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Gluten Free Tartlets have a coconut and almond flour crust, and feature a thick vanilla pudding, and berries coated with a lovely hibiscus tea glaze. These tiny tarts with fresh berries are a perfect spring dessert for a Mother's Day celebration or a bridal/baby shower, and they're sure to make an impression!
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👩🏻🍳 Tamara Talks - Recipe Inspiration
Spring has arrived... Ojalá? Hopefully? It seems unusual weather has become the new normal. Our weather is usually "hotter than blazes" by now, yet we only hit triple digits once (mid-February), and have been hanging out in the seventies and eighties for the most part... Here's hoping your snow banks have disappeared, and spring has sprung. 🙂
This recipe was created for a virtual baby shower for an out of state friend.
I've chosen to use coconut flour and fine almond flour for my gluten free mini tart crusts. The recipe I've included for the pastry crust is actually a Coconut Flour-Almond Flour Pie Crust recipe from the Power Hungry blog. I'm still feeling my way around with gluten free baking, and I didn't want to leave anything to chance. I love the fact that you just combine the ingredients, and press them into your mini tart pan.
These lovely tarts come together more quickly than you might think! You can substitute a favorite pie crust recipe if you have one, but I love the way the subtle coconut and almond complements the creamy vanilla pudding, the tart hibiscus glaze, and the fresh berries.
🍓 Tartlet Ingredients
Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.
Mini Tarts Crust
- coconut flour
- super fine almond flour
- sea salt
- eggs
- coconut oil, ghee, or unsalted butter
Vanilla Pudding
The vanilla pudding is a simple cornstarch and egg pudding. I specify nut milk (it works really well), but use whatever milk you prefer. I deliberately made a very thick pudding, to help hold the layers together. They really can be picked up and eaten without a fork.
- sugar
- cornstarch
- sea salt
- milk - I use nut milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer.
- egg
- vanilla
- unsalted butter
Berries and Hibiscus Glaze
Is that glaze not gorgeous? (See the bottom of the above photo). It's just a lightly sweetened hibiscus tea with a cornstarch thickener. If you saw my previous post - Ginger Hibiscus Martini and Mocktail - you already know I've "discovered" a new to me ingredient. I love its tart, floral flavor, and its spectacular hue!
- berries - Use 1 kind or a combination of berries. Berries are wonderful, but other fruits will be delicious as well!
- strong hibiscus tea - Bring ¾ cup water to a boil. Remove from heat and add ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers. Allow it to steep until cool. Strain (press solids to extract all the tea). Add sweetener to taste (1 tablespoon +/-).
- sugar - I use turbinado (aka raw) sugar, but white or brown sugar is fine.
- cornstarch
🔪 Instructions
Coconut Flour-Almond Flour Pie Crust
- Preheat oven.
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Add the whisked eggs and oil to the bowl. Press into tart pans.
- Bake until golden brown.
Vanilla Pudding
- Whisk the dry ingredients together. Pour a tablespoon of milk into the dry ingredients, and stir to form a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk and egg yolk. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
Hibiscus Glaze
- Make the hibiscus tea (if you haven't).
- Bring hibiscus tea and sugar to a simmer.
- Combine cornstarch and water. Stir into the hibiscus mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Spoon into a prep bowl, and allow to cool before combining with the berries.
To Finish
- Arrange the mini tart crusts on a plate. Divide the vanilla pudding among them.
- Toss your fruit with the hibiscus pudding. Then pile it on top of the tarts. Garnish with mint chiffonade (thin sliced) as desired.
💭 Tips
My 3 inch silicone mini tart pan used up every bit of the pastry mixture. Make sure to adjust if you're using a larger size. I'm guessing, but cannot confirm, you could go with one larger tart pan as desired...
I used Camilla's Coconut Flour-Almond Flour Pie Crust from Power Hungry with no changes. Her post suggests adding a bit of sweetness if you like, but I wasn't looking for sweet. If you want to add sweetness, I suggest going with a natural sugar in dry form (coconut or raw sugar perhaps). For more on hibiscus tea: Ginger Hibiscus Martini or Mocktail.
🧂 Useful Stuff
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps to offset the costs of maintaining my blog and creating awesome content! 😊
These are few items that I recommend that are related to this recipe, and either the same brand or similar to what I use in my own kitchen!
Lastly, my husband does enjoy cooking for me on Mother's Day since our move to Texas means our sons cannot. He can handle this recipe. Our garden is really pretty this time of year, and a private meal at home in peace and quiet beats the holiday restaurant noise and wait. HANDS. DOWN.
Thanks for indulging my occasional dropping of a Spanish word. We're gearing up for our second trip to Peru, and I promised myself last year to improve my Spanish. I've been practicing daily, and sneaking it into my writing is helpful...
📖 Recipe
Gluten Free Tartlets with Berries
Ingredients
Coconut Flour-Almond Flour Pie Crust
- ½ cup coconut flower - (Bob's Red Mill!)
- ½ cup Super Fine Almond Flour - (Bob's Red Mill!)
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large eggs - whisked vigorously
- ¼ cup coconut oil, ghee, or unsalted butter - melted and cooled slightly
Vanilla Pudding
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup nut milk - divided use
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Hibiscus Pudding
- ½ cup strong hibiscus tea - (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon sugar - I use raw
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
To Finish
- 1 cup berries or other fresh fruit - (see notes)
- fresh mint - chiffonade (sliced thin)
Instructions
Coconut Flour-Almond Flour Pie Crust
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 convection).
