Mini Brown Butter Peach Tarts: A Delectable Summer Treat

Introduction

Mini brown butter peach tarts are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer. These individual tarts pack a punch of flavor with the rich nuttiness of brown butter complemented by the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. Perfect for a picnic, brunch, or a sweet ending to a meal, these mini tarts are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar

– 1 large egg yolk

– 1-2 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

– 4-5 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced

– 1/4 cup brown sugar

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Brown Butter Sauce:

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Steps

1. Making the Pastry:

1. In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Pulse until the dough comes together, adding more water if needed.

3. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Filling:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches with brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well coated.

3. Making the Brown Butter Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a deep golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. Assembling the Tarts:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pastry dough on a floured surface and cut out small circles to fit into mini tart pans.

3. Fill the tart shells with the peach filling and drizzle with the brown butter sauce.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Variations

– Substitute the peaches with other fruits like berries or apples for different flavor profiles.

– Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

– Serve the tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Tips

– Ensure the butter is cold when making the pastry to achieve a flaky crust.

– Don’t overmix the dough to prevent a tough pastry.

– Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of the peaches.

Conclusion

Mini brown butter peach tarts are a delightful treat that combines the richness of brown butter with the freshness of summer peaches. These individual tarts are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress with their gourmet flavor. With a buttery crust, sweet peach filling, and a nutty brown butter sauce, these tarts are a true indulgence for the taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the tarts ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve for a fresh and warm dessert experience.

Q: Can I freeze these tarts?

A: These tarts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze any leftover tarts in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

Q: Can I use salted butter for the brown butter sauce?

A: While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the sauce.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking these delicious mini brown butter peach tarts. Enjoy!