Individual Chocolate Tarts with Vanilla Cream Filling, Fresh Strawberries, and Cantaloupe Microgreens
Turn dessert into a personal masterpiece with these Individual Chocolate Tarts—each with a rich chocolate crust, a dreamy vanilla cream filling, and topped with fresh strawberries and vibrant cantaloupe microgreens. Perfect for dinner parties or a special treat just for you!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Tart Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tbsp ice water
For the Creamy Vanilla Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 8–10 fresh strawberries, halved or whole
- 2 tbsp cantaloupe microgreens
Equipment:
- Four 4-inch tart pans with removable bottoms
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Tart Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a food processor, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Add the chilled butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and ice water, pulsing until the dough just comes together. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion out to about 1/8-inch thickness and press into the individual tart pans. Trim the edges and prick the bases with a fork.
- Line each tart with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 5 minutes until firm. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Creamy Vanilla Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined. Refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Individual Tarts:
- Spoon the creamy vanilla filling evenly into the cooled tart shells. Smooth the tops with a small spatula.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Decorate each tart with the fresh strawberries
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cantaloupe microgreens for a fresh and vibrant finish.
5. Serve:
- Serve the tarts chilled and enjoy!
Pro Tip:
For an extra luxurious touch, drizzle the tarts with a bit of honey or a light balsamic glaze before serving.
These individual tarts are as stunning as they are delicious, perfect for making everyone feel special with their own elegant dessert! 🍓🍫🌱