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Fruit and cream tartlet: the colorful and delicious baskets!

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* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 1 egg yolk
* A pinch of salt
* 1-2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)

#### For the Pastry Cream:

* 2 cups whole milk
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 egg yolks
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tbsp butter

#### For the Topping:

* Assorted fresh fruits (berries, kiwi, mango, peaches, grapes)
* Optional glaze: Apricot jam thinned with a little warm water

### 👩‍🍳 **How to Make Fruit and Cream Tartlets**

#### 1. **Make the Tart Shells**

* In a bowl or food processor, combine flour, powdered sugar, salt, and butter until it forms a crumbly mixture.
* Add egg yolk and mix until the dough just comes together. If needed, add a bit of cold water.
* Chill dough for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into rounds to fit mini tart pans.
* Press into pans, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.

#### 2. **Prepare the Pastry Cream**

* Heat milk in a saucepan until just about to boil.
* In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and thick.
* Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
* Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened.
* Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface and let it cool.

#### 3. **Assemble the Tartlets**

* Once the tart shells and cream are cooled, spoon or pipe the pastry cream into each shell.
* Arrange fresh fruit beautifully on top of each tartlet.
* For a glossy finish, brush the fruit with a light glaze made from warm apricot jam.

### 🌈 **Tips and Variations**

* **Make it tropical**: Use pineapple, mango, and coconut cream instead of traditional pastry cream.
* **Add crunch**: A thin layer of melted white chocolate at the bottom of each shell prevents sogginess and adds a sweet surprise.
* **Dairy-free version**: Substitute almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter for a vegan twist.
* **Mini tart molds or muffin tins** can be used to shape the shells if you don’t have dedicated tartlet pans.

### 🌟 **A Dessert That Always Impresses**

Fruit and cream tartlets are more than just a treat—they’re a statement of elegance and freshness. Whether served at a celebration or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence, these colorful baskets are guaranteed to delight. Plus, the hands-on decorating process can be a fun kitchen activity for kids and adults alike.

So go ahead—gather your favorite fruits, whip up that creamy filling, and bake up a batch of these **irresistible tartlets**. You’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear from the plate!

Would you like a printable recipe card or a visual guide to assembling the tartlets?