Spring Fruit Tartlets Recipe with Vanilla Pastry Cream

spring fruit tartlets recipe: seasonal dessert

(Soft, fragrant, and quietly elegant.)

A delightful treat that celebrates the flavors of spring.

INGREDIENTS.

For the Sweet Shortbread Crust (Pâte Sucrée)

  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream (Crème Pâtissière)

  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

For the Fruit Topping.

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup kiwi, peeled and sliced
  • Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish

For the Apricot Glaze( Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam
  • 1 teaspoon hot water

How to Make It.

  1. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, cold butter, sugar, and salt until crumbly. Add egg yolk and cold water; pulse until dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Blind Bake Tartlet Shells: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough and press into 12 mini tartlet pans (or one 9-inch tart pan). Prick bottoms with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and parchment and bake for another 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  3. Prepare Pastry Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat milk and half of the sugar over medium heat until simmering. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in cold butter and vanilla. If using a vanilla bean, remove it. Pour cream into a shallow dish, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill completely (at least 2 hours).
  4. Assemble Tartlets: Once crusts and pastry cream are completely cool, spoon or pipe the pastry cream into the tartlet shells, filling them almost to the top.
  5. Arrange Fruit: Artfully arrange the fresh fruit on top of the pastry cream. Use a variety of colors and shapes for a visually appealing tartlet.
  6. Apply Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk apricot jam with hot water until smooth. Gently brush over the fruit to give it a glossy finish and help preserve freshness.
  7. Chill and Serve: Chill the tartlets for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Tips.

  • Cold Ingredients for Crust: Keep butter and water for the crust very cold to ensure a flaky, tender texture.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the tartlet dough prevents shrinking during baking and makes it easier to handle.
  • Cover Pastry Cream: Always cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap directly on its surface while chilling to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Seasonal Fruit: Use the freshest, ripest seasonal fruits available for the best flavor and appearance. Berries, kiwi, and mandarin oranges are excellent spring choices.

Why Make This.

These easy fruit tartlets are the epitome of spring desserts—light, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavors. They look incredibly impressive but are surprisingly simple to make, making them perfect for entertaining or a special family treat. The combination of crisp crust, creamy vanilla filling, and juicy fruit is simply irresistible.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

  1. Serve as a stunning individual dessert for brunch, afternoon tea, or a dinner party.
  2. Pair with a light sparkling wine or a refreshing iced tea.
  3. They make a beautiful addition to a dessert buffet or a potluck.
  4. Enjoy them chilled for the best experience.

More Baking Recipes.

soft strawberry cake recipe: fresh strawberry cake for easy afternoons

Strawberry Cake.

apricot tea cake recipe: fruit loaf recipe

Earl Grey Apricot Loaf.

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