Mini Date Tartlets with Buttery Crust

Certainly! Here is a detailed exploration of the Date Pies recipe, covering everything from ingredients and nutritional content to step-by-step instructions and some additional tips to perfect this delightful dessert.

Date Pies Recipe

Description

Make and share this Date Pies recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. These delectable little treats are perfect for a sweet snack or a charming dessert, embodying the rich flavor of dates encased in a buttery, crumbly crust. Ideal for fruit lovers, these pies are also a low-protein option, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.

Timing

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients and Quantities

Butter: 1 cup
Flour: 2 cups
Icing Sugar: 4 tablespoons
Dates: 2 cups, finely chopped
Water: 1 cup
Brown Sugar: 1 1/4 cups
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon

Nutritional Information (per pie)

Calories: 206.5
Fat Content: 7.8g
Saturated Fat Content: 4.9g
Cholesterol Content: 20.3mg
Sodium Content: 59.7mg
Carbohydrate Content: 34.3g
Fiber Content: 1.5g
Sugar Content: 24.4g
Protein Content: 1.5g

Yield

Recipe Yield: 24 pies

Instructions

Crust

Blend Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend together the butter, flour, and icing sugar until the dough is smooth and well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed but remain crumbly and easy to mold.
Press into Tins: Press the dough into small muffin tins, ensuring that the dough covers the bottom and sides of each tin to form small crusts. This will create a shell for the filling.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the muffin tins in the oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the crusts are light brown. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-baking. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Filling

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the dates, water, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Continue to cook until the ingredients are well blended and have come to a boil. The filling should be thick and smooth.
Fill Shells: Once the crusts have cooled, spoon the date filling into each shell, filling them to the top.
Optional Icing: For an added touch of sweetness, you can ice the filled pies with maple-flavored icing. Simply prepare your favorite icing and drizzle or pipe it over the top of each pie.

Additional Tips for Perfect Date Pies

Date Selection: Choose high-quality, fresh dates for the best flavor. Medjool dates are an excellent choice due to their natural sweetness and rich texture.
Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is well-blended but not overworked. Overworking can make the crust tough rather than tender and crumbly.
Uniform Baking: To ensure even baking, make sure the dough is pressed evenly in the muffin tins. Uneven thickness can cause some pies to bake faster than others.
Cooling Time: Allow the crusts to cool completely before adding the filling. This helps the crusts maintain their shape and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Storage: Store the date pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.
Serving Suggestions: These pies are delightful when served slightly warm. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Variations and Enhancements

Nutty Addition: Add a bit of crunch by incorporating finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the filling or sprinkling them on top of the pies before baking.
Spiced Filling: Enhance the flavor of the filling by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. This will add a warm, spiced note that complements the sweetness of the dates.
Citrus Twist: For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon juice in the filling or add some grated lemon zest.
Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure the icing sugar is vegan-friendly to make these pies suitable for a vegan diet.

Conclusion

Date Pies are a delightful and versatile dessert that are easy to prepare and sure to impress. With a rich, sweet filling and a tender, buttery crust, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own personal touch, these pies are bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the process of making and sharing these lovely treats, and savor the joy they bring to your table.