Chocolate Tartlets with Vanilla Custard

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Chocolate Tartlets with Vanilla Custard

Making these chocolate tartlets with vanilla custard requires a few steps, but it’s a relatively simple process that results in a stunning dessert. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Tartlet Crusts

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the Egg Yolk and Water: Mix in the egg yolk and add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. You may not need the full 2 tablespoons of water, so start with 1 tablespoon and see if it’s enough.
4. Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and wrap it up. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
5. Roll Out and Shape: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut the dough into circles slightly larger than your tartlet pans. Gently press the dough into the pans and trim any excess. If the dough tears, patch it up with the scraps.
6. Blind Bake the Crusts: To prevent the crusts from puffing up during baking, place a piece of parchment paper inside each tart pan and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the crust is fully set. Let the tartlet shells cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Custard Filling

1. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and add both the seeds and the pod to the milk mixture. (Alternatively, you can add vanilla extract later if using.)
2. Whisk Egg Yolks and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cornstarch until smooth.
3. Temper the Eggs: Once the milk is hot but not boiling (about 180°F), slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This process is called tempering and helps prevent the eggs from scrambling.
4. Combine and Thicken: Gradually pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the custard thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and discard the vanilla bean pod (if using). Stir in the butter and salt, and if you’re using vanilla extract, add it now. Let the custard cool for about 15 minutes before transferring it to the cooled tartlet shells.

Step 3: Assemble the Tartlets

1. Fill the Crusts: Spoon the cooled vanilla custard into the chocolate tartlet shells, filling them almost to the top. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Chill: Place the tartlets in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the tartlets are set and ready to serve, you can garnish them with a variety of toppings like whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder. These chocolate tartlets with vanilla custard are best enjoyed chilled, and they make for a beautiful, elegant finish to any meal.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Tartlets with Vanilla Custard are an exquisite dessert that’s sure to steal the show at any gathering. With their buttery chocolate crust, creamy vanilla custard filling, and elegant presentation, these tartlets are the perfect indulgence for any occasion. They might look complicated, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find that they’re surprisingly simple to prepare.

So, whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a special dinner, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, these tartlets are a delightful way to savor the rich flavors of chocolate and vanilla in one perfect bite.