Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Zesty Lemon Curd

Recipe Introduction
A Berry Good Question
Ever wondered what pure joy tastes like? Honestly, it's gotta be these Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon Curd . The sweet strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and tangy lemon make for a flavor explosion.
Trust me, this is one tartlets dessert you won't want to miss.
A Little Bit Fancy, A Little Bit Easy
These beautiful individual desserts recipe are inspired by classic French restaurant desserts . It gives them that "ooh la la" feel.
But, fear not, you don't need to be a pastry chef to nail them. It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes around 2 hours, including chilling.
The recipe yields 6-8 perfect mini strawberry tarts .
Why You'll Love These Tartlets
These aren't just pretty faces. The strawberry mascarpone filling is light and airy. Plus, lemons are a great source of vitamin C.
Serve these homemade tartlets with fruit at your next garden party. Or, honestly, just whip them up for a fancy Tuesday treat.
They're special because they're like a little ray of sunshine in every bite. And who doesn't need more of that?
Now, let's talk ingredients.
Right, let's chat about what you'll need to whip up these dreamy Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon . No stress, yeah? Just a relaxed guide to gather your bits and bobs.
It's all about creating some delightful Tartlets Dessert , so let's make sure we're prepped.
Getting Your Ducks in a Row: Ingredients
Think of it like assembling a small, delicious army! These Homemade tartlets with fruit are worth the effort.
Main Ingredients
- For the Crust: You need 1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour. Quality flour is key, honestly. ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter – really cold! Plus, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Lastly, 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) ice water. Seriously, ice water makes all the difference.
- For the Lemon Curd: ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Then, 2 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks. Don’t forget ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Fresh lemons are a must for this Lemon curd tart recipe .
- For the Mascarpone Filling: Grab 8 ounces (227g) of mascarpone cheese proper Italian stuff is best, innit? Also, ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar, sifted, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This Mascarpone tart filling is lush.
- For the Garnish: About 1 pint (approximately 500g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved. Trust me, they make it look like a Restaurant Desserts
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavours! The zest from lemon is crucial for that "zing". It's a proper aromatic. A dash of vanilla extract boosts the Strawberry Mascarpone filling like you wouldn't believe.
Got no vanilla? A tiny drop of almond extract works.
Equipment: The Bare Necessities
No need for fancy gadgets here. Essential tools? An 8 individual tartlet pans (approx. 4 inch diameter). A food processor is ideal.
A rolling pin and a saucepan. Whisk, sieve and an electric mixer. Parchment paper and pie weights also helps. But dried beans work fine.
They are useful for blind baking the Mini strawberry tarts . You can totally wing it with regular tins if you're doing Individual desserts recipe .
Cooking Method: Blind Baking for Perfect Tartlets Dessert
Let's talk blind baking, yeah? It's the secret weapon for Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon and any tartlet you want with a crisp, golden crust.
Nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on Bake Off! Blind baking ensures the crust is perfectly cooked and sturdy enough to hold any filling.
Restaurant Desserts often nail this.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place
First, you need to chill the tartlet shells. Pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes . Cold dough shrinks less.
Before you start, grab some baking parchment and pie weights or even dried beans. This will stop the crust from puffing up like a balloon! Always preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) before you get going.
step-by-step Process: Achieving Golden Perfection
- Line each chilled tartlet shell with parchment paper.
- Fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15- 20 minutes , until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the parchment and weights.
- Bake for another 5- 7 minutes to dry the bottom, and don't worry about it.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Honestly, don't skip the chilling! The fridge is your friend! You should know that a common mistake? Underbaking! Make sure the crust is golden brown .
As a Lemon curd tart recipe user, I found that slightly browning the bottom makes the tartlets taste incredible!. For Homemade tartlets with fruit , pre-baking is a must.
You can blind bake the crusts a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. These Individual desserts recipe are so impressive, and blind baking is the key!.
Plus, don't skip a beat and start this Strawberry tart recipe easy before it gets sold out on the market!
This blind baking method will work perfectly with the Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon Curd , so you're one step closer to making this Strawberry Mascarpone dream. Enjoy the curd desserts !
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Tartlet Triumph
Right, let's talk about some extra bits and bobs to make sure your Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon are an absolute triumph! Consider these lessions learned in my own kitchen.
Honestly, I've had my fair share of baking blunders, so I'm here to help you avoid them. This guide contains all that you need to know to create perfect Tartlets Dessert .
Serving Suggestions: Posh Picnic Perfection
Presentation is key, innit? For extra fancy points, arrange your mini strawberry tarts on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar never hurts.
Try adding a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of green. These individual desserts recipe look amazing served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Want to really impress? Pair them with a glass of chilled Prosecco. These Restaurant Desserts can be easily recreated by anyone!
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Tartlets Tip-Top
These beauties are best enjoyed fresh. But, if you have leftovers, fear not! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They'll keep for up to 2 days. The crust might soften slightly, but they'll still taste amazing. I wouldn't recommend freezing these Homemade tartlets with fruit .
The texture of the mascarpone and curd might change.
Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!
Fancy a change? Swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries. For a Lemon curd tart recipe twist, try using lime juice instead of lemon.
This will make lime curd tartlets. To make Strawberry Mascarpone tartlets, consider using almond flour in the crust for a gluten-free version.
Want to be even more creative? Use a vegan butter substitute and a dairy-free mascarpone alternative! You can customize curd desserts to fit all of your cravings.
Nutrition Basics: A Treat That's Almost Good For You
Okay, let's be real these are still a treat. But, they do offer a few perks. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C.
The Mascarpone tart filling provides calcium. But, remember moderation is key!
So, there you have it! With these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to creating some seriously stunning Strawberry tart recipe easy tartlets.
Go on, give it a go! You've got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the shortbread crust for these Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's encouraged. You can prepare the shortbread crust, press it into the tartlet pans, and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake the crusts ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Just think of it as getting your "Bake Off" prep done in advance!
My lemon curd is too runny! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
Runny lemon curd is a common baking hiccup! The most likely cause is not cooking it long enough. Keep whisking it over low heat until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
If it's still too thin after what seems like an eternity, you can try thickening it with a cornstarch slurry (a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water), whisking it in and cooking for another minute. Remember, low and slow wins the race, like a tortoise versus a hare, yeah?
How long will these Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon last, and how should I store them?
These tartlets are best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The crust might soften slightly over time due to the moisture from the filling and strawberries, but they'll still taste delicious!
If you're planning to make them a day ahead, consider adding the strawberries just before serving to keep everything looking its best.
Can I use different fruit toppings for these tartlets? I'm not a huge strawberry fan.
Of course! While strawberries are classic, feel free to get creative. Raspberries, blueberries, sliced peaches, or even a mix of berries would all work beautifully. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and ripe for the best flavor, a bit like choosing the best bowler hat from a proper gentleman's shop.
Is there a way to make a large tart instead of individual Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to a 9 inch tart pan. Simply press the shortbread dough into the larger pan, blind bake it as directed, and then fill it with the mascarpone, lemon curd, and strawberries. Baking times may need to be adjusted slightly, so keep an eye on the crust as it bakes.
The rest of the recipe remains the same easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Are there any adjustments needed to make these Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets with Lemon lower in sugar?
Yes, you can certainly reduce the sugar content. For the crust, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. In the lemon curd, consider using a sugar substitute suitable for cooking, like Stevia or Erythritol.
Reduce the powdered sugar in the mascarpone filling, and be mindful of the natural sugars in the strawberries. Remember that sugar affects the texture and structure of some recipes, but these modifications should work reasonably well.
Strawberry Mascarpone Tartlets With Zesty Lemon

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |