Strawberry Mocha Cream Tartlets
Delightful strawberry mocha tartlets feature a crisp pastry shell filled with rich coffee and chocolate flavors, topped with fresh strawberries—perfect for sophisticated gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the sifted all-purpose flour and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture is uniform but coarse.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of water and toss with a fork, then press into a ball.
- Roll out half of the dough at a time on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut into 3-inch circles, then fit inside 2 1/4-inch tart pans and prick with a fork.
- Place the tart pans on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a 425°F oven for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool and remove from tart pans.
- Prepare the coffee filling by combining strong coffee, sugar, egg yolks, instant coffee powder, and cocoa, then cook until thickened.
- Fill the cooled tart shells with the coffee mixture.
- Top with fresh strawberries and drizzle with light corn syrup as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your butter and shortening are very cold before mixing. You can substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If fresh strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Serving Suggestions
These tartlets are perfect as a dessert for a summer gathering or a fancy brunch. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a delightful addition to your afternoon snack or dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy them warm, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Mocha Cream Tartlets contains roughly 845 calories, with 10g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), potassium (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit for the topping?
Absolutely! While strawberries are a delicious choice, you can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Sliced peaches or kiwi would also add a lovely color and flavor contrast. Just adjust the sweetness of your corn syrup drizzle based on the fruit's natural sweetness.
What can I do if my tart shells shrink while baking?
If your tart shells shrink during baking, it's likely due to overworking the dough or not chilling it enough before baking. To prevent this, allow the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Additionally, use pie weights while blind baking to help maintain the shape.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coffee filling a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to fill the tart shells right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).