Yield: 6 tartlets (7–8 cm) Total Time: 60–75 min (incl. chilling) Gear: 6–8 mini tart pans (removable base preferred), rolling pin, parchment + pie weights, whisk/hand mixer, pastry brush

Ingredients

• Tart Shell
  • 150 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g powdered sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 85 g unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1 egg yolk (≈18 g)
  • 10–15 ml ice water, as needed
• Vanilla Cream
  • 150 g mascarpone (or cream cheese, room temp)
  • 200 ml heavy cream, cold
  • 40–60 g powdered sugar (to taste)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• Topping
  • 250–300 g fresh mixed berries (strawberry slices, blueberries, raspberries, red currants)
  • 2 Tbsp jam (strawberry/apricot) + 1 tsp water, warmed for glaze (optional)
  • Mint leaves, to garnish
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter to coarse crumbs. Add yolk; sprinkle in ice water just until the dough comes together. Press into a disk, wrap, and chill 20–30 min.

Step 2: Roll to 2–3 mm thick. Line tart pans, trim edges, and dock bases with a fork. Chill 15 min.

Step 3: Heat oven to 180°C. Line shells with parchment and weights; blind-bake 12 min. Remove weights and bake 8–10 min more until golden. Cool completely.

Step 4: For the cream, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar, vanilla (and lemon zest/juice) until smooth. Separately whip cold cream to soft peaks; fold into mascarpone to a light, spreadable cream.

Step 5: Fill cooled shells with the vanilla cream; chill 10–15 min to lightly set.

Step 6: Top with assorted berries. Brush a thin layer of warm jam glaze if using. Dust with powdered sugar and finish with mint. Serve at once or keep chilled until serving.

Cook Tips

• Do not over-knead the dough—mix just to form a dough; chilling and blind-baking reduce shrinkage.
• In humid climates, brush the cooled shells with a thin layer of melted white chocolate and let set before filling to prevent sogginess.
• Quick no-bake option: 120 g digestive biscuits + 60 g melted butter; press into pans and chill 30 min (crumblier texture).

Quick Reference

• Step 1: Dry ingredients + cold butter → yolk → a splash of ice water; chill 20–30 min.
• Step 2: Roll 2–3 mm; line pans, dock; chill 15 min.
• Step 3: 180°C blind-bake 12 min; remove weights and bake 8–10 min; cool.
• Step 4: Mascarpone mixture + whipped cream = vanilla cream.
• Step 5: Fill shells; chill 10–15 min.
• Step 6: Berries on top; optional jam glaze + powdered sugar + mint.

---

Recommended Picks

Baking is part science, part art—and the right tools help you succeed at both. Whether it’s measuring with precision or baking a perfect cheesecake, these essentials are your sweet kitchen allies.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).

🍰 Dessert & Baking Essentials

1. Mixing Bowls (Pyrex 3-Piece Set) – Durable glass, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. View on Amazon
2. Balloon Whisk (OXO 11″) – Essential for whipping cream or beating eggs. View on Amazon
3. Silicone Spatula (OXO Small) – Heat-resistant and flexible for scraping bowls clean. View on Amazon
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons Set (OXO Stainless Steel) – Magnetic handles keep everything organized. View on Amazon
5. Springform Pan (Nordic Ware 9″) – Must-have for cheesecakes and layered desserts. View on Amazon
6. Rolling Pin (Joseph Joseph PrecisionPin) – Roll dough evenly to the exact thickness. View on Amazon
7. Cooling Rack (Checkered Chef Set) – Prevents soggy bottoms by allowing airflow. View on Amazon
8. Silicone Baking Mat (Silpat) – Reusable and nonstick, replaces parchment paper. View on Amazon
9. Digital Kitchen Scale (Etekcity) – Precise measurements for better baking. View on Amazon
10. Baking Dish (OXO Good Grips Glass, 2-Qt with Lid) – Perfect for brownies, cobblers, casseroles, and storing leftovers. View on Amazon

🎁 Bonus Tools

Sometimes it’s the little gadgets that make cooking more fun:

• Garlic Press (OXO Good Grips) – No more sticky hands when mincing garlic. View on Amazon
• Mandoline Slicer (Benriner) – Achieve uniform slices with speed and precision. View on Amazon
• Herb Scissors (Jenaluca) – Snip herbs quickly without bruising the leaves. View on Amazon

---