Finnish Prune Tarts Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 45 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 55 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Finnish Prune Tarts, a cherished Christmas treat beloved by the Finnish community, especially when paired with a steaming cup of coffee. Despite any preconceived notions about prunes, these tarts are surprisingly delicious, offering a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. (Note: The bake time does not include the overnight dough chill time.)
Ingredients:
- 3 to 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 3 cups dried pitted prunes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together flour, butter, salt, cottage cheese, and cream cheese using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk gradually to soften the dough as needed.
- Form the dough into 4 small or 2 large balls.
- Cover the dough and chill it overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Prepare Filling:
- In a saucepan, cook the dried pitted prunes in water until they become soft.
- Drain the cooked prunes and then press them through a wire strainer or puree them in a blender until smooth.
- Add sugar to the pureed prunes and mix well until fully incorporated.
-
Assemble Tarts:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough into a large square and then cut it into 3-inch squares.
- Place a mound of the prune filling in the center of each square.
- Split each corner of the square from the top to within 1/2 inch of the center.
- Fold one half of each corner towards the center to form a star or pinwheel shape.
-
Bake:
- Place the assembled tarts on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Optionally, sprinkle coarse grain sugar over the tarts for added sweetness.
- Let the assembled tarts stand for 10 minutes before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the tarts are light golden brown in color. They should still be relatively pale.
- Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy these Finnish Prune Tarts as a delightful treat during the holiday season or any time you crave a taste of Scandinavian sweetness paired with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
