Pudding Cups

Strawberry Jam and Pudding Cups

Are you looking for a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion? Then pudding cups are the ideal choice! These mini tarts with a crispy crust and creamy pudding filling are delightful in both taste and appearance. They will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and turn any meal into a feast. Let's discover together how to make them!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cups

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 3 tablespoons lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Water, as needed (approximately 100 ml)

For the filling:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 500 ml milk

Decoration:
- Strawberry jam (or fresh fruit, as preferred)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. This technique will ensure an even texture for the dough.
2. Add the diced lard (or butter) to the flour. Use your fingertips to combine the lard with the flour until the mixture resembles cornmeal. This will ensure a tender and delicious crust.
3. Add the sugar, salt, vanilla sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients well to combine.
4. Start gradually adding water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing constantly until you obtain a non-sticky dough. It’s important not to add too much water at once, as the dough might become too soft.

Step 2: Chilling the dough

1. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the lard and make the dough easier to roll out.

Step 3: Preparing the pudding

1. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the package. Use 500 ml of milk, and for an even richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the milk before heating it.

Step 4: Baking the cups

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm.
3. Use a knife or a cookie cutter to cut circles from the dough, large enough to fit into the muffin tins.
4. Place the dough circles in the muffin tin, making sure to gently press them down on the bottom and sides. Prick each cup with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
5. Bake the cups in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden. Allow them to cool completely in the tin.

Step 5: Assembling the dessert

1. Once the cups have cooled, fill each cup with the vanilla pudding, leaving a little space for decoration.
2. On top, add strawberry jam (or your favorite fruits) for an extra burst of flavor and an attractive appearance. These will not only add a contrast of textures but also enhance the taste of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

These pudding cups are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them as a dessert after a family dinner, but they are also great for a party or a gathering with friends. For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top just before serving.

Possible Variations

- Fresh fruits: Instead of strawberry jam, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even banana slices.
- Chocolate pudding: If you’re a chocolate lover, swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a decadent dessert.
- Cocoa dough: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough to create a richer and more interesting crust.

Nutritional Information

Each cup contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, providing quick energy. Additionally, the vanilla pudding contributes protein, and the fruits add vitamin C and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of fats?
Yes, you can replace the lard with butter or even coconut oil for a vegan option.

How can I make these cups healthier?
Try using whole wheat flour instead of white flour and reduce the amount of sugar. You can sweeten the pudding with honey or maple syrup.

Can I prepare the cups in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and cups a day ahead and fill them with pudding just before serving to keep them fresh.

In conclusion, pudding cups are a simple yet sophisticated dessert that can be customized to your tastes. Experiment with different fillings and decorations, and every occasion will be a celebration of flavor and creativity. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 350 g flour, 3 tablespoons lard, 3 tablespoons sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 baking powder, 1 sachet of vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, water, vanilla pudding, 500 ml milk, Decoration, strawberries from jam

 Tags:  mini tarts with cream