Easy Mini Jam Tarts Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dessert that transports you to a sunny afternoon tea with friends? Mini Jam Tarts are those delightful bites that burst with flavor and charm. They feature a buttery crust filled with your favorite fruit preserves, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that is simply irresistible. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm tart as the sweet aroma wafts through the air—it’s a sensory experience worth savoring.

These little pastries are not just visually appealing; they are incredibly versatile too. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an after-school snack, Mini Jam Tarts fit every occasion. You can use various jams like raspberry, apricot, or even homemade fruit preserves to cater to everyone’s tastes. The anticipation builds as they bake in the oven and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. So gather your ingredients and prepare for a fun baking adventure that yields delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Jam Tarts

• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these mini tarts in no time. They are perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Customizable Flavors: Use any jam you love—strawberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd. The options are endless and allow you to experiment with different flavor combinations.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These mini tarts are ideal for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy at any event.
• Impressive Presentation: With their golden crusts and colorful fillings, Mini Jam Tarts look as good as they taste. They’re sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Mini Jam Tarts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use about two cups of all-purpose flour for the tart crust; it provides the right texture and stability.
• Unsalted Butter: One cup of cold unsalted butter helps create a flaky pastry when mixed with flour.
• Sugar: A quarter cup of granulated sugar adds sweetness to the crust without overpowering the filling.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the pastry dough.
• Ice Water: About four tablespoons help bind the dough together without making it sticky.
• Fruit Preserves or Jam: Choose your favorite flavors—about one cup will be needed for filling each tart shell.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Mini Jam Tarts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine two cups of all-purpose flour with a quarter cup of granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Cut in one cup of cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Add four tablespoons of ice water gradually while mixing until the dough holds together without being sticky. Gather it into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about one-eighth inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut circles that will fit into your tartlet pans.

Step 4: Shape Tart Shells

Press each circle gently into the greased tartlet pans. Make sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly. Poke holes in each shell with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.

Step 5: Fill with Jam

Spoon about one tablespoon of your chosen fruit preserves into each tart shell. Be careful not to overfill them; leave some space at the top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Place the filled tart pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these delightful treats warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Chill Your Ingredients: Keeping your butter cold helps create flaky layers in your pastry shells.
• Select High-Quality Jams: Choose good-quality fruit preserves for maximum flavor impact; homemade jams work wonderfully too.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate your tarts’ flavor profile while complementing fruity fillings.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using the Wrong Pastry Dough: One common mistake when making mini jam tarts is using the wrong type of pastry dough. For the best results, opt for a shortcrust pastry. This type of dough provides a crumbly texture that complements the sweetness of the jam. If you use puff pastry instead, you may end up with a tart that is too flaky and lacks structure. Always ensure your dough is chilled before rolling it out to maintain its firmness and make shaping easier.
• Overfilling the Tarts: Another frequent error is overfilling your mini jam tarts. It can be tempting to add extra jam for flavor, but this can lead to messy tarts that overflow during baking. Instead, fill each tart shell only about two-thirds full. This allows room for the jam to bubble without spilling over, ensuring a neat and appealing presentation once baked.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: Many bakers overlook the chilling step after preparing their tart dough. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps prevent shrinkage during baking, allowing your mini jam tarts to hold their shape better. After mixing your ingredients and shaping them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling out. This small step makes a significant difference in the final product.

Serving Suggestions for Mini Jam Tarts

This Mini Jam Tart is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• A cup of tea: Enjoy your Mini Jam Tarts with a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea. The light flavors of the tea enhance the sweetness of the tarts, creating a delightful pairing.
• Fresh fruit: Serve these tarts alongside an assortment of fresh berries or sliced fruits. The natural acidity of the fruits balances the sweetness, adding a refreshing element to your dessert platter.
• Ice cream: Top your Mini Jam Tarts with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm jam filling, making it an irresistible treat.

FAQs about Mini Jam Tarts

What can I use as a filling for Mini Jam Tarts?

Mini Jam Tarts can be filled with various types of jam or preserves. Popular options include strawberry, raspberry, apricot, and blackberry jams. You can also experiment with homemade fruit compotes or curds for unique flavors. For a twist, consider using chocolate spread or Nutella for a rich filling that complements the buttery crust.

Can I make Mini Jam Tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Mini Jam Tarts in advance. To do this, bake the tart shells and allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, fill them with jam just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

How do I store leftover Mini Jam Tarts?

To store leftover Mini Jam Tarts, place them in an airtight container at room temperature if consumed within one day. If you have leftovers beyond that timeframe, refrigerate them for up to three days. Keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the tarts but will still maintain their flavor.

Can I freeze Mini Jam Tarts?

Freezing Mini Jam Tarts is possible. After baking and cooling the tart shells, assemble them with jam and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion for Mini Jam Tarts

In summary, Mini Jam Tarts are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving suggestions and fillings. These delightful treats pair well with beverages like tea and coffee or can be enhanced with fresh fruits and ice cream. By preparing them ahead of time or freezing leftovers, you ensure that these delicious tarts can be enjoyed whenever you crave something sweet. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply as an indulgent snack, these mini delights are sure to impress everyone who tastes them.

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Mini Jam Tarts

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 mini tarts 1x

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Description

Mini Jam Tarts are a delightful treat that combines elegance and simplicity in one bite-sized package. These scrumptious pastries feature a buttery, flaky crust filled with your favorite fruit preserves, creating an irresistible balance of sweetness and texture. Perfect for any occasion—from tea parties to family gatherings—these mini delights are incredibly easy to prepare, making them suitable for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. With endless flavor possibilities, such as classic raspberry or zesty lemon curd, each batch fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as they bake to golden perfection. Impress your guests while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade treats that cater to every palate.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons ice water
• 1 cup fruit preserves (varied flavors)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. Gradually add ice water until the dough forms; chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough and cut circles for tartlet pans.
5. Press dough into pans; poke holes with a fork.
6. Fill each shell with about one tablespoon of jam.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown; cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Various

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg