Bite sized desserts
Sometimes, especially when the weather is hotting up (we’ve had 29c in UK this week), it’s nice to have mini individual desserts. Two things make bite sized desserts preferable over larger ones (or maybe 3); firstly, they look presentable at all times, secondly they are very easy to customise for each persons preferences and thirdly, they are easier to transport (that includes to your mouth too)!
Lemon Tart recipe
As with most of my own created recipes, this was based on a need to use up two items. We have been trying different milks recently and there were a few too many jostling for fridge space! The other item which is a fabulous product to have in the house (fridge or freezer) is ready rolled puff pastry sheets. Somehow, we managed to leave it on the shopping list for 3 weeks running, so it was definitely time to to put one to use! Search for more quick and easy puff pastry ideas using the search bar!
At least one of the other ingredients needed might surprise you, but I can assure you that once you taste these you will forget about that random addition – it really works! This dish is a vegan based custard and of course, traditional custards are made with egg yolk. I’ll leave you to read the recipe and discover the surprise ingredient!
Individual lemon custard tarts
- 3 tablespoons custard powder (or cornflour plus 1 teaspoon vanilla)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon oat milk powder (or other milk powder)
- 1 tablespoon gram flour (chickpea/garbanzo flour)
- 1 pint (568ml) milk (I used unsweetened oat)
- 1/2 lemon juice & zest (plus extra zest for decorating)
- 1 pack ready made puff pastry sheet
- *optional cream or berries to decorate
Put all the dry ingredients in a small bowl and add 3-4 large spoons of the milk. Mix to a smooth paste. (add the vanilla if using cornflour)
Tip the remaining milk into a saucepan and gently heat.
Gradually pour your mixture into the hot milk, whisking continually. The custard should start to thicken.
Add in the lemon juice and finely grate in the zest. Mix well, turn the heat off.
Cut circles from your pastry sheet and line a 12 hole bun tin (or 12 silicon cases). Using a smaller cutter (I used a miniature jam jar lid) gently make an indent in the base of each pastry case (to prevent it rising in the centre).
Fill the cases with the custard – it should fill almost all the way to the top.
Bake at Gas Mark 6 (400f / 200c) for 25 minutes. The edges of the pastry should be golden and nicely puffed!
Allow to cool before removing from their cases. Add cream and/or fruit if using and grate more zest over.
Enjoy!
What do I need?
Here are a few items you may find useful for this recipe. I may receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links (this is at no additional cost to you)!
Storing
As these are custard base, I would suggest storing them in the fridge (especially if you have warm weather). The pastry should stay nice and crisp for 3-4 days. You could also freeze them – make sure you wrap them well and label them, then defrost as needed in the fridge.
Sharing
How are you going to serve your lemon tarts? Are you serving them as they are? Adding cream? Fresh fruit? Maybe you are going to be ultra fancy and add some aquafaba meringue and make mini lemon meringue tarts? Or, are you going chocolate drizzle (ooo, I might try that next)!
As always, I love hearing about any recipes of mine you try, any ideas you adapt or suggestions you have for future recipes. Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
I hope to speak with you soon
Laurena x
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