Mini tarts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time, whether it’s as a sweet indulgence or a savory snack. With their compact size and versatility, they’re perfect for any occasion – from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delectable mini tart recipes that cater to every taste and craving. From classic French fruit tarts to innovative flavor combinations like lemon curd with meringue or salted caramel, there’s something for everyone.
Classic French Mini Fruit Tarts
Classic French Mini Fruit Tarts Recipe
These bite-sized treats are a perfect combination of flaky pastry, sweet fruit, and tangy cream. Impress your guests with these elegant mini tarts that are surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together berries and confectioners’ sugar. Spoon a small amount onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Press edges to seal.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Place tarts on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Lemon Curd Tarts with Meringue
Brighten up your day with these bite-sized treats that combine the tanginess of lemon curd with the sweetness of meringue. Perfect for a springtime gathering or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– 3 large egg whites
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into small squares (about 2 inches per side).
6. Spoon a small amount of lemon curd onto each square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
7. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or a square shape, pressing edges to seal.
8. Brush tops with a little water and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. While tarts are baking, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
10. Remove tarts from oven and top each one with a dollop of meringue.
11. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until meringue is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Ganache Mini Tarts
Elevate your dessert game with these bite-sized treats featuring a velvety chocolate ganache filling, nestled within buttery pastry crusts.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and granulated sugar. Add softened butter; mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles, slightly larger than the mini muffin tin cups.
4. Place a spoonful of ganache (see below) in each cup, then top with a pastry circle. Fold edges over filling; press gently to seal.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Ganache Filling:
1. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
2. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before using.
Mini Pumpkin Spice Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving at a fall-themed party. The combination of pumpkin, spice, and flaky crust is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into a disk and roll out to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 2 inches per side.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spoon a small amount onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold other half over filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg for glaze.
6. Place tarts on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Raspberry and White Chocolate Mini Tarts
Elevate your dessert game with these bite-sized treats that combine the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries.
Ingredients:
– 1 package mini puff pastry cups (12-15 count)
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, sliced
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry cups according to package instructions. Place on prepared baking sheet.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of melted white chocolate into each puff pastry cup.
5. Top with a few sliced raspberries and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salted Caramel Mini Tarts
These bite-sized tarts combine the richness of caramel with the simplicity of a shortbread crust, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon fleur de sel (or flaky sea salt)
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Add butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into circles or use a cookie cutter to create shapes.
4. Place dough in muffin tin and press into corners. Prick bottom with a fork.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled tarts. Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Mini Key Lime Tarts
Mini Key Lime Tarts: A Sweet and Tangy Treat
These bite-sized tarts are the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making them a great addition to any gathering or party. With their shortcrust pastry crust and creamy key lime filling, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into mini muffin tin cups, forming a crust.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add key lime juice and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
6. Pour filling into baked tart shells and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until filling is set.
7. Allow tarts to cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Blueberry Cream Cheese Mini Tarts
Sweet Treats: Blueberry Cream Cheese Mini Tarts Recipe
These bite-sized tarts are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, featuring a creamy blueberry filling inside a flaky crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in blueberries.
4. Place a tablespoon of the blueberry mixture onto one half of each pastry square. Fold the other half over to form a triangle or a square shape, pressing edges to seal.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before dusting with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Apple Cinnamon Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for a fall-themed party or as a sweet snack any time of the year. With a flaky crust, tender apples, and a hint of cinnamon, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith work well)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a bowl, mix together diced apples, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar.
4. Place a spoonful of the apple mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half over the filling to form a triangle or a rectangle, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze (optional).
7. Place tarts on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Pecan Pie Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or as a sweet surprise for friends and family. With a flaky crust, gooey pecan filling, and a hint of maple syrup, these mini pies are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Stir in chopped pecans and maple syrup.
4. Place a spoonful of the pecan mixture onto the center of each pastry piece. Fold the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
5. Brush edges with water and press gently to seal.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow tarts to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Mini Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for spring and summer gatherings, with the sweetness of strawberries balanced by the tartness of rhubarb. This recipe yields 12-15 mini tarts.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/2 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch squares.
3. In a bowl, mix together strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Spoon a small amount onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around filling.
4. Fold the other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or a rectangle. Press edges to seal.
5. Brush tops with melted butter. Place tarts on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each tart.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
Mini Coconut Cream Tarts
These bite-sized tarts are a perfect combination of sweet and creamy, with the added tropical twist of coconut. They’re ideal for parties, special occasions, or just as a tasty pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of mini tart shells (about 20-24 shells)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, shredded coconut, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt; whisk until smooth.
4. Fill each tart shell with the coconut cream mixture, leaving about 1/8 inch at the top.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Mini Banana Cream Tarts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these bite-sized treats that combine the richness of banana cream with the crumbly texture of pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package mini tart shells (about 24-30 shells)
– 3 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and salt until stiff peaks form.
3. Add sliced bananas to the whipped cream and stir gently to combine.
4. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of banana cream into each tart shell.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until pastry is golden brown.
6. Allow tarts to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts
These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts come together in a delightful union, all wrapped up in flaky pastry.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and granulated sugar. Spread a small amount onto each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the butter mixture, followed by a few chocolate chips.
5. Fold pastry squares in half to form triangles, pressing edges to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each tart.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow tarts to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Mini Peach Melba Tarts
These bite-sized tarts are a twist on the classic Melba dessert, featuring fresh peaches, raspberries, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for a summer gathering or a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches per side.
3. Place a spoonful of diced peach onto the center of each square. Top with a few fresh raspberries and sprinkle with sugar, honey, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold the pastry squares into triangles, pressing edges to seal. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and place on prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mini Black Forest Tarts
These bite-sized treats capture the essence of the classic Black Forest cake, with a chocolate cookie crust, whipped cream, and cherry filling. Perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 package mini graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon cherry preserves
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
3. Press mixture into mini muffin tin cups.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Allow tarts to cool completely.
6. In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Spoon sweetened condensed milk over cooled tart crusts, followed by whipped cream and chopped cherries.
8. Drizzle with cherry preserves.
9. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mini Mango Passionfruit Tarts
These bite-sized tarts are the perfect combination of sweet mango and tangy passionfruit, all wrapped up in a buttery pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 cup fresh passionfruit pulp
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into small squares, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
3. In a bowl, mix together diced mango and passionfruit pulp. Add granulated sugar and honey; stir until combined.
4. Spoon a small amount of the mango-passionfruit mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is warm.
7. Allow tarts to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mini Earl Grey Lavender Tarts
Elevate your dessert game with these delicate and fragrant mini tarts, infused with the soothing essence of lavender and the classic charm of Earl Grey tea.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves
– 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar. Sprinkle a pinch of lavender buds and Earl Grey tea leaves over the sugar mixture.
4. Place a spoonful of the sugar-tea mixture onto the center of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around.
5. Brush edges with egg wash. Fold pastry squares into triangles and press to seal.
6. Place tarts on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each tart.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests with these adorable and delicious mini tart recipes! From classic French fruit tarts to decadent chocolate ganache treats, there’s something for every occasion. Try making mini lemon curd tarts with meringue for a bright and citrusy treat, or go for rich and indulgent salted caramel mini tarts. With flavors like pumpkin spice, raspberry and white chocolate, and blueberry cream cheese, you’ll have plenty of options to suit any taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a sweet fix, these bite-sized treats are sure to please!