This recipe is for delightful key lime tartlets, a classic dessert with a twist. The combination of tart key lime juice with sweet condensed milk and a flaky phyllo dough shell make this a crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect bite-sized treat for any occasion.
While most of the ingredients for key lime tartlets are commonly found in your pantry, the key limes might require a trip to the supermarket. These limes are smaller and more aromatic than regular limes, and are a crucial component of this recipe. If you can't find key limes, you can substitute with regular limes.
Key Lime Tartlets Ingredients
Mini phyllo tarts: These are mini pre-baked pastry shells that you can fill with the key lime mixture. They provide a light and flaky contrast to the creamy filling.
Condensed milk: This is sweetened and thickened milk that gives the tartlets their sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the tart, refreshing flavor that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk.
Sugar: A bit of extra sugar enhances the sweetness of the tartlets.
Egg yolks: These are used to create a rich, creamy custard for the filling.
Whipped cream: This is used as a topping to add a light and fluffy element to the tartlets.
Key limes: These small, aromatic limes are the star of the recipe. Their unique flavor is what makes key lime tartlets stand out.
One reader, Franciska Shah says:
The key lime tartlets recipe was a delightful surprise! The tangy lime flavor perfectly balanced the sweetness, and the mini phyllo tarts added a lovely crunch. It was a hit at my party, and everyone asked for the recipe. I'll definitely be making these again!
Techniques for Perfect Key Lime Tartlets
How to prepare the mini phyllo tarts: Ensure the phyllo tarts are thawed and ready to use before starting the recipe.
How to zest key limes: Use a zester or fine grater to remove the outer green skin of the key limes, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.
How to whip cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over-whip.
How to know when the custard has set: The custard is set when it no longer jiggles in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
How to garnish with key lime coins: Slice the key limes into thin rounds and use them to decorate the top of the tartlets after adding the whipped cream.
How To Make Key Lime Tartlets
Enjoy a bite of these small yet zesty, adorable, and tasty key lime tartlets that will surely and easily become a crowd favorite!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3pkgmini phyllo tarts,frozen
- 14ozcondensed milk,sweetened, 1 can
- ½cuplime juice,fresh, plus zest from two limes
- 2tbspsugar,powdered
- 4egg yolks
- 2cupswhipped cream,to garnish
- 10key limes,sliced into thin coins, to garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks until blended. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, sugar, and lime zest. Whisk together until smooth and blended.
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Spoon the batter into mini-tarts so that they are nearly overflowing. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the custard has set.
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Remove and let cool to room temperature. Top with whipped cream and key lime coins.
Recipe Notes
This recipe makes a lot of custard, so feel free to use 2 packages of phyllo tarts and then use the leftover custard to make a small batch of plain custard or an extra medium-sized tart. Or use 3 packages to make even more little tartlets.
Nutrition
- Calories: 126.04kcal
- Fat: 3.31g
- Saturated Fat: 1.36g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.37g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.36g
- Carbohydrates: 21.55g
- Fiber: 0.93g
- Sugar: 5.92g
- Protein: 2.98g
- Cholesterol: 18.01mg
- Sodium: 141.15mg
- Calcium: 37.51mg
- Potassium: 76.02mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 16.45µg
- Vitamin C: 5.37mg
Crucial Technique for Mastering Key Lime Tartlets
When zesting the key limes, make sure to only grate the green part of the skin. The white part underneath, known as the pith, is bitter and can negatively affect the flavor of your tartlets. Using a microplane grater can help you achieve a fine zest without reaching the pith.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Key Lime Tartlets
Prep ahead: Prepare the condensed milk and lime juice mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of baking.
Use store-bought tarts: To save time, consider using pre-made mini phyllo tarts instead of making the tart shells from scratch.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and utensils needed for the recipe. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.
Multi-task: While the tartlets are baking, use that time to prepare the whipped cream and slice the key limes for garnish.
Chill the tarts: Once the tartlets are assembled, chill them in the refrigerator to help set the filling faster.
Substitute Ingredients For Key Lime Tartlets Recipe
mini phyllo tarts - Substitute with graham cracker crust: Graham cracker crust can be used as a substitute for the phyllo tarts to provide a crunchy, sweet base for the tartlets.
condensed milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to condensed milk, adding a rich and creamy texture to the filling.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice to provide a similar citrusy flavor with a slightly different tanginess.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener instead of sugar, adding a unique flavor profile to the tartlets.
egg yolks - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be used as a substitute for egg yolks to provide a creamy texture and binding properties in the filling.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to regular whipped cream, adding a luscious and creamy topping to the tartlets.
key limes - Substitute with regular limes: Regular limes can be used as a substitute for key limes, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the tartlets.
