Mini Fruit Tartlets Circle

Featured in: Sweet & Spiced Treats

These mini tartlets feature tender, buttery shells filled with smooth, rich pastry cream. Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries crown the custard, arranged in a visually pleasing circular design. The tartlet shells are baked to a light golden finish, providing a crisp base that balances the creamy center and juicy topping. A delicate apricot glaze adds a glossy shine and subtle sweetness. Perfect for a light dessert, these tartlets combine fresh fruit flavors with creamy texture and crisp pastry in a simple yet elegant presentation.

Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:12:00 GMT
Mini fruit tartlets arranged in a circle, showcasing the vibrant colors of fresh summer berries on luscious pastry cream. Save to Pinterest
Mini fruit tartlets arranged in a circle, showcasing the vibrant colors of fresh summer berries on luscious pastry cream. | mellowspice.com

Delicate, buttery tart shells filled with luscious pastry cream and topped with a vibrant assortment of fresh fruits, beautifully arranged in a circle for an eye-catching presentation.

Pairing these mini tartlets with a glass of Moscato d&Asti makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Ingredients

  • For the Tartlet Shells: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter cold and cubed, 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar, 1 egg yolk, 2 tbsp cold water, Pinch of salt
  • For the Pastry Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch, 2 egg yolks, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
  • For the Fruit Topping: 1/2 cup (50 g) strawberries sliced, 1/2 cup (50 g) blueberries, 1/2 cup (50 g) kiwi peeled and diced, 1/2 cup (50 g) raspberries, 2 tbsp apricot jam (for glaze optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2:
In a bowl combine flour powdered sugar and salt. Add cold butter and rub in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3:
Mix in the egg yolk and cold water until dough forms. Shape into a disk wrap and chill for 15 minutes.
Step 4:
Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Cut into circles and press into mini tartlet pans. Prick bases with a fork.
Step 5:
Bake for 15 18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely before filling.
Step 6:
For the pastry cream Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. In a bowl whisk egg yolks sugar and cornstarch until pale.
Step 7:
Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat whisking until thickened (about 2 3 minutes).
Step 8:
Remove from heat stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill.
Step 9:
Once cooled spoon or pipe pastry cream into tartlet shells.
Step 10:
Arrange fruits in a circular pattern on top of the cream.
Step 11:
Warm apricot jam with 1 tsp water and brush over fruit for a glossy finish if desired.
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| mellowspice.com

These mini tartlets always bring smiles at family gatherings especially with everyone enjoying the fresh fruit toppings.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls whisk rolling pin mini tartlet pans (12) saucepan pastry brush (for glaze)

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Eggs Dairy (milk butter). Double-check ingredients for gluten and dairy if serving those with allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories 185 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 21 g Protein 3 g per serving.

Perfectly baked mini fruit tartlets, a delightful circle of fruit and cream, a beautiful French dessert. Save to Pinterest
Perfectly baked mini fruit tartlets, a delightful circle of fruit and cream, a beautiful French dessert. | mellowspice.com

This recipe combines simplicity and elegance for a delightful dessert suitable for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to achieve a crisp tartlet shell?

Use cold, cubed unsalted butter and handle the dough minimally to keep it flaky. Chill the dough before rolling and bake at 350°F until lightly golden.

How do I prepare smooth pastry cream for the filling?

Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch before gradually adding hot milk. Cook gently while whisking until thickened and smooth.

Can I use other fruits instead of those listed?

Yes, seasonal fruits work well and can be chosen based on preference or availability for vibrant color and fresh taste.

What is the purpose of glazing the fruit topping?

Applying a warm apricot glaze adds shine and a subtle sweet finish, helping fruits stay fresh longer and enhancing their appearance.

How far in advance can these be prepared?

Tartlet shells can be baked and stored in an airtight container ahead of time, and pastry cream should be chilled before assembly for best texture.

Mini Fruit Tartlets Circle

Buttery tart shells filled with creamy custard and topped with fresh, colorful fruits arranged beautifully.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Sweet & Spiced Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French

Total Yield 12 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Tartlet Shells

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 1/4 cup powdered sugar
04 1 egg yolk
05 2 tbsp cold water
06 Pinch of salt

Pastry Cream

01 1 cup whole milk
02 2 tbsp granulated sugar
03 1 tbsp cornstarch
04 2 egg yolks
05 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
06 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Fruit Topping

01 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced
02 1/2 cup blueberries
03 1/2 cup kiwi, peeled and diced
04 1/2 cup raspberries
05 2 tbsp apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare Tartlet Dough: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Rub in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg yolk and cold water until dough forms, then shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 03

Shape Tartlet Shells: Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut circles and press into mini tartlet pans. Prick bases with a fork.

Step 04

Bake Shells: Bake shells for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.

Step 05

Prepare Pastry Cream: Heat milk until steaming. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale. Gradually add hot milk while whisking. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 06

Finish Pastry Cream: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Cover with plastic wrap directly on surface and chill.

Step 07

Fill Tartlets: Spoon or pipe chilled pastry cream into cooled tartlet shells.

Step 08

Arrange Fruit: Artfully arrange strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and raspberries in a circular design atop the cream.

Step 09

Glaze Fruit (Optional): Warm apricot jam with 1 teaspoon water, then brush gently over fruit for shine.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rolling pin
  • Mini tartlet pans
  • Saucepan
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy products

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 185
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Proteins: 3 g