Mini Fruit and Custard Tarts – A Sweet Delight

^{Keywords: Mini fruit tarts, Custard tart recipe, Lemon and chocolate dessert, Homemade tart shells}

Mini fruit or custard tarts are bite-sized desserts filled with a burst of flavor. Whether you prefer the zesty tang of lemon, the indulgent richness of chocolate, or the sweet medley of mixed berries, these tarts offer a delightful taste of heaven in every bite.

Recipe: Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup fresh fruit (e.g., berries, kiwi, or thinly sliced apples)
• 1 cup custard (homemade or store-bought)
• Zest of one lemon (for lemon tarts) or 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for chocolate tarts)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until they resemble fine crumbs.
3. Beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Stir until the dough comes together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut it into small circles to fit your mini tart pans.
7. Gently press the dough into the tart pans and prick the bottom with a fork.
8. Blind bake the tart shells for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Let them cool.
9. For fruit tarts, spread a layer of custard on the baked shells and top with fresh fruit.
10. For lemon tarts, mix the lemon zest into the custard before spreading it onto the shells.
11. For chocolate tarts, melt chocolate and let it cool slightly before spreading it onto the shells.
12. Refrigerate your tarts to set the custard or chocolate.
13. Serve and enjoy your mini fruit or custard tarts!