Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Introduction

Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh strawberries with a smooth, creamy custard filling, all nestled in a buttery, flaky tart shell. This treat is a beloved classic in Brazil, often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. The perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness makes these tartlets a refreshing, indulgent bite that will leave everyone coming back for more.

I first made these tartlets when I was craving a light yet satisfying dessert, and they quickly became a favorite in my family. The crisp tart shell pairs beautifully with the creamy custard and the fresh strawberries on top, creating a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these tartlets are the kind of dessert that never disappoints. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible!

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Afternoon tea
• Summer parties
• Fruit and dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Here’s why Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets will become a go-to dessert:

• Buttery, Flaky Crust: The tart shells are tender, crisp, and perfectly buttery, providing a great base for the rich custard and fresh strawberries.
• Creamy Custard Filling: The custard filling is smooth, velvety, and rich without being overly heavy, creating a luxurious contrast with the fresh fruit on top.
• Fresh, Sweet Strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert, adding a vibrant, natural sweetness that complements the richness of the custard.
• Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these tartlets are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and basic techniques.
• Versatile: You can experiment with different fruits or even add a layer of chocolate or jam for variation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 tartlets
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets:

Tart Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

Custard Filling:

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Topping:

• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam or glaze (optional, for glazing)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The cold butter in the tart crust ensures that it bakes up flaky and tender.
• Fresh Strawberries: The strawberries provide a refreshing burst of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the custard.
• Custard Filling: The egg yolks and milk create a creamy, smooth filling that is both rich and balanced, without being too heavy.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the custard and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Apricot Jam: Used for glazing, it gives the strawberries a beautiful sheen and enhances their natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets:

Prepare the Tart Crust:

1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the Egg Yolk: Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix until the dough begins to come together. Add an additional tablespoon of water if the dough is too dry.
3. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into circles to fit your tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and trim off any excess.
5. Blind Bake the Crusts: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the crusts with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the crusts are golden brown.

Prepare the Custard Filling:

6. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
7. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
8. Temper the Eggs: Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
9. Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and begins to bubble. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Cool the Custard: Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and let it cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Tartlets:

11. Fill the Tart Crusts: Once the tart crusts have cooled and the custard has thickened, spoon the custard into the tart shells, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
12. Top with Strawberries: Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the custard in a decorative pattern.
13. Glaze (Optional): If using, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until melted and brush it over the strawberries for a glossy finish.

Serve:

14. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tartlets for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are a sophisticated yet easy dessert that can be served in various ways:

• For Special Occasions: These tartlets are perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or any event where you want to impress your guests.
• With Afternoon Tea: Pair these tartlets with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert Buffet Addition: Include these tartlets as part of a dessert spread along with other light desserts like mousse or fruit salad.
• For Gifting: Pack them in a small box or gift container to share with friends and family.

Additional Tips for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Here are some tips to ensure your Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are perfect every time:

• Use Cold Butter: The key to a flaky tart crust is using cold butter and handling the dough as little as possible.
• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent shrinkage and keeps the crust crisp.
• Make the Custard Smooth: Be sure to whisk the custard constantly while cooking to avoid lumps or curdling.
• Fresh Strawberries Are Best: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Glaze the Fruit: If you want to make the tartlets extra glossy and visually stunning, use a fruit glaze or apricot jam.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the tart crusts and custard filling ahead of time and assemble the tartlets just before serving.

Recipe Variations for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Here are 10 variations you can try for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets:

• Mixed Berry Tartlets: Use a combination of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in place of the strawberries for a mixed berry version.
• Passion Fruit Tartlets: Replace the custard filling with a passion fruit curd for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Custard Tartlets: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache under the custard filling for a richer, chocolatey flavor.
• Lemon Tartlets: Use lemon curd in place of the custard for a tangy and refreshing variation.
• Hazelnut Tartlets: Add crushed hazelnuts to the crust for an extra layer of flavor.
• Coconut Tartlets: Use coconut cream in the custard and top with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
• Almond Tartlets: Add almond extract to the custard for a subtle nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
• Mini Lemon Meringue Tartlets: Top the custard with a fluffy meringue and bake until golden for a different twist.
• Caramelized Peach Tartlets: Replace the strawberries with caramelized peaches for a deliciously sweet, warm flavor.
• Vegan Strawberry Tartlets: Use a plant-based butter substitute and a dairy-free custard made with coconut milk or almond milk for a vegan option.

Freezing and Storage for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

• Freezing: These tartlets freeze well! Once assembled, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover tartlets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal freshness.

Special Equipment for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets easier:

• Tartlet Pans: Individual tartlet pans are ideal for making small, perfectly shaped tartlets.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps roll out the dough evenly for the crust.
• Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: These tools help incorporate the butter into the flour for a flaky crust.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for making the custard smooth and lump-free.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the tart shells to cool completely before filling.
• Oven Thermometer: An oven thermometer ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for blind baking the tart shells.

Frequently Asked Questions for Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets

1. Can I make the tartlets ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the tart crusts and custard filling in advance. Just assemble the tartlets before serving.
2. Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
   Yes, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches in place of the strawberries.
3. Can I make the crust gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the crust.
4. Can I make the custard without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute eggs with a plant-based custard made from cornstarch, coconut milk, or almond milk.
5. How do I know when the crust is done?
   The crust should be golden brown around the edges. Let it cool before filling with custard.

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Conclusion

Banana-Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the natural sweetness of fresh bananas and strawberries. This no-bake dessert is easy to make, visually stunning, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. With endless possibilities for customization, it’s a versatile and delicious choice for your next dessert.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to more festive occasions. Whether you’re serving it to friends and family or treating yourself, this cheesecake fantasy will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see how your Banana-Strawberry Cheesecake Fantasy turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!