Mini fruit tarts are the perfect bite-sized desserts that combine a buttery, flaky crust with creamy vanilla pudding and a colorful assortment of fresh fruit. They are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re planning a fancy gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these mini fruit tarts are sure to impress. The following recipe will guide you through making these delightful desserts from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Tart Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
- ½ cup homemade vanilla pudding
- 2 cups diced assorted fresh fruit (such as berries, kiwi, grapes, cherries, peaches, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons apricot preserves (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Tart Dough
- In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Pulse several times until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Gradually add half of the milk, pulsing until the dough begins to form a ball. If needed, add more milk, a splash at a time, until the dough holds together without being too wet. You may not need all of the milk.
- Shape and Chill the Dough
- Using a small cookie scoop, portion out 1-tablespoon of dough into each well of a 24-well mini muffin tin.
- Press the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of each well.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 30 minutes to chill the dough thoroughly.
- Bake the Tart Shells
- Preheat the oven to 350°F while the tart shells are chilling.
- Once chilled, prick the bottoms of each tart shell with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake for 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the tart shells cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Assemble the Tarts
- After the tart shells have cooled, gently lift them out of the muffin tin using a small offset spatula and place them on a platter or wire rack.
- Fill each tart shell with a generous teaspoon of vanilla pudding.
- Top with an assortment of diced fresh fruit, arranging them beautifully on top of the pudding.
- Optional: Add a Glaze
- If you prefer a glossy finish, create a glaze by mixing the apricot preserves with 1 teaspoon of water in a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 15-30 seconds until melted.
- Gently brush the glaze over the fruit using a pastry brush.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve these delightful mini fruit tarts immediately or store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: 120 (per tart)
Servings: 24 mini tarts
These mini fruit tarts are a perfect fusion of creamy, fruity, and buttery flavors. With their appealing presentation and delicious taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any occasion.