Vanilla Cream Tarts with Fresh Raspberries Recipe
Delight in these elegant Vanilla Cream Tarts topped with fresh raspberries, featuring a buttery, crisp tart shell and a luscious, homemade vanilla cream filling. Perfect for entertaining or a special dessert, this recipe combines classic French pastry techniques with fresh fruit for a refreshing finish.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 tarts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Tart Shell
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Vanilla Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Make the Tart Shells: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar thoroughly. Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate the egg yolk and cold water, mixing gently until a dough forms. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully heat while the dough chills.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a clean, floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles sized to fit your tartlet pans precisely.
- Bake the Tart Shells: Place each dough circle carefully into the tartlet pans, pressing gently to fit. Poke the bottoms with a fork to prevent the dough from puffing up during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the shells are golden brown and crisp. Remove and allow them to cool completely.
- Prepare the Vanilla Cream: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a few tablespoons of cold water to avoid lumps, then whisk this slurry into the cream mixture. Continue stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken further.
- Fill the Tarts: Once the tart shells are fully cooled, fill each shell evenly with the prepared vanilla cream. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even finish.
- Add Raspberries: Gently press fresh raspberries into the vanilla cream on each tart, arranging them attractively.
- Chill: Place the assembled tarts into the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to let the cream set firmly.
- Serve: Just before serving, garnish the tarts with fresh mint leaves for a bright, refreshing touch and an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Ensure butter is chilled for a flaky, tender tart crust.
- Dissolving cornstarch in cold water prevents lumps in the cream filling.
- The tart shells should be completely cooled before filling to avoid melting the cream.
- Use fresh and ripe raspberries for the best flavor and appearance.
- Chilling time is crucial to allow the cream to set properly.
- Optional dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch before serving.
Keywords: vanilla cream tarts, fresh raspberry dessert, homemade tart shells, French dessert, summer tarts, elegant desserts