I notice a connection between tarts and Australia Day in my house. Whether simple or complicated, I seem to be making a tart/tartlets every year on this holiday. I think its because tarts are a great way of serving and eating summer fruits. Last year I made an Ice Cream Tart with an Anzac crust and was pleased with myself for coming up with a make-ahead dessert that took away a lot of stress from my lunch menu. This year I wasn’t as planned or organised after returning from my holiday so I decided to keep things really simple and make these Chocolate cream tartlets.
Using store bought tart shells, I filled them up with a chocolate whipped cream first thing in the morning. They were in the refrigerator until lunch time and I added cherries and raspberries just before serving along with a sprinkling of finely chopped almonds and pistachios. I was surprised that they went down a treat. To be honest I was feeling guilty and expecting everyone to be disappointed that there wasn’t something more exotic on the table. There were cupcakes too that I’ll post next but then again cupcakes are not considered dessert at my place.
These tartlets are not just simple to put together, but also egg free and no bake.
Well, I love Australia Day for many reasons! This is a country I have been in love with since the day I stepped foot into it. It is also the first holiday of the year and right in the middle of a spectacular Australian Summer. In recent times, this day stands as a reminder that it’s time to get ready for school, holidays are officially over and the little munchkins will be on their way to another New Year filled with exciting adventures. So school reopened today! Yay…I have the house to myself…yet this empty feeling.
Will I ever outgrow this feeling in the years to come…I wonder!
Chocolate Cream Tartlets (chocolate cream adapted from Joy of Baking)
Serves 6
6 small tart shells (store bought)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 – 4 tablespoons castor sugar (or as per taste)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Dutch processed)
1 cup cold whipping cream
fresh raspberries, cherries, grapes or other fruits
finely sliced pistachios and almonds, to dust
Place your mixing bowl and wire whisk in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes. Place the vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and cocoa powder in the cold bowl. Stir in about 2 tablespoons of the cream to form a thick paste (this will dissolve the cocoa powder).
Then add the rest of the cream and beat just until stiff peaks form. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate. Makes about 2 cups (480 ml) whipped cream.
Fill up the tart shells by using a spoon or by piping the cream into it. Store in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve with berries, cherries and stone fruits. Sprinkle with nuts.
These are gorgeous!
Thanks Tieghan! So glad you liked them.
Dearest Sonali, your photos are JUST BEAUTIFUL, breathtaking and inspiring. I look forward always to your shares! My goodness, when I found you, I found a treasure. THANK YOU for this lovely recipe!! Anita Rivera
I can say the same thing about you, my lovely friend. Your words are so wonderful and you IG is feed is breathtakingly beautiful. I wish I had more time to browse through them every day. Thanks so much!
Oh, my! They are gorgeous and so easy to prepare… One can whip them up in a few minutes yet impress everyone — especially those unexpected visitors. 😉
True Denise! At times short cuts are so welcome. Thanks my lovely!
I love all the fruit you used in with the chocolate too! So delicious!
Yes…SUMMERRY, right? I love summer and those reds. Thanks Katrina!
Love this recipe Sonali! I love how simple it is and how gorgeous it looks. I hear you on the yay! house to myself and yet the oh how empty it feels. I don’t think it will ever go away with me.
Thanks dear Rakhee! Motherhood is funny but sweet:-)
They are simply gorgeous my friend. It is simple, but simply stunning and so yum.
The empty house feel, I do not like that at all.
Hugs my dear.
Hugs back to you dear Asha! Thanks for stopping by.
I love the eggless and no bake part. Only after the stunning pictures though. Kids grow up very fast and before you know you are an empty nester. Enjoy your time…
Ah…I can imagine! I enjoy baking but sometimes it’s great to have quick recipes at hand. Thanks my friend:-)
These are so gorgeous, Sonali. Your photos are always so impressive and inspiring! Happy Australia Day!
That’s so sweet of you Liz. Thanks lovely!
Love the vibrant colors, which is just the contrast I need right now in the sea of grays and white right now outside my window. Happy Australia Day! I’m glad your celebration included chocolate. Looks delicious!
Enjoy the snow Monica. I am not sure if I’ll see some anytime soon. Thanks so much.
Simple as they are, these tarts look amazing! Especially with all that beautiful fresh fruit 🙂 Looks perfect to celebrate Australia day!
Summer fruit is just so attractive. Thanks so much June.
Simple is delicious sometimes, and they do not look like a fast way out, just stunning. happy belated Australia Day!
Thanks very much Evelyne! They were really delicious.
OMG these look absolutely AMAZING! Although, I have to say I am freaking jealous that you’re where there’s fresh fruit. The only fruit here has gone limp with depression…
Also, your photos are absolutely stunning!
Hahaha…We’ll be moving into Autumn in less than a month and swapping weather with the northern hemisphere. Thanks very much for stopping by Anne.
Nice images . Thanks for sharing.
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I love how gorgeous and simple these are!
I can’t stop staring at your photographs and how amazing they would taste! Seriously!
Just beautiful, very nice images. Thanks