisp, buttery pastry and luscious custard filling, making them an elegant dessert for any occasion. These irresistible tartlets are not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly satisfying to eat. With a golden, flaky tart shell and a rich, creamy custard filling, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself, these tartlets are a delightful choice.
Ingredients
For the Tart Shells:
- 100g butter, softened
- 50g powdered sugar
- 200g flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
For the Custard:
- 1 egg yolk
- 300ml milk
- 70g sugar
- 25g cornstarch
- 150ml cream (33-35% fat)
Instructions
Prepare the Tart Shells:
- Make the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla sugar, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the tart shells from shrinking during baking.
- Form the Tart Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a surface dusted with flour, roll the chilled dough until it reaches a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
- Cut out circles slightly larger than your tartlet molds (about 7-8cm in diameter) and gently press the dough into the molds, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
- Prick the bottoms of the tart shells with a fork to prevent them from puffing up during baking.
- Bake the Tart Shells:
- Line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans to keep the shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the parchment paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the bottoms are fully cooked and golden.
- Let the tart shells cool completely before filling.
Prepare the Custard:
- Heat the Milk:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix the Egg Yolks:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
- Combine and Cook:
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cream until fully combined.
- Cool the Custard:
- Pour the custard into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Tartlets:
- Fill the Tart Shells:
- Once the tart shells and custard have cooled, spoon or pipe the custard into each tart shell, filling them generously.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Top the tartlets with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate, if desired.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the filled tartlets for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the custard to set.
- Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery pastry and creamy custard.
Conclusion
These Irresistible Tartlets are a true delight, combining a perfectly crisp tart shell with a smooth, rich custard filling. Whether you choose to enjoy them plain or adorned with your favorite fruits, these tartlets are sure to impress. Simple to make and elegant to serve, they’re an excellent addition to any dessert table. Try this recipe, and savor the sweet satisfaction of homemade tartlets!