Presentation Ideas for Key Lime Tartlets
Elevate the tartlets: Arrange the mini phyllo tarts on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with precision: Carefully place a dollop of whipped cream on top of each tartlet using a piping bag, ensuring it is perfectly centered and not overpowering the tartlet.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Add thin slices of key lime coins on top of the whipped cream, creating a visually stunning and vibrant presentation that showcases the key lime flavor.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the tartlets in a triangular formation on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and creating an aesthetically pleasing display.
Utilize negative space: Leave some empty space on the plate to allow the tartlets to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation.
Add a touch of elegance: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar to add a subtle touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
Consider the plate shape: Choose a plate with a slightly raised edge to contain the tartlets and their toppings, creating a visually appealing frame for the dessert.
Emphasize the freshness: Place a small, whole key lime near the tartlets to emphasize the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients in the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Tartlets
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or doughs.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, incorporating air into mixtures, and emulsifying.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is a tool specifically designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges.
Zester: A zester is a kitchen tool used to remove the outermost layer of citrus fruits, creating zest that adds flavor to dishes.
Mini tart pan: A mini tart pan is a specialized baking tool used to create individual tartlets or mini pies.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food items.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, and turning food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is a cooking utensil used to spread butter, oil, or glazes onto food items.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is a metal grid used to cool baked goods by allowing air to circulate around them.
Storing and Freezing Key Lime Tartlets
- Let the key lime tartlets cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the tartlets in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the key lime tartlets:
- Place the cooled tartlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other.
- Freeze the tartlets until they are firm, about 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the tartlets to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen key lime tartlets will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw frozen tartlets, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
- For best results, add the whipped cream topping just before serving, as it may not hold up well during storage or freezing.
- If you notice any condensation on the tartlets after thawing, gently blot them with a paper towel before topping with whipped cream and serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Key Lime Tartlets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the key lime tartlets on a baking sheet and heat them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method helps to restore the crispness of the phyllo tarts while gently warming the lime custard filling.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can microwave the tartlets. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 15-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the filling to become rubbery.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat the tartlets in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the tartlets in the basket. Heat them for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed to your liking. This method helps to maintain the crispness of the phyllo tarts while quickly reheating the filling.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the key lime tartlets. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tartlets on the wire rack. Heat them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method provides a nice balance of crispness and warmth.
For a more indulgent treat, you can top the reheated tartlets with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of lime zest. This adds a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, elevating the overall experience of enjoying your leftover key lime tartlets.
Interesting Facts About Key Lime Tartlets
The key lime tartlets recipe is a popular dessert that originated in the Florida Keys. It is believed that the dessert was created in the early 20th century, and it quickly became a signature dish of the region. The tartness of the key limes combined with the sweetness of the condensed milk creates a unique and refreshing flavor. The dessert is often garnished with whipped cream and key lime coins, adding a beautiful and delicious touch to the presentation. Key lime tartlets are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the tropical Florida Keys.
Is Making Key Lime Tartlets at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this key lime tartlets recipe largely depends on the availability and price of key limes and whipped cream. While condensed milk and eggs are generally affordable, the cost of key limes can vary. Considering the small portion size and the need for only a few key ingredients, this recipe could be considered cost-effective for a special occasion or a small gathering. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Key Lime Tartlets Healthy or Unhealthy?
The key lime tartlets recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe uses condensed milk, which is high in sugar and calories
- The tartlets are made with phyllo pastry, which is high in fat and calories
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of sugar, in addition to the sweetness from the condensed milk
- The topping is whipped cream, which is high in fat and calories
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- Key limes are a good source of vitamin C
- Egg yolks contain nutrients like choline, vitamin D, and iron
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the condensed milk with a lower-calorie alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or a mixture of low-fat milk and cornstarch
- Use a whole wheat or nut-based crust instead of phyllo pastry to increase fiber and reduce calories
- Reduce the amount of added sugar, or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
- Top the tartlets with a lighter option, such as low-fat whipped topping or Greek yogurt flavored with lime zest
- Incorporate more key lime zest into the filling to boost the lime flavor without adding calories
- Serve the tartlets with fresh berries, which provide additional fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Editor's Opinion on Key Lime Tartlets
This key lime tartlets recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. The use of mini phyllo tarts adds a delightful crunch to the creamy and zesty filling. The balance of condensed milk, lime juice, and sugar creates a luscious custard with a refreshing citrus kick. The addition of whipped cream and key lime coins on top adds a beautiful finish to these tartlets. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect bite-sized treat that is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
Enhance Your Key Lime Tartlets Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delightful Alternatives to Key Lime Tartlets
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Key Lime Tartlets
Why trust this Key Lime Tartlets Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its use of fresh key limes and the perfect balance of sweetness from condensed milk and sugar. The combination of zesty lime juice and creamy whipped cream creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of phyllo tarts adds a delightful crunch to complement the smooth and tangy filling. With the expertise of a culinary genius, these tartlets promise to deliver a burst of refreshing citrus flavor in every bite.
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