Description
These Strawberry Rhubarb Curd Tartlets combine a buttery shortbread crust with a tangy, luscious strawberry rhubarb curd filling. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, these elegant tartlets are topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh strawberries, making them an ideal dessert for spring and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Tartlet Shells
- 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Rhubarb Curd
- 1 cup chopped rhubarb, chopped into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup chopped strawberries, chopped into 1″ pieces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Garnish
- 6 tablespoons crème fraîche
- 6 small strawberries
- 2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt, all-purpose flour, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Make the shortbread dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides as needed. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until the ingredients come together and the dough is still crumbly; avoid overmixing.
- Form tartlet shells: Divide the dough evenly among six 4-inch removable bottom tartlet pans or use a single 10-inch round tart pan. Press the dough evenly to cover the bottom and create a thin layer up the sides of each pan.
- Bake the tartlet shells: Bake the shortbread shells in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they puff up slightly and turn a warm golden color. If any puffing is excessive, gently press back down in the center using the back of a spoon or pestle. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the fruit puree: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb and strawberries with 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons water over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the fruit breaks down. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture, or push it through a fine mesh strainer for a smooth curd. Set aside.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler, combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and egg yolks. Immediately whisk together to prevent coagulation. Place over simmering water and whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cook the curd: Slowly whisk in the strawberry rhubarb puree. Continue whisking the mixture constantly as you cook for about 5 minutes. Add the unsalted butter and salt, then stir constantly with a spatula until the curd thickens to the consistency of sour cream (approximately 170°F or 77°C), taking about 6-10 minutes.
- Strain the curd: Remove from heat and press the curd through a fine mesh strainer to achieve a smooth and creamy pudding-like texture.
- Fill and bake tartlets: Spoon the curd evenly into the cooled tartlet shells. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the curd has set. Remove from the oven and let cool before removing the tartlets from their pans. You can chill them or proceed to garnish.
- Garnish and serve: For an elegant presentation, pipe stars of crème fraîche onto the cooled tarts using a piping bag fitted with an open star tip, or simply dollop crème fraîche with a spoon. Top each tartlet with a fresh strawberry. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer just before serving.
Notes
- You can use a single 10-inch tart pan instead of individual tartlets if desired.
- If the tartlet dough puffs excessively while baking, gently press it back down to maintain an even crust thickness.
- The curd thickens best if cooked slowly with constant whisking to avoid curdling.
- Make sure to use fresh and firm rhubarb and strawberries for best flavor and texture.
- Let the tartlets cool completely before garnishing to prevent the crème fraîche from melting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American