Mini tarts with vanilla cream and baked apples

Mini Tarts with Vanilla Cream and Baked Apples

The perfect dessert for those moments when you want to impress or simply indulge in something sweet and savory! Mini tarts with vanilla cream and baked apples are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, with a flavor that will remind you of warm summer days. Whether you serve them at a party or as an afternoon snack, these tarts are an excellent choice.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 18 mini tarts

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 115 g butter (approximately at room temperature for ease of handling)
- 150 g flour (choose a quality flour for the best results)
- 60-80 ml cold water (cold water helps maintain the crispy texture of the dough)
- 1 pinch of salt (to enhance the flavors)

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 500 ml milk (or you can use plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 2 heaping tablespoons of flour (to thicken the cream)
- 2 egg yolks (for a rich flavor and creamy texture)

*For the topping:*
- 2 large Golden apples (Golden apples are ideal due to their sweet-tart flavor)
- Lemon juice (to prevent the apples from oxidizing)
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker transparent cake gel (for a glossy appearance)

Recipe history:
Fruit tarts have existed throughout culinary history, with deep roots in the cooking traditions of many cultures. They enjoy popularity due to their versatility, allowing for the use of a variety of fruits and creams. Combined with vanilla cream, the baked apples bring a warm and comforting note.

Preparing the dough:
1. In a large bowl, add the diced butter, flour, and salt. Mix gently with a spatula or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly but not completely homogenized.
2. Gradually add cold water, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to form. Avoid using your hands to prevent warming the butter.
3. Once the dough starts to come together, form it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to work with.

Preparing the vanilla cream:
1. In a saucepan, bring 450 ml of milk to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, egg yolks, and sugar. Gradually add the remaining milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. When the milk in the saucepan begins to boil, pour in the milk and egg yolk mixture. Stir on low heat, continuing to mix until the cream thickens and becomes smooth. Once ready, let it cool.

Preparing the baked apples:
1. Wash and peel the apples, then slice them thinly. Drizzle with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation.
2. Arrange the apple slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges become lightly browned. This step will intensify the flavor of the apples.

Assembling the mini tarts:
1. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangular sheet. Use a cutter or a glass to cut out 18 large circles.
2. Place the dough circles into muffin silicone molds, pressing gently with your fingers to fit the shape. Place the molds on a tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges become lightly browned.
3. Once the mini tarts have cooled, fill each tart with vanilla cream. Top with 3-4 slices of baked apples.
4. Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the package and, using a brush, glaze each mini tart with the transparent jelly for a glossy and appetizing appearance.
5. Refrigerate the mini tarts to set well before serving.

Serving suggestions:
These mini tarts are delicious served cold, but you can also offer them warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.

Possible variations:
- Replace the apples with pears or peaches for a different taste experience.
- Add a bit of cinnamon to the vanilla cream for a special aroma.
- Substitute the jelly with a berry sauce for a fresh touch.

Nutritional information:
One serving of mini tart (1 tart) has approximately 150 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Apples provide a good source of fiber, while the vanilla cream offers a dose of protein from the egg yolks.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture of the dough may vary.
2. How can I store the mini tarts? They store well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap.
3. Is it possible to use other fruits? Absolutely! You can use any seasonal fruits, such as apricots or plums.

These mini tarts with vanilla cream and baked apples are a true delight, easy to prepare and full of flavors. Don't hesitate to try them and customize them to your taste! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 115 g butter, 150 g flour, 60-80 ml cold water, 1 pinch of salt. Vanilla cream: 500 ml milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 2 heaping tablespoons flour, 2 egg yolks. Additionally: 2 large golden apples, lemon juice, 1 packet of Dr. Oetker transparent cake gel.

 Tags:  vanilla cream tart