How to make strawberry tartlets
Indulge in the sweetness of fresh strawberries with these delectable tartlets. Bursting with juicy flavor, these bite-sized desserts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a casual afternoon snack. With a buttery crust and a creamy filling, these strawberry tartlets are sure to become your new favorite treat.
First, let’s start with the crust. The key to a perfect tartlet is a crispy and flavorful crust. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add chilled butter and incorporate it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water and gently knead the dough until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, let’s prepare the filling. Whip together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the mixture evenly onto the tartlet crusts, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Top the filling with fresh, sliced strawberries, arranging them in a beautiful pattern.
Ingredients for strawberry tartlets
Creating delicious strawberry tartlets requires a few key ingredients:
- Strawberries: Make sure to select fresh and ripe strawberries for the best results. Wash and hull the strawberries before using them in the recipe.
- Tartlet shells: You can either make your own tartlet shells from scratch or use pre-made ones. The tartlet shells will provide a crunchy and buttery base for the strawberry filling.
- Pastry cream: The pastry cream serves as a delicious filling for the tartlets. Making your own pastry cream allows you to customize the flavor and texture.
- Whipped cream: Whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to the tartlets. You can whip the cream yourself using heavy cream and sugar.
- Lemon zest: Adding lemon zest to the pastry cream or whipped cream will bring out the bright and refreshing flavors of the strawberries.
- Optional toppings: You can sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle chocolate sauce over the tartlets for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.
With these ingredients, you’ll be ready to create delectable strawberry tartlets that will impress your family and friends! Enjoy!
How to prepare the pastry dough for tartlets
When it comes to making strawberry tartlets, a delicious buttery and flaky pastry dough is essential. Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect pastry dough for your tartlets:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
– 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of ice water
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
2. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix with a fork until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it forms a smooth ball.
5. Flatten the dough into a disc shape, wrap it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease your tartlet pans.
7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to a 1/8-inch thickness.
8. Cut out rounds slightly larger than your tartlet pans and carefully press them into the prepared pans, trimming off any excess dough.
9. Pierce the bottom of each pastry dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
10. Place the tartlet pans on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
11. Once baked, let the tartlet shells cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Now you have a perfect pastry dough ready to be filled with your delicious strawberry filling for making scrumptious strawberry tartlets.
Making the strawberry filling
Once the tartlet crusts have cooled, it’s time to prepare the delicious strawberry filling for your tartlets.
For the strawberry filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
Step 1: Prepare the strawberries
Start by washing your fresh strawberries under cold water. Once washed, remove the green hulls and slice the strawberries into thin slices. Set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the strawberry filling
- In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the strawberries evenly.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the strawberry mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the strawberries have softened.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering strawberry mixture while stirring continuously. Continue stirring for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
Your strawberry filling is now ready to be used in the tartlets. Allow it to cool slightly before spooning it into the pre-baked tartlet crusts.
Once filled, refrigerate the tartlets for at least an hour to allow the filling to set. Then, serve and enjoy these delightful strawberry tartlets!
Assembling and serving the strawberry tartlets
To assemble the strawberry tartlets, start by placing a spoonful of the homemade strawberry jam onto the bottom of each tartlet crust. Spread the jam evenly, being careful not to go over the edges.
Next, slice a fresh strawberry into thin rounds and arrange them on top of the jam. You can layer the strawberry slices or create a decorative pattern if you prefer.
TIP: For an extra touch, sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top of the strawberry slices.
In a small saucepan, melt some white chocolate over low heat. Once melted, drizzle the white chocolate over the strawberry slices, creating a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
TIP: If you prefer a different taste, you can also use dark or milk chocolate for the drizzle.
Allow the strawberry tartlets to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
When ready to serve, carefully remove the tartlets from their molds and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with a mint leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.
Enjoy these delightful strawberry tartlets as an impressive dessert at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself!
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