Lemon Mascarpone Tartlets Berries (Print Version)

Tangy lemon mascarpone tartlets crowned with fresh berries and a hint of mint for a refreshing finish.

# Components:

→ Tartlet Crust

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 large egg yolk
05 - 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water

→ Lemon Mascarpone Filling

06 - 1 cup mascarpone cheese
07 - 2/3 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
09 - Zest of 1 organic lemon
10 - Juice of 1 organic lemon

→ Topping and Decoration

11 - 1 cup mixed fresh berries
12 - Fresh mint leaves, optional
13 - Powdered sugar, for dusting

# Directions:

01 - Combine flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter in a large mixing bowl. Rub with fingertips until crumbly. Incorporate egg yolk and cold water. Knead briefly to form a smooth dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for 15 minutes.
02 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut rounds to fit mini tartlet tins. Press dough into tins and prick bases with a fork. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely in tins.
03 - Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, blend mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
04 - Fill cooled tartlet shells with lemon mascarpone cream. Arrange fresh berries atop each tartlet. Lightly dust with powdered sugar and garnish with optional mint leaves. Serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour for impressive results
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert that actually tastes better after chilling
  • Customizable with seasonal berries for year-round enjoyment
  • Achieves professional bakery results with home kitchen ingredients
02 -
  • These tartlets can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  • The crust and filling can be prepared separately two days in advance
  • Each component balances the others perfectly the lemon cuts through richness, berries add sweetness, and the crust provides texture
  • Mascarpone has a higher fat content than cream cheese, giving these tartlets their signature silky mouthfeel
03 -
  • For the flakiest crust, freeze the butter for 15 minutes before cutting into cubes.
  • When selecting berries, look for ones that are firm but fragrant without any soft spots or mold.
  • A splash of limoncello added to the filling creates an elevated adult version perfect for dinner parties.
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