Get ready to transport your taste buds to a winter wonderland with these irresistible Christmas Fruit Mince Tarts! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden pastry filled with a rich, glossy mixture of plump dried fruits, warm cinnamon, and a hint of zesty lemon - it's like Christmas magic in every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a festive food novice, this recipe will make you the star of any holiday gathering, guaranteed to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 250g mixed dried fruit
- 150g brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 pack sweet pastry
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
- Prepare the dried fruit mixture by combining mixed dried fruits, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits become plump and the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Remove the fruit mixture from heat and allow to cool completely at room temperature. This will help the flavors meld and intensify.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the sweet pastry on a lightly floured surface to approximately 3-4mm thickness. Use a round pastry cutter to cut out circles that will fit your tart tin or muffin pan.
- Gently press the pastry circles into the prepared tart tin, ensuring they cover the base and sides evenly. Trim any excess pastry from the edges.
- Spoon the cooled fruit mixture into each pastry case, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Cut additional pastry into decorative shapes like stars or lattice strips to create a top for the tarts.
- Beat the egg and brush the pastry edges and top decorations with egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Fruit Mixture Magic: Take your time when simmering the dried fruit. Low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the fruit mixture to cool completely before filling the tarts. This helps the flavors meld and prevents soggy pastry.
- Pastry Perfection: Keep your pastry cold and handle it minimally to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
- Egg Wash Elegance: A light egg wash gives your tarts that beautiful golden-brown shine that looks professionally baked.
- Make Ahead Tip: The fruit mixture can be prepared 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making your holiday baking even easier.
- Serving Suggestion: These tarts are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive final touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
