Imagine biting into a delicate pastry that transports you straight into a whimsical fairytale, where every tart is a miniature work of culinary art. These Queen of Hearts Tarts are not just desserts; they're a magical experience that combines the rich British baking tradition with a touch of enchantment. With their golden, flaky shortcrust pastry, luscious raspberry jam, and delicate almond filling, these tarts are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy and your guests marvel at your baking prowess.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 12 tarts
Ingredients
- 1 package pre-made shortcrust pastry
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pre-made shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut circles slightly larger than the muffin tin wells.
- Gently press the pastry circles into each muffin tin, ensuring they cover the bottom and sides completely. Trim any excess pastry hanging over the edges.
- In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer.
- Add the egg and almond extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. Fold in the almond flour until a smooth batter forms.
- Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into the bottom of each pastry-lined muffin well, about 1 teaspoon per tart.
- Top the jam with the almond mixture, filling each tart about 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry edges are golden brown and the almond filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the tarts generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy these delightful Queen of Hearts Tarts with tea or as a sweet dessert.
Tips
- Pastry Perfection: Ensure your shortcrust pastry is cold when rolling to achieve the most delicate, crisp texture.
- Jam Selection: Use high-quality raspberry jam for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade jam can elevate these tarts from delicious to extraordinary.
- Even Filling: Use an ice cream scoop or piping bag to distribute the almond mixture evenly, creating uniform tarts.
- Temperature Matters: Let ingredients like butter and egg come to room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow tarts to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent moisture from making the sugar clump.
- Storage Tip: These tarts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making them perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
