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A Bite of Summer: Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon Curd

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Delight in the flavors of summer with these Berry Bliss Tartlets, a perfect combination of crisp buttery shells, creamy mascarpone filling, and tangy lemon curd. Topped with fresh strawberries, these tartlets are a refreshing and elegant treat for any occasion!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French-inspired
Servings 6 tartlets

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup 113g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2-3 tbsp ice water as needed

For the Luscious Mascarpone Filling:

  • 1 cup 240g mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
  • ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Tangy Lemon Curd:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup 120ml fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
  • 4 tbsp 60g unsalted butter, cubed

For the Tantalizing Toppings:

  • Fresh strawberries sliced
  • Mint leaves optional, for garnish
  • Powdered sugar optional, for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Craft the Buttery Tartlet Shells
  • Make the dough: In a food processor, blend flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and pulse again. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
  • Chill the dough: Shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Roll and shape: Roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut circles to fit tartlet pans and gently press the dough in. Trim excess.
  • Blind bake: Line the tart shells with parchment paper, add pie weights, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Lemon Curd

  • Whisk it up: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth.
  • Cook with care: Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
  • Add the butter: Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth. Cool completely.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mascarpone Filling

  • Whip the cream: Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Blend and fold: In another bowl, beat mascarpone and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream for a light and fluffy texture.

Step 4: Assemble These Little Beauties

  • Fill the shells: Spoon or pipe mascarpone filling into each tartlet shell.
  • Add the curd: Swirl a spoonful of lemon curd on top.
  • Garnish with strawberries: Arrange fresh strawberry slices on each tartlet.
  • Chill before serving: Refrigerate for an hour to set before enjoying.

Notes

  • Want extra crunch? Add crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top.
  • Dairy-free option: Swap mascarpone for coconut cream and use dairy-free butter for the crust.
  • Storage Tip: Keep tartlets refrigerated for up to 2 days for the freshest flavor