These Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts are delightful bite-sized desserts that combine a buttery shortcrust pastry with rich chocolate, fresh strawberry compote, and a topping of dairy-free whipped cream. Perfect for spring and summer occasions, they offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

1¼ cups (160g) plain flour
½ cup (115g) vegan block butter, cold and cubed
2 tablespoons (25g) caster sugar
2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the Chocolate Layer:

4 tablespoons vegan chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate

For the Strawberry Compote:

1½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
2 tablespoons caster sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

½ cup (120ml) dairy-free whipping cream
Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Pastry:
- In a bowl, combine plain flour and caster sugar. Add the cold, cubed vegan butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Bake the Tart Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out circles slightly larger than your mini tart tins and press the dough into the tins, trimming any excess. Prick the bases with a fork.
- Place a small piece of parchment paper into each tart shell and fill with baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Compote:
- In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, caster sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Assemble the Tarts:
- Once the tart shells are cooled, spread a tablespoon of vegan chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate at the base of each shell.
- Spoon the cooled strawberry compote over the chocolate layer, filling each tart shell.
Whip the Cream and Garnish:
- Whip the dairy-free cream until soft peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle.
- Pipe the whipped cream onto each tart in a decorative pattern and garnish with fresh strawberry slices.

Nutrients

Per serving (1 mini tart, assuming 8 tarts total):

Calories: 220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g

A Delectable Pastry Base

The foundation of any great tart lies in its pastry. In this recipe, the shortcrust pastry is made with vegan butter, which gives it a rich, flaky texture that pairs wonderfully with the creamy chocolate and fruity strawberry compote. Unlike traditional pastry recipes that use dairy butter, this version uses cold, cubed vegan butter, ensuring that it remains light and flaky while being completely dairy-free.

The addition of caster sugar helps to give the pastry a slightly sweet flavor, which complements the other elements of the tart without overwhelming them. The dough is simple to make and requires minimal effort—just rub the butter into the flour and gradually add cold water until the mixture comes together. After chilling the dough for 30 minutes, it is rolled out and baked into mini tart shells, which create a perfect base for the luscious fillings to come.

The Rich Chocolate Layer

One of the standout elements of these Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts is the rich chocolate layer. The chocolate layer, made with vegan chocolate ganache or melted dark chocolate, provides a smooth, decadent contrast to the tartness of the strawberry compote. This layer not only enhances the overall flavor of the tarts but also helps to create a barrier between the pastry and the compote, preventing the crust from becoming soggy.

Vegan chocolate ganache is an excellent choice for this recipe as it adds a silky, luxurious texture to the tarts while being fully plant-based. If preferred, dark chocolate can be used instead, as it brings an extra depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.

Fresh and Flavorful Strawberry Compote

At the heart of these mini tarts is a vibrant strawberry compote, made with fresh strawberries, caster sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The strawberries are gently cooked down with sugar and lemon juice, creating a sweet and tangy filling that adds brightness and freshness to each bite. The cornstarch helps to thicken the mixture, ensuring that the compote holds its shape within the tart shell without being too runny.

The combination of the sweet strawberries and the hint of lemon juice creates a balanced flavor profile, adding both freshness and depth to the tarts. As the strawberries break down during cooking, their natural juices are released, creating a luscious, jam-like filling that provides the perfect contrast to the creamy chocolate layer beneath.

Whipped Cream Topping: Light and Airy

To complete these Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts, a topping of dairy-free whipped cream is piped onto each tart. The whipped cream provides a light, airy texture that complements the denser chocolate and strawberry layers, creating a well-rounded dessert experience. Whipping the dairy-free cream until soft peaks form ensures a fluffy texture that holds its shape when piped onto the tarts.

The whipped cream is not only a textural contrast but also an opportunity for additional flavor. The whipped cream can be lightly sweetened or flavored with vanilla, enhancing the overall richness of the tarts without overwhelming the other ingredients. The fresh strawberry slices, placed on top of the whipped cream, provide a refreshing and colorful garnish that ties together the flavors and adds a beautiful visual element.

Perfect for Spring and Summer Occasions

Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts are the perfect dessert for any spring or summer gathering. Their vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make them ideal for events like garden parties, birthday celebrations, or holiday feasts. The individual portions also make them easy to serve at potlucks or picnics, where everyone can enjoy a personal-sized treat.

The use of fresh strawberries adds a seasonal touch, making these tarts a great way to showcase the best of spring and summer produce. The tangy strawberry compote pairs beautifully with the creamy chocolate and the lightness of the whipped cream, offering a delightful combination of flavors that guests are sure to enjoy.

Vegan-Friendly and Dairy-Free

For those who follow a vegan lifestyle or have dairy intolerances, these Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts are a perfect dessert option. The use of plant-based ingredients ensures that the tarts are both dairy-free and vegan-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy a delicious treat without any dietary concerns. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to adapt to various dietary needs, and with its rich flavors and textures, it’s sure to satisfy even those who don’t follow a plant-based diet.

The combination of vegan butter, dairy-free whipped cream, and plant-based chocolate ensures that these tarts are indulgent and satisfying while still being completely free from animal products. Whether you’re hosting a vegan dinner party or simply seeking a healthier dessert option, these mini tarts offer a sweet solution that everyone can enjoy.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert

In conclusion, these Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts are a delightful and decadent treat that combines all the best elements of a classic dessert—rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and a light, buttery crust. The layers of chocolate, strawberry compote, and whipped cream create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for more. Not only are these tarts incredibly delicious, but they are also versatile, vegan-friendly, and perfect for a wide range of occasions.

The simple yet elegant presentation of these tarts makes them a great centerpiece for any dessert table, while their bite-sized nature ensures that guests can enjoy a little sweetness without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, these Mini Vegan Strawberry Tarts are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Their fresh, seasonal flavors and delightful textures make them an ideal choice for spring and summer, ensuring that every bite is as refreshing as it is satisfying.

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