Nectarine and Nut-Filled Tartlets: A Recipe for a Perfect Mini Dessert

Tartlets are a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of fresh fruit paired with a satisfying, crunchy filling. These nectarine and nut-filled tartlets combine the juicy sweetness of ripe nectarines with a deliciously nutty filling, creating a dessert that is both elegant and satisfying. This recipe is ideal for a summer gathering, afternoon tea, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a mini-dessert full of texture and flavor. With a buttery crust, a smooth nut filling, and slices of caramelized nectarines, these tartlets are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Tart Crust:

200 g all-purpose flour
100 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
50 g powdered sugar
1 egg yolk
1–2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
Pinch of salt

Ingredients for Nut Filling:

100 g ground almonds or hazelnuts
50 g granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp cream or milk

Topping:

2–3 ripe nectarines, thinly sliced
1 tbsp honey or apricot jam (optional, for glaze)

Step 1: Preparing the Tart Crust

Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Adding Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures a flaky crust once baked.
Incorporating Egg Yolks and Water
Add the egg yolk and a tablespoon of cold water to the dough. Mix gently until the dough starts coming together. If it feels too dry, add a bit more water, but avoid overworking the dough.
Chilling the Dough
Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it become firmer, making it easier to roll out and shape.

Step 2: Making the Nut Filling

Combining Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ground almonds or hazelnuts, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and cream or milk. The filling should be smooth but slightly thick.
Adjusting Consistency
If the filling is too thick, add a bit more cream to reach a spreadable consistency. It should be easy to spoon into the tart crusts without being runny.

Step 3: Assembling the Tartlets

Rolling Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 3–4 mm thickness. Use a round cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles slightly larger than your tartlet molds.
Lining the Tartlet Molds
Carefully press each dough circle into the tartlet molds, trimming any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom of each crust to prevent puffing.
Adding the Nut Filling
Spoon a small amount of the nut filling into each tartlet crust, spreading it evenly. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand slightly during baking.
Arranging Nectarine Slices
Place the nectarine slices on top of the nut filling in an overlapping, circular pattern. This not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful visual appeal to each tartlet.

Step 4: Baking and Glazing

Baking the Tartlets
Place the filled tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the nectarines are soft and caramelized.
Glazing (Optional)
If you want a glossy finish, warm up a tablespoon of honey or apricot jam in a small saucepan or microwave. Use a pastry brush to gently glaze the nectarine slices. This adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful shine to the tartlets.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Allow the tartlets to cool in their molds for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them slightly warm or at room temperature. These nectarine and nut tartlets are perfect on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Nectarine and Nut Tartlets

Choosing the Right Nectarines
Use ripe yet firm nectarines for the best results. Overly soft nectarines may release too much juice during baking, making the tartlets soggy. If nectarines aren’t in season, you can substitute with peaches or plums.
Experimenting with Nut Varieties
This recipe calls for almonds or hazelnuts, but feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or pistachios. Each type of nut will give the tartlets a unique flavor profile, so choose your favorite!
Making a Dairy-Free Version
To make the tartlets dairy-free, use a plant-based butter alternative for the crust and non-dairy cream in the filling. Coconut cream pairs particularly well with the nut and nectarine flavors.
Storing the Tartlets
These tartlets can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crisp texture before serving.

Why You’ll Love These Nectarine and Nut-Filled Tartlets

These nectarine and nut-filled tartlets combine buttery crust, nutty filling, and fresh fruit topping into a mini dessert that is both delicious and visually stunning. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these tartlets are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. The nut filling provides a rich base that contrasts beautifully with the light and juicy nectarine slices, making each bite a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for serving at gatherings, as a personal treat, or for family dessert nights, these tartlets are sure to become a favorite.

So next time you’re looking for a fresh twist on a classic tartlet, give this recipe a try! The combination of nectarines and nuts will surely bring a unique and memorable taste experience to your table. Enjoy baking and indulging in these beautiful, bite-sized treats!

Nectarine and Nut-Filled Tartlets: A Recipe for a Perfect Mini Dessert