Perfect Mini Tart Shells Recipe
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 24 mini tart shells
Category: Tarts
Keywords: Dessert, Lunch/Snacks, Cheese, Fruit, Nuts, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
These mini tart shells are the perfect base for any sweet or savory filling, from luscious fruit toppings to rich creamy fillings. With a buttery texture, a hint of cream cheese, and a slight crunch from pecans, these tart shells are as versatile as they are delicious. This recipe from Love With Recipes is ideal for sharing with family and friends, making them perfect for parties, gatherings, or holiday events. Prepare them ahead of time for an easy yet impressive dessert or snack!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup (113g) |
| Cream Cheese | 1 package (8 oz) |
| All-purpose Flour | 1 cup (125g) |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter (for filling) | 2 tablespoons (28g) |
| Light Brown Sugar | 3/4 cup (150g) |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pecans (chopped) | 1 cup (120g) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 134.7 kcal |
| Fat Content | 9.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.2g |
| Cholesterol | 25.4mg |
| Sodium | 98.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11.5g |
| Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugar | 6.9g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Tart Dough:
In a small mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of butter and 8 oz of cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This will ensure that the dough has a tender and rich texture. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until a soft dough begins to form. You may want to use your hands at the end to ensure it all comes together perfectly. -
Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to allow the dough to firm up. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to shape and preventing it from becoming too sticky. -
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when itβs time to bake your tart shells. -
Shape the Tart Shells:
After the dough has chilled, take small portions of it and roll them into 1-inch balls. These should be just large enough to fit into the cups of a mini muffin pan. Lightly flour your hands if needed to prevent sticking. -
Press Dough into Muffin Pan:
Place each dough ball into the cups of an ungreased mini muffin pan. Once the dough is in place, use a tart shaper (or your floured fingers) to press the dough down into the muffin cups and up the sides. This creates a nice shell shape to hold the filling later. If you don’t have a tart shaper, your fingers will work just fine to press the dough into the sides of each cup. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining butter (2 tablespoons), 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth mixture. -
Add Pecans and Fill the Tart Shells:
Sprinkle a small amount of chopped pecans (about 1 tablespoon) into each tart shell. Then, pour the filling mixture evenly into each shell, filling them almost to the top. The filling will bake into a delicious custard-like texture. -
Bake the Tart Shells:
Place the filled muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tart shells are light golden brown on top and the filling is set. -
Cool the Tart Shells:
Once the tart shells are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Use a butter knife to loosen the edges of the tarts from the pan, then carefully remove them and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough: This is a key step to ensuring your tart shells hold their shape while baking. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 1 hour of chilling.
- Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like fruit, chocolate ganache, or even a savory filling like cheese and herbs for a fun twist.
- Use mini muffin pans: These are the best way to make perfect tart shells that are easy to serve. If you donβt have a mini muffin pan, you could also use a regular muffin pan and adjust the portion sizes.
- Serving suggestions: These mini tarts are great on their own but can also be topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These mini tart shells can be made in advance! After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the baked tart shells. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before filling.
This recipe for Mini Tart Shells from Love With Recipes is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With their delicate buttery texture and endless filling possibilities, these tarts make a great base for both sweet and savory creations. Whether you’re making them for a large group or preparing them ahead of time for a family gathering, these tart shells are a delicious, versatile treat. Happy baking!
