Indulge in the delicate and delightful taste of these Portuguese Mini Tarts, featuring a crispy puff pastry filled with a silky custard cream and topped with juicy blueberries. Inspired by traditional café offerings, these tarts are a perfect treat to pair with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack during the day. Whether you're recreating a favorite café experience or just looking for a deliciously sophisticated dessert, these mini tarts are sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This:
These mini tarts combine the elegance of French puff pastry with the rich, comforting texture of Portuguese custard, resulting in a dessert that's both visually appealing and satisfyingly tasty. The custard is flavored with vanilla and set in a flaky, buttery crust, then finished with fresh blueberries for a burst of freshness in every bite. They are simple enough to make at home yet fancy enough to serve at any gathering.
Perfect Occasion:
Serve these mini tarts at your next brunch, tea party, or as a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties. They are also perfect for celebrations like Mother's Day, anniversaries, or whenever you want to add a special touch to your meal with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Decoration Tips:
Before serving, dust the tarts with powdered sugar for a sweet, professional finish. You can also garnish them with mint leaves or a drizzle of blueberry coulis to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor. Arrange the tarts on a chic serving platter to make them even more inviting.
Ingredients:
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 4-5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 200 ml milk
- 200 ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- Fresh blueberries (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Custard:
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the egg, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually stir in the milk, cream, and vanilla extract.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and just begins to boil. Remove from heat, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Lay the puff pastry sheet on a cutting board and cut in half to create two rectangles. Stack one on top of the other, then roll up tightly from the shorter end to form a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C with fan). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Flatten each slice into a disc about 8 cm in diameter and press into the muffin cups.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Fill each pastry-lined cup with the chilled custard. Top with a few blueberries.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the custard is set and begins to turn golden. Allow the tarts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing.
Enjoy these exquisite Portuguese Mini Tarts with Custard Cream and Blueberries as a delightful treat that combines simple elegance with delicious flavors. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!