Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts

Introduction

Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts are an elegant, bite-sized dessert that combines the rich, nutty goodness of almonds with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries. These delicate pastries feature a crisp almond crust, a smooth almond cream filling, and a beautiful topping of juicy raspberries, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re ideal for holiday gatherings, brunch spreads, or as an upscale addition to dessert tables.

I first made Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts for a bridal shower, and they quickly became a standout treat. The buttery almond crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the creamy filling provides a velvety contrast. The burst of tart raspberry sweetness adds a refreshing and visually stunning finish, making each bite a delightful experience.

What I love about this recipe is its versatility and sophistication. You can customize the almond cream with a hint of citrus zest or add a touch of liqueur for an extra layer of flavor. Drizzle with a bit of white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for added elegance. Whether paired with coffee, enjoyed as an afternoon treat, or served at a special celebration, Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts bring a touch of luxury, flavor, and visual delight to any dessert spread.

Perfect for:

Afternoon tea
Brunch gatherings
Birthday celebrations
Holiday parties
Raspberry and almond enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts will become your new favorite treat:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of almonds and raspberries delivers a harmonious blend of nutty and tangy.
Elegant Presentation: The fresh raspberries and almond crust make these tarts a stunning visual centerpiece.
Crispy Almond Crust: Provides a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy almond filling.
Smooth and Creamy Filling: The almond cream filling offers a silky texture that contrasts with the crust.
Burst of Freshness: Raspberries add a burst of freshness and color to these mini desserts.
Ideal for Any Gathering: Whether it’s brunch, tea, or a dinner party, these tarts elevate any table setting.
Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare these tarts in advance, making hosting stress-free.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the sweetness or add a touch of almond extract for a unique twist.
Compact Size: Perfect single-serving portions that make serving and sharing a breeze.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with almond flour to create a gluten-free crust.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 mini tarts
Calories per tart: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Almond Crust:

1 ½ cups almond flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

The Almond Cream Filling:

1 cup almond paste, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Raspberry Topping:

12 fresh raspberries

Ingredient Highlights

Almond Flour: Creates a crisp and nutty crust that complements the filling perfectly.
Almond Paste: Provides a smooth, rich, and almond-forward flavor profile.
Fresh Raspberries: Offer a vibrant, tangy burst of freshness and color.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness in the crust and filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Almond Crust:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a mini tart pan with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, and salt.
Add Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix until a dough forms.
Press Dough into Tart Pan: Press the almond crust mixture into each mini tart mold, making sure it’s even.
Chill the Crust: Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up the crust.

Prepare the Almond Cream Filling:

Cream Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, beat together almond paste, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the almond extract until the filling is creamy and fluffy.

Assemble and Bake the Tarts:

Fill the Crusts: Remove the pan from the freezer. Spoon the almond cream filling into each crust, smoothing it out.
Bake: Bake the tarts for 20 minutes, or until the filling is golden and set. Remove them from the oven and cool.
Chill the Tarts: Allow the tarts to cool at room temperature, then place them in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.

Garnish with Raspberries:

Top with Raspberries: Place a fresh raspberry on top of each tart before serving.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts:

At Brunch Gatherings: Serve on a tiered platter for a stunning centerpiece.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair these tarts with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an elegant touch.
As a Gift: Wrap in decorative boxes to make a thoughtful homemade present.
On Dessert Tables: Add these to dessert spreads for a classy flair.
For Birthdays: A unique and refined treat for celebratory tables.
At Holiday Parties: An impressive addition to Christmas or New Year’s spreads.
With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added decadence.
With Almond Drizzle: Add a light almond glaze for extra elegance.
As a Tea-Time Delight: Perfect for afternoon tea with smaller portions.
With Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint for a refreshing contrast in color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Chill Before Baking: Ensure crusts and fillings are properly chilled to maintain their shape and texture.
Use Quality Almond Paste: Good almond paste ensures a richer and smoother filling.
Don’t Overfill the Tarts: Leave a little room in each crust to prevent overflow.
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure butter is soft to blend smoothly with the almond paste and sugar.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Crust Option: Use almond flour only, skipping traditional flour altogether.
Berry Mix Topping: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a berry-packed twist.
Chocolate Almond Tarts: Add cocoa powder to the crust or filling for a chocolate twist.
Apricot Almond Tarts: Use apricot jam instead of raspberries for a different fruity flair.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and almond paste substitutes for a vegan-friendly crust.
Caramel Drizzle Tarts: Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent finish.

Special Equipment

Mini Tart Pan: Perfect for shaping and baking bite-sized tarts.
Electric Mixer: For blending the almond cream filling effortlessly.
Piping Bag: Optional for creating more decorative patterns.
Silicone Spatula: For scraping every bit of filling into the tart molds.

FAQ Section

What are mini raspberry almond tarts made of?
Our mini raspberry almond tarts feature a crispy almond crust filled with a rich almond cream, fresh raspberries, and a hint of sweetness.
Can I use frozen raspberries for these tarts?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well. However, fresh raspberries are recommended for a better visual presentation and texture.
How do I store leftover mini tarts?
Store any leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Can I make mini raspberry almond tarts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and almond cream ahead of time and refrigerate them. Assemble the tarts with fresh raspberries just before serving.
Are these tarts suitable for people with nut allergies?
No, these tarts contain almonds and are not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. You may want to consider alternatives if there are allergy concerns.
Can I substitute almonds with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use cashews or hazelnuts as a substitute for almonds, but it will change the taste and texture slightly.
How do I prevent my tart crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling helps maintain a crispy texture. You can also use a thin layer of apricot jam for added protection.
How many mini tarts does this recipe typically make?
The standard recipe typically makes about 12 mini tarts, but this may vary depending on the size of your tart pans.
Can I freeze the mini raspberry almond tarts?
Yes! You can freeze the tarts without raspberries for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before adding fresh raspberries for serving.

Conclusion

Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts are a delightful bite-sized treat that brings together the sweetness of fresh raspberries, the richness of almond flavor, and the decadence of buttery pastry. These little tarts feature a crisp, golden shell filled with almond cream and topped with a fresh raspberry, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Elegant, colorful, and irresistibly tasty, they’re a stunning addition to desserts tables, holiday spreads, or any special gathering.

This versatile recipe offers plenty of creative options—you can add a touch of almond extract to the cream, drizzle the tarts with white chocolate, or sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Whether served at brunches, tea parties, or festive celebrations, Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts are a treat that will delight your guests with every bite.

I’d love to see your Mini Raspberry Almond Tarts creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to admire your beautiful, tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know any personal twists or creative touches you added to make these tarts uniquely yours!