Description
Mini Strawberry-Pistachio Mascarpone Tarts are delightful, bite-sized desserts featuring flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy mascarpone mixture, fresh strawberries, and crunchy pistachios, all drizzled with honey for a touch of natural sweetness. Perfect for elegant gatherings or a sweet treat any time, these Italian-inspired tarts combine rich textures and fresh flavors in an easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Mascarpone Filling
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey, for drizzling
Egg Wash
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Puff Pastry: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 equal rectangles. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Score and Egg Wash: Score a border about 1/2 inch from the edge of each rectangle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Brush the edges with the egg wash to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake Pastry Shells: Bake the puff pastry in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely to set the shape for filling.
- Prepare Mascarpone Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Fill the Tarts: Once the pastry shells are cool, gently press down the centers of each tart to create space for the filling without breaking the border. Spoon or pipe the mascarpone mixture into the centers evenly.
- Add Toppings: Top each filled tart with sliced fresh strawberries and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to add freshness and crunch.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a light amount of honey over each tart just before serving to add a delicate sweetness and shine.
Notes
- These tarts are best served fresh but can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated.
- For extra flavor, add a touch of almond extract to the mascarpone filling.
- Make sure to not cut through the puff pastry border to allow proper puffing of the edges.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
