Celebrate the bounty of summer with these delightful apricot tartlets, showcasing the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh apricots nestled in a flaky puff pastry. These tartlets are a beautiful testament to the simplicity and elegance of using seasonal fruits in baking. The combination of lightly sweetened apricots enhanced with a hint of cornstarch for thickening, all encased in a crisp pastry, makes for a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Why You’ll Love This: The joy of these tartlets lies in their fresh, vibrant flavor and appealing presentation. The puff pastry provides a buttery crispness that perfectly compleates the soft, fragrant apricots. This dessert is not overly sweet, allowing the natural sweetness and slight tartness of the apricots to shine through. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers sophisticated flavors, perfect for those who appreciate the natural goodness of seasonal fruits.
Perfect Occasion: These apricot tartlets are ideal for a summer garden party, a casual brunch, or as an elegant finish to a dinner party. They are also perfect for picnics, as they travel well and can be eaten without the need for utensils. Serve them at any gathering where a light, fruit-forward dessert is desired.
Decoration Tips: For a lovely presentation, you can dust the tartlets with powdered sugar just before serving. Adding a sprig of mint or a dollop of whipped cream can also enhance their look and taste. If available, a few slices of fresh apricots placed on top right after baking will emphasize the freshness of the dessert.
- Ingredients:
- 500g puff pastry (2 sheets)
- 10-12 medium apricots, halved and pitted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk for glazing
Instructions:
- Thaw the puff pastry first in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature on a floured board covered with cling film.
- For the filling, combine the halved apricots with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Heat the mixture until it just begins to boil, stirring gently, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F).
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and cut out circles large enough to fit your tartlet molds. Press the pastry circles into the molds, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Roll out the second sheet of pastry and cut strips to create a lattice top for each tartlet. Place the lattice over the filled molds, pressing down the edges to seal.
- Brush the lattice tops with beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
- Allow the tartlets to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy these exquisite apricot tartlets, a simple yet elegant dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite!
