Tiramisu Tarts: A Delectable Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert

These elegant Tiramisu Tarts combine the rich, beloved flavors of traditional tiramisu with a buttery, almond-infused tart crust for a sophisticated and indulgent dessert. With each bite, you’ll experience the creamy mascarpone filling, the decadent dark chocolate layer, and the crisp, delicate pastry—all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. These tarts are perfect for when you want to elevate a classic dessert and serve it in individual, beautifully presented portions. Ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply when you’re craving a refined sweet treat, these tarts are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of tiramisu but want a fun and elegant twist, these tarts are the perfect answer. You’ll love the buttery pastry base, which is made with almond powder for an extra depth of flavor. The mascarpone cream is light and airy, thanks to the meringue-like texture of whipped egg whites folded into the rich mascarpone and sugar. And, let’s not forget the indulgent layer of dark chocolate at the base of each tart, adding a luxurious richness that contrasts beautifully with the light cream filling. This recipe is versatile, impressive, and the perfect way to bring together the flavors of tiramisu in a new and exciting form.

Perfect Occasion

These Tiramisu Tarts are ideal for special occasions, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a holiday, or treating yourself to something indulgent. Their individual size makes them perfect for serving at formal gatherings, where guests can enjoy their own perfectly portioned tart. They’re also a fantastic dessert for romantic dinners or celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries, offering a sophisticated twist on a traditional favorite. If you’re looking for something to serve at a coffee date or afternoon tea, these tarts are sure to impress with their refined presentation and delicious flavors.

Decoration Tips

To make these tarts even more visually stunning, consider a few additional decorative touches. After dusting the top with cocoa powder, you can add a few chocolate shavings or curls on top for a decadent finish. If you’d like to add a pop of color, place a fresh raspberry or two on top of each tart, or even a sprig of fresh mint. For a more intricate look, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the tarts in a zig-zag pattern or create small chocolate hearts or designs using a piping bag. These little details will make your tarts look as beautiful as they taste.

Ingredients:

For the Pastry:

• 70g (¼ cup) butter, softened
• 180g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 20g (2 Tbsp) almond powder
• Pinch of salt
• 70g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon coffee
• 1 large egg

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 3 large eggs, separated
• 30g (2 Tbsp) sugar (for egg whites)
• 70g (⅓ cup) sugar (for egg yolks)
• 300g (1 ¼ cups) mascarpone cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate
• Unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry Dough:
   In a large bowl, combine the flour, almond powder, and powdered sugar. Make a well in the center, add the egg, and mix gently on low speed (or by hand) until the dough starts to form a crumbly texture. Add the softened butter and knead the dough for 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and well incorporated.
2. Chill the Dough:
   Shape the dough into a ball and flatten it slightly on a floured surface. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
3. Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:
   While the dough chills, separate the eggs. In one bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 70g (⅓ cup) of sugar until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add the mascarpone cheese and whisk until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the 30g (2 Tbsp) of sugar, whisking until the whites form stiff peaks like a meringue. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture. Refrigerate the cream until ready to use.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1cm (1/3 inch). Use a cookie cutter or tartlet mold to shape the dough. To create a unique presentation, use a flower-shaped cutter and press the dough into muffin tins to form individual tart shells.
5. Bake the Tart Shells:
   Prick the bottoms of the tart shells with a fork to prevent them from puffing up. Bake the tartlets in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
6. Add the Chocolate Layer:
   Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or using a double boiler. Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon about a teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each tartlet, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the tart shells for about 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
7. Fill the Tarts:
   Once the chocolate has hardened, fill each tart shell with the mascarpone cream. Smooth the top with a spoon or spatula, then refrigerate the tarts for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the cream to set.
8. Finish and Serve:
   Just before serving, dust the tops of the tarts with unsweetened cocoa powder. For added decoration, you can top with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Enjoy!

These Tiramisu Tarts are a delightful, sophisticated way to enjoy the flavors of classic tiramisu. With their creamy mascarpone filling, rich chocolate layer, and buttery almond pastry, they’re the perfect dessert for any special occasion!