The Best Mini Fruit Tarts Recipe | Sweet Pastry Crust Shells Dessert Made Easy
Mini Fruit Tarts are a delightful combination of buttery tart crusts, luscious creamy filling, and a vibrant medley of fresh fruits. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for any occasion, from fancy dinner parties to casual family gatherings. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also offer a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that will leave everyone craving more.
Inspired by traditional European pâtisseries, these Mini Fruit Tarts feature a crisp, buttery crust paired with a smooth vanilla cream filling. Topped with seasonal fruits, their natural sweetness and tartness perfectly complement each bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these tarts are simple to make yet look professionally crafted.
One of the best things about Mini Fruit Tarts is their versatility. You can mix and match the fruits based on the season or your personal taste preferences. From sweet strawberries to tangy kiwi, each tart is a tiny edible masterpiece. In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to create the best Mini Fruit Tarts that are guaranteed to impress.
Overall, homemade recipes offer a range of benefits, including better control over ingredients and amounts, cost savings, enjoyment and satisfaction, social connections, and environmental benefits. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out, making your own recipes can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
✅ Quick Tips: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start cooking. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand.
Mini Fruit Tarts are the ultimate dessert that combines visual appeal with exquisite taste. Their crisp crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit toppings create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you're making them for a party or simply to treat yourself, these tarts are guaranteed to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mini Fruit Tarts chilled for the most refreshing flavor. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of chilled dessert wine for an elegant touch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store assembled tarts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover them lightly with plastic wrap to keep the fruits fresh.
- Freezing: While it’s best to assemble tarts fresh, you can freeze the baked tart shells for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature before filling.
These Mini Fruit Tarts are a perfect balance of a buttery tart crust, creamy vanilla custard filling, and fresh fruit toppings. A delightful dessert for any occasion!
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk, large
- 2 tablespoons water, cold
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 egg yolks, large
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Assorted fresh fruits (example - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, peaches)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning the glaze)
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the wet ingredients: Add the egg yolk and mix lightly. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape the tart shells: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut circles slightly larger than your tart pans and press the dough into the pans, trimming any excess.
- Bake: Prick the bottoms of the tart shells with a fork, line them with parchment paper, and fill with baking weights. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just simmering.
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
- Thicken the custard: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Cool: Cover the custard with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let it cool to room temperature.
- Fill the tart shells: Spoon or pipe the vanilla cream filling into the cooled tart shells.
- Decorate with fruits: Arrange the fresh fruits on top in an appealing pattern. Be creative—alternate colors and shapes for maximum visual impact.
- Glaze the fruit (optional): Warm the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until smooth. Brush the glaze over the fruits for a shiny finish.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 365.93kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18.86g30%
- Saturated Fat 10.94g55%
- Cholesterol 136.03mg46%
- Sodium 35.4mg2%
- Potassium 124.15mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 43.67g15%
- Dietary Fiber 0.66g3%
- Sugars 22.75g
- Protein 5.87g12%
- Vitamin A 182.26 IU
- Vitamin C 0.44 mg
- Calcium 89.1 mg
- Iron 1.38 mg
- Vitamin D 1.25 IU
- Vitamin E 0.73 IU
- Vitamin K 1.55 mcg
- Thiamin 0.22 mg
- Riboflavin 0.27 mg
- Niacin 1.45 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.06 mg
- Folate 22.83 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.47 mcg
- Phosphorus 114.4 mg
- Magnesium 12.41 mmol
- Zinc 0.6 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize the filling: You can swap the vanilla custard for lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or even whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
- Make ahead: The tart shells and custard can be prepared a day in advance. Store the crusts in an airtight container and the custard in the refrigerator.
- Use ripe fruits: Select fruits that are fresh, ripe, and in season for the best flavor and presentation.