Jack O’ Lantern Sweet Tartlets Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 7
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
These Jack O’ Lantern Sweet Tartlets are a delightful treat, perfect for autumn gatherings or Halloween celebrations. The warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg pair beautifully with the rich, sweet pumpkin filling, all encased in a buttery, nutty tart crust. The addition of a mint leaf and a cinnamon stick for decoration gives the tartlets a playful, festive touch. Let’s dive into this charming recipe that will make your taste buds smile!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato Starch (Fecola di Patate) | 100g |
| All-purpose Flour (Farina 00) | 250g |
| Hazelnut Flour (Farina di Nocciole) | 100g |
| Condensed Milk (Latte Condensato) | 230g |
| Butter | 60g |
| Fine Salt (Sale Fino) | A pinch |
| Ground Cinnamon (Cannella in Polvere) | 2g |
| Pumpkin (Zucca) | 450g |
| Condensed Milk (Latte Condensato) | 170g |
| Ground Cinnamon (Cannella in Polvere) | 1g |
| Ground Ginger (Zenzero in Polvere) | 1g |
| Fine Salt (Sale Fino) | A pinch |
| Cinnamon Sticks (Cannella in Stecche) | 1 |
| Fresh Mint (Menta) | As needed (for decoration) |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream
- Peel and Cube the Pumpkin: Begin by peeling the pumpkin and cutting it into small cubes. In a large pan, combine the pumpkin cubes with the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of fine salt.
- Cook the Pumpkin: Over moderate heat, cook the pumpkin mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. The pumpkin should become tender and soft, and the spices will infuse into the mixture.
- Blend the Mixture: Once the pumpkin is tender, use an immersion blender or regular blender to purée the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Cool the Cream: Transfer the pumpkin cream into a bowl and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Tartlet Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, potato starch, and ground cinnamon.
- Add the Butter: Add cold butter (cut into small cubes) to the dry ingredients. Mix using the paddle attachment until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form the Dough: Once the butter is incorporated, knead the dough briefly on a floured surface. Divide the dough into two portions. Take about two-thirds of the dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Flatten it gently with your hands.
- Roll the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 4mm thick, then remove the top sheet of parchment paper. Carefully use a round cutter (about 11.5 cm in diameter) to cut out dough circles.
- Shape the Tartlets: Lightly butter the tartlet pans with a pastry brush, then press the dough into the pans, ensuring it fits snugly into the edges. Trim any excess dough using a knife.
- Prick the Dough: Use a fork to prick the bottom of each tartlet shell to prevent air bubbles during baking.
- Blind Bake: Place a circle of parchment paper over each tartlet, and fill the shell with ceramic baking beads or dried beans to weigh it down. Bake in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the parchment paper and baking beads, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the edges of the crust. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Decoration
- Roll the Remaining Dough: Take the remaining dough and roll it out to about 4mm thick between two sheets of parchment paper. Cut out small circles (around 8 cm in diameter) using a round cutter.
- Cut Facial Features: Use a sharp knife to carve faces into the small dough circles, resembling Jack O’ Lantern faces. Place the dough faces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Faces: Bake the faces in a preheated static oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartlets
- Fill the Tartlets: Once the tartlet shells have cooled, carefully spoon the pumpkin cream into each tartlet shell, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Decorate: Top each tartlet with a decorated dough face to mimic Jack O’ Lanterns. For a final touch, place a fresh mint leaf and a small piece of cinnamon stick on top as decoration.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the tartlets to set for a few minutes before serving. These Jack O’ Lantern Sweet Tartlets are perfect for a cozy fall evening or as a fun Halloween treat. Enjoy the combination of buttery crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and the festive, spiced decorations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
These Jack O’ Lantern Sweet Tartlets are a delicious and fun dessert that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of hazelnuts and the warmth of fall spices. Their festive appearance and delightful flavors make them an ideal treat for any autumn celebration.
