Apple and Cinnamon Tartlets (Crostatine alle Mele e Cannella)
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (all-purpose flour) | 250g |
| Butter (cold) | 125g |
| Powdered Sugar | 100g |
| Egg Yolks | 2 |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 |
| Whole Milk | 250ml |
| Heavy Cream | 150ml |
| Granulated Sugar | 70g |
| Cornstarch (Cornflour) | 25g |
| Additional Egg Yolks | 3 |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
| Cinnamon Sticks | 1 |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 pinch |
| Apples | 400g |
| Brown Sugar | 30g |
| Lemon Juice | 1 |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry:
- Begin by preparing the shortcrust pastry for the tartlets. Place the sifted flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Transfer the mixture onto a work surface and shape it into a mound. Create a well in the center and add the vanilla bean seeds and the egg yolks. Quickly work the ingredients together until they form a dough.
- Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
2. Prepare the Pastry Cream:
- In a saucepan, combine the lemon zest, whole milk, and heavy cream. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, being careful not to let it boil. Remove from heat and discard the lemon zest and cinnamon stick.
- In the meantime, place the egg yolks and granulated sugar into a mixing bowl. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Add the cornstarch to the egg mixture and mix until it is fully incorporated.
- Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to avoid curdling.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard-like consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer the pastry cream into a bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely.
3. Roll Out the Pastry and Prepare Tartlet Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 3mm thick. Use a round cookie cutter (14 cm in diameter) to cut out 6 circles.
- Grease your tartlet pans and gently press each pastry circle into the molds, ensuring the edges are neatly aligned. Use a fork to prick the bottoms of the pastry shells to prevent puffing during baking.
- Place a piece of parchment paper over each tart shell and fill it with ceramic baking beads or dry beans to blind-bake the crust.
- Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, remove the tartlet shells from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
- While the tart shells are cooling, prepare the apple filling. Peel and slice the apples into thin, even slices, about a few millimeters thick.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss them gently with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Tartlets:
- Once the pastry cream has cooled, gently fold in the thinly sliced apples. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients from top to bottom, ensuring the apple slices are coated in the cream without breaking them up.
- Transfer the apple-cinnamon cream mixture into a piping bag fitted with a 1 cm opening.
6. Fill the Tartlets:
- Carefully pipe the apple and cinnamon cream into each tartlet shell, filling them generously. Use the remaining cream to garnish each tartlet with a little swirl or peak in the center.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Your delicious Apple and Cinnamon Tartlets are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a perfect end to a meal, or simply as a delightful treat with a cup of tea.
Tips:
- For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops of the filled tartlets with a pinch of ground cinnamon before serving.
- If you prefer a more intense apple flavor, you can sauté the apple slices lightly in a pan with a bit of butter and brown sugar before adding them to the pastry cream.
- These tartlets can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Enjoy your homemade apple and cinnamon tartlets, a comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sugars | ~25g |
| Sodium | ~40mg |
| Calcium | ~40mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
This recipe combines the delicate flavors of buttery pastry with a rich vanilla custard and the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples, making it a perfect choice for both casual and special occasions. Enjoy creating this scrumptious treat, and remember to share it with your loved ones!
