Mini Valentine Tartlets

Name: Mini Valentine Tartlets
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 tartlets
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 egg yolk; 2-3 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh berries for topping

Highlighted under: Easy Desserts Collection

I absolutely adore making these Mini Valentine Tartlets, especially when special occasions are around the corner. Biting into these delicate, flaky crusts filled with luscious cream and topped with fresh berries is pure bliss. They are not only charming in appearance but also incredibly easy to put together, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. This recipe has become my go-to treat for expressing love and delight, and I can't wait for you to try them yourself!

Created by

Prudence Whitby

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:41:37.300Z

When I first discovered the joy of making tartlets, I was captivated by their versatility and elegance. I tried several fillings before landing on this creamy delight paired with berry toppings, and it perfectly complements the buttery tart shell. The addition of a hint of vanilla enhances the sweetness without overpowering the fresh flavors.

During my recent bake, I found that letting the filling chill for a little longer resulted in a firmer texture, making it easier to serve while maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth quality. These tips transformed my tartlet game, and now I can’t imagine celebrating without them!

Why You'll Love These Mini Valentine Tartlets
Delicate and flaky crust that crumbles perfectly with each bite
Luscious cream filling that pairs beautifully with fresh berries
An impressive treat that’s simple to make for any occasion

Perfecting the Tartlet Crust

The key to a flaky and buttery crust lies in the temperature and handling of the butter. Ensure that your butter is adequately cold—this helps create those lovely layers within the crust. When cutting the butter into the flour, work quickly to prevent it from warming too much. You can use a pastry cutter or two forks for this task, letting the mixture resemble coarse crumbs. For best results, don’t skip the chilling step, as it allows the gluten to relax, yielding a tender crust.

If you want to experiment with flavors in your crust, consider adding a pinch of salt or substituting part of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty twist. Make sure to keep track of your measurements since these substitutions can affect the texture. Rolling out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper is a pro tip; it minimizes mess and sticking while allowing for an even thickness. Aim for around 1/8 inch thick.

Crafting the Cream Filling

Whipping the heavy cream to medium peaks is an important step that contributes to the airy texture of your tartlets. Be cautious not to over-whip the cream, as it can turn grainy and separate. Start with cold equipment—using a chilled bowl and whisk will help achieve optimal volume. If you’re looking for a lighter density, you can fold in some mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for added richness without overwhelming sweetness.

Variations for the cream filling are plentiful! You can infuse different flavors into the cream, such as citrus zest or a splash of liqueur. Experiment with swapping out the vanilla extract for flavors like almond or mint—each will give the tartlets a unique twist. Just remember to taste as you go to find that balance between sweetness and flavor you love.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Tartlet Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Cream Filling:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh berries for topping

Make sure to use cold ingredients for the best texture.

Instructions

Here’s how to bring it all together:

Prepare the Tartlet Crust

In a large bowl, mix the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water gradually, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes.

Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut round shapes to fit into a muffin tin. Prick the bottoms with a fork. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Allow them to cool completely.

Make the Cream Filling

In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until medium peaks form. Fill the cooled tartlet shells with the cream.

Decorate

Top with fresh berries of your choice, arranging them creatively for a beautiful presentation.

Serve

Chill for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your charming Mini Valentine Tartlets!

These tartlets are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day.

Pro Tips

Chill your ingredients to maintain the delicacy of the crust.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Mini Valentine Tartlets can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for busy occasions. Once filled, store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to add any berries just before serving to avoid sogginess. If you have some leftover tartlets, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day. However, they are best enjoyed fresh on the day of preparation.

Serving suggestions can elevate the visual appeal of your tartlets. You might want to sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a stunning presentation, or drizzle with a chocolate sauce for added indulgence. For a brunch option, consider pairing them with a fruity tea or sparkling beverage to complement the tart sweetness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Should your tartlet crust shrink during baking, it might be due to overhandling the dough or skipping the chilling step. Make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking to help maintain its shape. If you find the crust too tough, try using colder butter or a lighter touch when mixing.

If your whipped cream has not reached the desired consistency, you can remedy this by adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar. This should help stabilize the cream which enhances its ability to hold shape. In case the cream seems too soft, consider refrigerating it for a few minutes before trying again, as that can create a firmer, more manageable texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the crust in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the crust a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge.

→ What other fillings can I use?

You can fill them with custard, fruit compote, or even chocolate ganache for variety.

→ Can I use frozen berries?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before using as toppings.

→ How do I store leftover tartlets?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.