Get ready to transform your ordinary baking routine into a spectacular culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Fruit Jam Tea Tarts! Imagine delicate, buttery pastry shells filled with luscious fruit jam and topped with vibrant, fresh fruit - a dessert so elegant and delicious that it looks like it came straight from a professional bakery. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated tea party or simply craving a sweet treat, these tarts are guaranteed to impress and delight everyone who takes a bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Pastry
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jam
- Fresh fruit for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the tart dough by combining softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Cream together until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until completely incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or tartlet pan.
- Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut dough into circles slightly larger than the muffin tin cavities. Gently press each circle into the prepared tin, forming small tart shells.
- Prick the bottom of each tart shell with a fork to prevent excessive rising during baking.
- Blind bake the tart shells for 10-12 minutes until light golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes in the tin.
- Carefully spread a thin layer of fruit jam into each tart shell.
- Arrange fresh fruit pieces on top of the jam, creating an attractive design.
- Return tarts to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to warm the jam and set the fruit.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the tin before gently removing.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Best enjoyed the same day they are made.
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect tart dough texture.
- Chill the dough for exactly 30 minutes - this helps prevent shrinkage and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Use a fork to prick the tart shells before blind baking to prevent them from puffing up.
- Choose high-quality, thick fruit jam for the best flavor and consistency.
- Select fresh, ripe fruits that complement your jam for stunning visual appeal.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough, dense tart shells.
- Let the tarts cool completely in the tin to maintain their delicate shape.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use a variety of colorful fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries.
- Serve these tarts on the same day for maximum freshness and crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