- Whisk dry ingredients together.
- Add the whisked eggs and oil to the bowl. Combine well! Press into your tart pans.
- Prick each tart crust a couple of times to release any steam. Bake until golden brown. Set aside until you're ready to assemble the tarts and serve.
Vanilla Pudding
- Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and sea salt together in a small saucepan. Pour a tablespoon of milk into the dry ingredients, and stir to form a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk and egg yolk. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook over low heat until thickened. DO NOT BOIL. This process will take about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Cover and allow to cool completely.
Hibiscus Pudding
- Bring hibiscus tea and sugar to a simmer.
- Combine cornstarch and water. Stir into the hibiscus mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring until thickened. Spoon into a prep bowl, and allow to cool before combining with the berries.
To Finish
- Arrange the mini tart crusts on a plate. Divide the vanilla pudding among them.
- Toss your fruit with the hibiscus pudding. Then pile it on top of the tarts. Garnish with mint chiffonade (thin sliced) as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Karyl Henry says
These tarts look so good! I would probably be lazy and buy the crust pre-made 🙂 These look perfect for date night or a festive brunch
Tamara says
Yes to both! If you find the energy to make the crust, it really comes together quickly. There's no rolling and cutting, just pressing!
Michele @ Queenbeebaker says
Those tarts look like perfection on a plate! I'm definitely going to need to try this recipe and soon!
Tamara says
Thank you Michele!
Natalie says
What a pretty looking dessert. It's perfect for summer parties and afternoons served with some cold drink on a terrace. Oh yum.. now I can't wait to try this deliciousness.
Tamara says
Haha! Pretty food has a way of doing that!
Jessica Robinson says
I always love making individual desserts and these look so pretty! Such a great idea! I'm pinning for later!
Tamara says
Yay! I hope you try them!
Krisitna says
These little tarts look delicious! And I've been wanting to make something with hibiscus lately, so these may be the perfect solution.
Tamara says
The hibiscus is so lovely with the berries - tart and floral. I think you'll love it!
Jenni LeBaron says
The hibiscus glaze on these tarts makes them so unique and special. I'd love to sample some of these and they would be gorgeous at any event!
Tamara says
Thank you Jenni! They're definitely pretty and unique...
Sanna says
I love berries and these mini tarts looks so vibrant and bright, the perfect treats for spring. Love, love them.
Tamara says
I like to say we "eat with our eyes!" Thanks Sanna.
Paige says
These probably taste just as good as they look. The crust recipe looks interesting too...love this!
Tamara says
I love pretty food, but it has to taste good! The flavors in this mini-tart work really well together!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
These are absolutely gorgeous! The hibiscus glaze sounds sooooo wonderful! These would be perfect for picnic season!
Tamara says
That hibiscus glaze is a perfect complement to the fresh fruit and sweet, creamy pudding! Thanks Ashley!
Christine says
Totally going to have to make these for our Mother's Day gathering! They're so beautiful and look delicious. Love all of the fruit and flavors here!
Tamara says
Awesome Christine! I hope you enjoy them! Have a lovely Mother's Day 🙂
Andrea says
What a pretty dessert idea! The fact that is gluten free is an added bonus!
Tamara says
Thanks Andrea! I've still considering avoiding gluten in my diet, and I have friends/family with gluten intolerance, so I'm trying to include more gluten free recipes on my blog...
Michelle Blackwood says
These gluten-free tarts sound amazing, the perfect treat for Mother's day! I'm loving the hibiscus pudding and glaze!
Tamara says
Thanks Michelle! It is an interesting and unique flavor combination...
Brittany says
I absolutely love fruit tarts! Yours look so stellar. I HAVE to try these soon!
Tamara says
Give them a whirl! I think you'll love them...
Kristina says
These are the cutest little tarts! I am looking for easy Mother's Day recipes and this is definitely going on my list for brunch.
Tamara says
They're definitely a lovely addition to a Mother's Day brunch menu!
Nicole | Culinary Cool says
These looks incredible! I can't say I've ever had hibiscus in a tart before, but I think I need to rectify that, stat! And I'm loving the simplicity of the filling, I know my hubby could totally pull this off, too.
Tamara says
The hibiscus adds a lovely floral, tart note that complements the vanilla pudding really well!
Sara says
These are almost too pretty to eat. But, that glaze makes them too hard to resist I am sure! I cant wait to try this recipe for a summer party!
Tamara says
The hibiscus glaze totally makes this! The tart, floral notes work really well with the vanilla pudding and fresh berries!
Kat Jeter says
What beautiful little tarts. Those fresh berries would be perfect for a Memorial day or 4th of July party. Can't wait to try it with ripe summer berries.
Tamara says
Thanks Kat! With fresh summer berries, they'd be perfect for your party!
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
These look perfect for summer entertaining and I love the hibiscus glaze!
Tamara says
That hibiscus glaze coating fresh summer berries makes the tart!
Karyl Henry says
Oh these look so fabulous! And I love that you made mini tarts, so everyone has their own. And if you eat more than one it's okay 🙂 I like the idea that you can use your favorite fruit too
Tamara says
Thank you Karyl! I always try to suggest flexible substitutions to encourage readers to break away from recipes a bit! Use whatever fruit is fresh and in season!
Veena Azmanov says
How cool that these are gluten-free. I know someone who would love these. The hibiscus flavor sounds yum. I always have pudding at home now I need to find the hibiscus tea. So pretty!
Tamara says
It's getting easier to find quality ingredients for gluten free recipes... One would never know these are gluten free!