Welcome to a little slice of Brazil, where the flavors are sweet, vibrant, and just perfect for any occasion. Imagine this: a buttery, crisp tart shell filled with a velvety smooth cream cheese mixture, topped with fresh, juicy strawberries that burst with every bite. Trust me, these Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are the perfect treat to make any day feel like a celebration.
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Why You’ll Love Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, these tartlets are versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving these at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; these tartlets prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something delightful.
- Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different fruits to suit your preferences. While strawberries are the classic topping, you can switch them out for other berries or even tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. These tartlets strike the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making them a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these tartlets—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
For the Tart Shells:
- Butter
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Egg yolks
- Salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream cheese
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar (optional, for a glaze)
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Prepare the Tart Shells: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine butter, sugar, flour, egg yolks, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then press it into mini tart pans. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let the tart shells cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined and fluffy.
3. Assemble the Tartlets: Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon the cream cheese filling into each shell, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer.
4. Top with Fresh Strawberries: Arrange fresh, sliced strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling. If you like, you can sprinkle a little sugar over them for a sweet glaze or even use a bit of apricot jelly to give them a shiny finish.
5. Chill and Serve: Place the tartlets in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let everything set. Serve chilled, and enjoy the burst of sweet strawberry goodness with every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 tartlets
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets
These tartlets are perfect for any occasion, and their small size makes them easy to serve as individual treats. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:
- Fresh Salads: Pair with a light salad, like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tartlets.
- Coffee or Tea: These tartlets are delightful when paired with your favorite hot beverage. Try them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
- More Fruits: Serve with a side of mixed berries or citrus fruit for a refreshing and colorful platter.
- As a Dessert Table Addition: These tartlets are great for sharing at parties or gatherings. Set them on a dessert table, and watch them disappear!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Make the tart shells and cream cheese filling ahead of time, then assemble the tartlets just before serving. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve them.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a little extra flavor.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using low-fat cream cheese and sweetened almond milk as substitutes.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re even delicious the next day!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any fruit you like, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced mangoes for a tropical twist.
Q2: Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the tart shells and cream cheese filling a day ahead. Just assemble them before serving.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious the next day!
Q4: Can I freeze these tartlets?
A4: These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the tart shells and cream cheese filling separately. Assemble them once you’re ready to enjoy.
Q5: Can I use a different kind of crust?
A5: Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free pie crust or a crushed graham cracker crust.
Q6: Can I add a glaze over the strawberries?
A6: Yes! You can brush the strawberries with a simple glaze made of sugar and water, or use apricot jelly for a shiny finish.
Q7: How do I know when the tart shells are done baking?
A7: The tart shells should be golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them as they bake to prevent overbaking.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! If you’re making a larger batch for a party or event, just double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or use more tartlet pans.
Q9: Can I use whipped cream instead of cream cheese?
A9: While whipped cream is delicious, it won’t have the same rich, creamy texture as the cream cheese filling. Stick with cream cheese for the best results!
Q10: Can I make these without a tart pan?
A10: Yes! You can use muffin tins to make these, just make sure to grease them well.
Conclusion
These Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are a game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to try them. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, they’ll bring that special touch to any moment. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh strawberries, and get ready to indulge in a bite-sized piece of heaven. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Print
Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 tartlets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Description
Brazilian Strawberry Tartlets are mini delights inspired by classic Brazilian padarias. These buttery tart shells are filled with rich pastry cream, homemade strawberry jam, and topped with fresh strawberries for the perfect bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you need an elegant dessert. Whether you’re looking for healthy recipes, recipes to try, or appetizers and snacks, these little tarts deliver charm and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells:
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1 batch Pâte Sucrée dough (sweet tart dough)
For the Strawberry Jam:
-
2 cups strawberries, chopped
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1 tablespoon sugar
For the Pastry Cream:
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 egg yolks
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1/4 cup cornstarch
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Decorate:
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6 strawberries, halved (for topping)
Instructions
. Make the Tartlet Shells:
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Divide Pâte Sucrée into 12 portions and press into tartlet molds.
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Freeze for 15–30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Prick the chilled dough with a fork. Line with parchment and fill with pie weights.
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Bake for 10–15 minutes, until edges begin to brown.
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Remove parchment and weights, bake 3–5 minutes more until golden.
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Cool completely and set aside.
2. Make the Strawberry Jam:
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In a saucepan, combine strawberries and sugar. Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
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Uncover, lower heat, and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened.
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Let cool completely and reserve.
3. Make the Pastry Cream:
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In a saucepan, combine condensed milk, whole milk, and cream. Heat until it simmers.
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In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch. Temper with a ladle of hot milk mixture.
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Pour back into saucepan and cook, stirring, until thickened (5–8 minutes).
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Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
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Whisk to soften before using.
4. Assemble the Tartlets:
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Spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of strawberry jam into each tart shell.
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Pipe pastry cream on top using a star or flower tip.
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Top with halved strawberries and serve immediately.
Notes
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You can use store-bought tart shells for a shortcut.
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Make the pastry cream and jam ahead for easy party prep.
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Tartlets are best assembled the same day for maximum freshness.
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Garnish with mint or powdered sugar for extra flair!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg