Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat that’s both romantic and delicious? Imagine tiny, vibrant blueberry tartlets, bursting with sweet flavor and nestled in a flaky crust. This article unveils the secrets to creating these delightful desserts, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out.
From easy blueberry tartlets perfect for a quick indulgence to a more elegant French blueberry tart recipe with a luscious custard filling, we’ve got you covered. We’ll even explore no-bake blueberry tartlets options for those short on time. Keep reading to discover the perfect blueberry tartlets recipe to impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day!
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time for crust)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes (plus chilling time)
Serving size: 6-8 tartlets
Estimated cost (US Market): $15-20 (depending on ingredient availability and sales)
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold vegan butter, cut into cubes
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Custard Filling (for French-inspired tart):
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Making the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preparing the Blueberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the blueberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the plant-based milk and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assembling and Baking the Tartlets
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass (about 4 inches in diameter). Press each circle into a tartlet pan. If using the optional custard filling, whisk together the chilled coconut cream (scoop out the thick part from the top of the can), sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Pour a layer of custard (if using) into the tartlet shells, followed by the blueberry filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Let the tartlets cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. These are best enjoyed on the same day they are made. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh blueberries before serving.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers: Leftover vegan blueberry tartlets should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and helps maintain the freshness of the filling.
When stored properly, these tartlets will last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. While they may still be safe to eat after that, the quality and texture will start to decline. The crust may soften, and the filling might lose some of its vibrant flavor.
For the best taste and texture, it’s generally recommended to enjoy these tartlets cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t usually necessary, especially if they’ve been stored properly.
If you do wish to warm them slightly, here are a couple of options:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and warm them for 5-7 minutes. This method helps to crisp up the crust a bit. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can dry out the filling.
- Microwave (Not Recommended): Microwaving is generally not recommended for these tartlets. The crust will likely become soggy, and the filling might become too hot and runny. If you absolutely must use a microwave, heat them in short bursts (10-15 seconds) and keep a close eye on them.
Important Note: The custard filling (if used) may not hold up as well to reheating as the regular blueberry filling. It might become slightly softer. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy tartlets with custard filling fresh.
Nutrition Facts
It’s important to understand that providing precise nutritional information for a recipe like this is difficult. The exact values will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used (especially the vegan butter and plant-based milk), the size of the tartlets, and even slight variations in ingredient measurements.
Therefore, the following table provides estimated nutritional information. For the most accurate data, you would need to input the specific details of your ingredients into a nutritional calculator.
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Tartlet – Makes 6-8)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) | % Daily Value* (Approximate) |
| Calories | 250-350 | 13-18% |
| Total Fat | 15-20g | 23-31% |
| Saturated Fat | 8-12g | 40-60% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 150-250mg | 6-10% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30-40g | 10-13% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-4g | 7-14% |
| Total Sugars | 15-20g | |
| Includes Added Sugars | 10-15g | 20-30% |
| Protein | 3-5g | 6-10% |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 20-40mg | 2-4% |
| Iron | 1-2mg | 6-11% |
| Potassium | 50-100mg | 1-3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Important Considerations:
- Vegan Butter: The type of vegan butter you use will significantly impact the fat and saturated fat content. Look for options with lower saturated fat.
- Plant-Based Milk: The nutritional content of plant-based milks varies. Check the label for details.
- Sugar: The amount of sugar can be adjusted to your preference. Reducing the sugar will lower the calorie and sugar content.
- Custard Filling: If using the custard filling, the fat and calorie content will be higher due to the coconut milk.
This information is intended as a general guide. For the most accurate nutritional analysis, use a recipe analysis tool or consult a registered dietitian.
Dietary Information
This recipe, as written, is vegan, meaning it contains no animal products. It is also dairy-free and egg-free.
However, it is not inherently gluten-free. The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of flour that’s designed for baking. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent, as gluten-free flours often lack the structure of wheat flour.
This recipe is also not keto-friendly. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar. A keto diet is typically very low in carbohydrates and high in fat. This recipe is relatively high in carbohydrates and moderate in fat.
History of Blueberry Tartlets
While the exact origins of blueberry tartlets are difficult to pinpoint, they likely evolved from the broader tradition of fruit tarts, which have existed for centuries. Fruit tarts, in their various forms, were popular in medieval Europe, often featuring seasonal fruits baked in a pastry crust. The use of blueberries in tarts likely became more prevalent as blueberries became more widely cultivated and available, particularly in North America.
Miniaturizing the tarts into individual tartlets likely arose for convenience and presentation, making them perfect for individual servings and special occasions. Today, blueberry tartlets are enjoyed globally, with variations in crusts, fillings, and toppings reflecting regional culinary preferences.
Final Thoughts
These vegan blueberry tartlets offer a delightful and romantic treat for Valentine’s Day, combining the bright flavors of blueberries with a flaky, homemade crust. Whether you opt for the simple filling or the more elegant custard version, these mini desserts are sure to impress your loved ones. The ease of the recipe makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels, and the potential for customization allows you to create a truly unique dessert. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these sweet symbols of affection this Valentine’s Day.
