Description
Coconut Cream Tarts are miniature, creamy, and delicious desserts featuring a buttery tart crust filled with rich coconut custard and topped with whipped cream. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a tropical-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
For the Coconut Cream Filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tart Crust
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 2 tbsp cold water, pulsing until the dough starts to come together. If needed, add an extra tbsp of water.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into small circles to fit a muffin tin or mini tart molds.
- Press the dough into the molds, poke holes in the bottom, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Coconut Cream Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together whole milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the warm milk mixture to the yolks, stirring constantly to temper them.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook until thickened (about 3-5 minutes), stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and butter.
- Allow the filling to cool slightly before spooning into the cooled tart shells. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Step 3: Add the Topping
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spread the whipped cream over the chilled tarts.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: The tart shells can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg yolks with cornstarch and use coconut whipped cream for topping.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tropical
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg