Indulge in these delightful caramel tartlets with a delicate shortbread crust and a luscious dairy-free caramel filling. The combination of buttery crust and smooth caramel will surely win the hearts of everyone who tastes them!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- Plain flour: 260g
- Caster sugar: 40g
- Dairy-free butter/margarine: 200g
For the Caramel:
- Caster sugar: 200g
- Dairy-free block butter: 100g
- Coconut cream: 200g
- Sea salt: A pinch
Instructions
Shortbread Crust Method:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) and grease six mini tartlet tins with either coconut oil or dairy-free butter.
- In a bowl, combine flour and sugar.
- Incorporate the softened butter/margarine into the flour mixture. Use your fingers to blend until a crumbly dough takes shape.
- Distribute the dough among the tartlet tins, pressing it onto the bottom and sides. To prevent sticking, dust your fingers with flour.
- Use a fork to lightly prick the crust base. This helps prevent puffing during baking.
- Bake in the oven's middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until the crusts attain a golden hue.
- Once baked, let the crusts cool as you prepare the caramel.
Caramel Method:
- Note: It's crucial to prepare the caramel in two separate batches for optimal results. Split the listed ingredient quantities in half for each batch.
- Over low heat, melt the sugar in a medium to large saucepan. Stir continuously for around 5-8 minutes to ensure the sugar doesn't burn.
- Upon achieving a golden or amber hue with the melted sugar, introduce the butter. Mix until combined.
- As the mix thickens post butter addition, pour in the coconut cream. Exercise caution as the mixture will bubble and produce steam.
- Swiftly pour the rich caramel into each tartlet. Use an offset spatula to evenly distribute the caramel.
- Let the tartlets sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let them set. For a toffee-like consistency, consider an overnight refrigeration.
Serve these tartlets with a sprinkling of sea salt on top for an added touch of flavor. Enjoy the juxtaposition of the crumbly shortbread and the velvety caramel in every bite!
