How to make small coconut tarts
Coconut tarts are a delightful and mouthwatering treat that are sure to impress your friends and family. These small, sweet pastries are made with a crispy, buttery crust and a luscious coconut filling. They are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, and can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
To make small coconut tarts, you will need a few simple ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, coconut milk, and shredded coconut. The first step is to prepare the crust by mixing the flour, butter, and sugar together until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Then, add an egg yolk and a splash of cold water, and knead the dough until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the coconut filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining eggs, sugar, and coconut milk until well combined. Then, stir in the shredded coconut until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Set the filling aside.
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough that are slightly larger than the molds in your tart pan. Press the dough circles into the molds, making sure to create a small lip around the edges.
Next, fill each tart shell with a spoonful of the prepared coconut filling. Make sure not to overfill the tarts, as the filling will expand slightly during baking. Place the tart pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Once the tarts are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the tart pan for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the small coconut tarts are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them as is, or dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy!
Preparing the coconut filling
To make the delicious coconut filling for your small coconut tarts, you will need a few simple ingredients. Follow these steps to prepare the filling:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
- 2 cups of shredded coconut
- 1 cup of condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Step 2: Mix the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Step 3: Let the mixture rest
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the coconut mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend and the coconut to absorb the sweetened condensed milk.
Step 4: Prepare the tart shells
While the coconut filling is resting, you can start preparing the tart shells. Follow the instructions for making the tart crust and pre-bake them according to the recipe you are using.
Step 5: Fill the tart shells
Once the tart shells have cooled down, remove the coconut mixture from the refrigerator. Spoon a generous amount of the coconut filling into each tart shell, making sure to distribute it evenly.
Step 6: Bake the tarts
Place the filled tart shells back into the preheated oven and bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until the coconut filling is golden brown on top.
Once the tarts are baked to perfection, allow them to cool before serving. These small coconut tarts are perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy!
Gathering the ingredients
Before you start making small coconut tarts, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of grated coconut
- 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten
Having all the ingredients measured and ready to go will make the process much easier and more enjoyable. So, double-check the list and gather everything you need before getting started. Once you have everything prepared, you’re ready to begin making these delicious small coconut tarts!
Mixing the ingredients
Coconut tarts are made with a simple but delicious combination of ingredients. To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, it is important to mix the ingredients properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Prepare the dry ingredients:
Start by measuring out the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Sift the flour to remove any lumps and mix them together in a bowl. The sugar adds sweetness to the tarts, while the salt helps to enhance the flavors.
2. Combine the wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter and coconut milk. The melted butter gives the tarts a rich and buttery taste, while the coconut milk adds a hint of tropical flavor.
3. Mix the dry and wet ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough crust. Aim for a dough that is just combined.
4. Chill the dough:
Once the dough is mixed, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help it firm up and make it easier to handle when shaping it into tart shells.
5. Divide and shape the dough:
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and divide it into small portions. Take each portion and press it into a tart tin, making sure to evenly distribute and press down the dough. Use your fingers to shape the edges and create a decorative fluted design.
6. Pre-bake the tart shells:
Before adding the filling, pre-bake the tart shells in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes. This will help ensure that the crust is crisp and golden brown.
Following these steps will result in perfectly mixed dough for your small coconut tarts. Once the tart shells are ready, you can fill them with your desired coconut filling and enjoy these delectable treats!
Preparing the tart crust
The tart crust is an essential part of creating delicious coconut tarts. The crust provides a sturdy and flavorful base that complements the sweet coconut filling. Follow these steps to prepare the perfect tart crust:
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3 tablespoons ice water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
- Add the cold and cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the ice water over the mixture, one tablespoon at a time.
- Gently mix the dough until it starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball.
- Flatten the dough into a disk shape and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Tip: Chilling the dough helps to prevent shrinking while baking.
Once the tart crust has chilled, it is ready to be rolled out and used for the coconut tarts. This simple and versatile crust pairs perfectly with the sweet and delicious coconut filling. Enjoy!
Gathering the ingredients
Before you start making small coconut tarts, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
Ingredients | Quantity |
Coconut | 2 cups (grated) |
Sugar | 1/2 cup |
Egg | 1 |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
Butter | 1/2 cup (melted) |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Milk | 1/4 cup |
Make sure you have all the mentioned ingredients in the required quantities to ensure the best results and delicious small coconut tarts. Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step!