Homemade Tart Shells
What is a Tart?
A tart is a delicious dessert that normally consists of a buttery shell that is filled with a homemade filling. It is a pastry that is similar to a pie, but what makes it different is that is has no top. That makes it completely customizable for any sort of fillings.
What to fill in a tart?
You can fill a tart with anything! Sweet or savory. Some savory options would include filling the tart with meat and cheeses and vegetables. I prefer to fill my tarts with sweet options, like a fruit salad or homemade pudding. Banana pudding is my favorite! Cut up some fresh bananas and place on the bottom or on the top for that extra pop of flavor.
When to serve tarts?
Tarts are perfect for big events! You can pre-make the tart shells weeks in advance and store in a freezer until the day of the event. The only thing you make day of would be your filling of choice. I hosted a baby shower and pre-made tarts and had bowls of different filling laid out for guests to serve themselves.
How to store Tarts?
Tarts can be stored in a plastic bag in the freezer for up to 6 months! In a fridge for up to 2 weeks and in a sealed bag in room air for up to 7 days.
Homemade Tarts
Equipment
- Tart shells
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 cup flour
Instructions
- Cream together butter, sugar and eggs
- Add vanilla, almond extract, and flour.
- Mix until all combined and the dough does not stick to the bowl.
- Place your tart dough into tart shells. Note: if you press too much into the tart shells there will be no room for filling, if you put too little into the filling it will be hard to remove once baked. It will take a few tries to find that happy medium.
- Once tart shells are filled place on a cookie sheet and bake at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Remove from shell once cooled and enjoy with a pudding or fruit filling of your choice.
