Valentines Treats Strawberry Almond Tartlets
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love making these Strawberry Almond Tartlets for special occasions like Valentine's Day. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors never fail to impress, and they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich almond cream creates a perfect balance that just melts in your mouth. Each bite is a celebration of love and joy, making them a delightful treat for sharing with someone special or simply indulging yourself. Trust me, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!
When I first made these tartlets, I was inspired by my fond memories of strawberry picking during summer vacations. The fresh berries paired with the nutty almond cream create a delightful taste journey that's hard to forget. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to make the pastry from scratch using just a few simple ingredients!
One crucial tip I learned is to let the almond cream cool slightly before piping it into the tarts. This helps achieve a wonderfully smooth texture and prevents the pastry from becoming soggy. I love that they not only look beautiful but also taste incredible, making them the perfect treat to share with loved ones!
Why You Will Love These Tartlets
- Bright and fresh strawberry flavor that sings of spring
- Delicious almond cream filling that adds a nutty richness
- Beautifully presented, making them perfect for special occasions
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh strawberries in these tartlets is key to achieving the vibrant flavor that makes them special. Look for strawberries that are brightly colored, firm, and free of blemishes for the best taste. If strawberries are out of season, you might consider using raspberries or a mix of berries for a similar effect, but nothing quite matches the sweetness and color of ripe strawberries in spring.
Additionally, the almond flour used in the cream filling plays a crucial role in the tartlets' texture. It provides a moist, buttery richness that complements the fresh fruit. If you can't find almond flour, you can make your own by grinding blanched almonds in a food processor until fine. Just be cautious not to over-process them into almond butter.
Mastering the Tartlet Shells
Achieving a perfect tartlet shell requires mindful attention to the dough's texture. When mixing the flour and butter, you want it to resemble coarse crumbs before adding the egg yolk and water. Overmixing can lead to tough shells, so stop once the dough starts coming together. If your dough feels too sticky after chilling, lightly dust your work surface with flour while rolling it out.
To avoid shrinking during baking, ensure the crusts are pressed firmly into the pans but not overly stretched. You can use a fork to poke small holes in the base before baking; this technique allows steam to escape, preventing puffing. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should turn golden at the edges, signaling that they’re perfectly done.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
When it comes to garnishing these tartlets, the arrangement of strawberries can elevate their visual appeal. I recommend laying the strawberry slices in a fan shape for an elegant touch. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for an eye-catching contrast, but avoid adding too much, as it can overpower the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh; however, if you need to make them in advance, consider preparing the tartlet shells and almond cream filling a day earlier. Store the shells in an airtight container and the filling in the refrigerator. Just assemble and top them with strawberries just before serving to maintain the shell's crispiness.
Ingredients for Strawberry Almond Tartlets
For the tartlet shells
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water
For the almond cream filling
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Mint leaves for garnish
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the tartlet shells
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough forms.
Make the almond cream filling
In another bowl, beat almond flour, sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Assemble the tartlets
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into rounds to fit your tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and fill with almond cream.
Bake
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Cool completely before removing from pans.
Top with strawberries
Once the tartlets have cooled, arrange sliced strawberries on top and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve and enjoy these delightful tartlets with a cup of tea or coffee!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of amaretto to the almond cream mixture. You can also create a glaze with warmed apricot preserves to brush over the strawberries for shine!
Ingredient Tips
Aside from strawberries, consider seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries for variations in flavor and color. If you're catering to nut allergies, you can substitute the almond cream filling with a vanilla pastry cream, which still offers a rich flavor while avoiding nuts.
For the sweetener, coconut sugar can be an excellent substitute for those looking to reduce refined sugar intake. It has a caramel-like flavor that complements the tartlets beautifully, though keep in mind it will darken the filling slightly.
Make-Ahead Options
If you're planning to serve these tartlets at a gathering, consider making them in stages. The tartlet shells can be baked the day before and stored at room temperature, while the almond cream can be made and kept in the fridge for up to 48 hours. This allows you to whip them together quickly before your guests arrive.
For the freshest flavor, avoid topping with strawberries until just before serving. This prevents the fruit from leaching moisture into the almond cream, ensuring each bite remains crisp and delightful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your tartlet shells puff up when baking, this could be due to not pricking them with a fork before baking. Remember to pierce the dough to allow steam to escape. Should you find any cracks in the crust after baking, you can patch them with a small amount of leftover dough, pressing it into place lightly.
In case your almond cream filling appears grainy, it may result from not thoroughly creaming the butter and sugar. When mixing these ingredients, aim for a fluffy, light texture before adding the egg, which ensures a smoother finish in the final tartlet.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent sogginess.
→ How do I store leftover tartlets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tartlet dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using.
→ Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free crust.
Valentines Treats Strawberry Almond Tartlets
I absolutely love making these Strawberry Almond Tartlets for special occasions like Valentine's Day. The vibrant colors and delightful flavors never fail to impress, and they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich almond cream creates a perfect balance that just melts in your mouth. Each bite is a celebration of love and joy, making them a delightful treat for sharing with someone special or simply indulging yourself. Trust me, this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire!
Created by: Mia Jefferson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 tartlets
What You'll Need
For the tartlet shells
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water
For the almond cream filling
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Mint leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In another bowl, beat almond flour, sugar, and butter until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into rounds to fit your tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and fill with almond cream.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Cool completely before removing from pans.
Once the tartlets have cooled, arrange sliced strawberries on top and garnish with mint leaves.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of amaretto to the almond cream mixture. You can also create a glaze with warmed apricot preserves to brush over the strawberries for shine!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g