Coconut Cream Tarts

Coconut Cream Tarts 🥥🍰
Delight in these luscious Coconut Cream Tarts! With a buttery shortbread crust and a creamy coconut filling, they’re perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields either six individual 3-inch tarts or one large 10-inch tart.

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust:
1 1/4 cups flour 🌾
1/3 cup sugar 🍬
Pinch of salt 🧂
1/2 cup butter, cut into chunks 🧈
1 egg yolk 🥚
For the Coconut Cream:
2 cups whole milk 🥛
1/4 cup cream of coconut 🥥
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut 🥥
1/2 vanilla bean (split) 🌱
4 large egg yolks 🥚
1/4 cup sugar 🍬
1 tbsp cornstarch 🌽
Pinch of salt 🧂

For the Topping:

Whipping cream (for topping) 🍦

Instructions:

Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Process for about 10 seconds.
3️⃣ Add butter and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4️⃣ Add the egg yolk and process again until fully combined.
5️⃣ For Mini Tarts: Divide the mixture into 6 mini tart pans (3-inch). Press the dough into the molds, making the sides slightly higher than the center. Prick the dough with a fork several times. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
6️⃣ For a Large Tart: Press the mixture into a 10-inch tart pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, pricking the crust with a fork as well.
Make the Coconut Cream:
7️⃣ Split the vanilla bean lengthwise using a knife, without cutting through.
8️⃣ In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream of coconut, shredded coconut, and the vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.
9️⃣ After an hour, remove the vanilla bean.
🔟 In a mixer, beat together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thick and pale yellow.
1️⃣1️⃣ Reheat the milk mixture until hot again.
1️⃣2️⃣ Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the mixer while on medium speed.
1️⃣3️⃣ Transfer the combined mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it boils and thickens.
1️⃣4️⃣ Optionally, strain the cream through a sieve to remove shredded coconut, or leave it in for added texture. Let the coconut cream cool completely before adding it to your tarts. Stir well before using.
Prepare the Whipped Cream:
1️⃣5️⃣ Using a mixer, whip your cream until it reaches the desired consistency.
Assemble the Tarts:
1️⃣6️⃣ Once the tarts and coconut cream have cooled completely, fill the centers of the tarts with a scoop of coconut cream.
1️⃣7️⃣ Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your delicious Coconut Cream Tarts! Perfect for a tropical treat any time of the year! 🌴✨