Milky Way Tartlets Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a dessert that is both dazzling and delicious, these Milky Way Tartlets are exactly what your sweet tooth has been craving. Decadent, rich, and beautifully layered, these tartlets bring together buttery, crisp shells with a luscious caramel center topped by a velvety dark chocolate ganache. The name “Milky Way Tartlets” perfectly captures their celestial appeal, making them ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a moment of homemade luxury. Once you make these, they are sure to become a favorite treat to share during cozy nights or special celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Milky Way Tartlets lies in their simple yet finely balanced ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery crust that cradles the decadent filling, to the silky caramel and ganache that create layers of irresistible flavor and texture.

• 100g butter (cold, cubed): This brings richness and helps create a tender, flaky tart crust.
• 70g powdered sugar: Offers gentle sweetness to the dough without overpowering.
• 30g egg: Acts as a binder for perfect dough consistency.
• 200g all-purpose flour: The base of the tart shell, giving structure and a delicate crumb.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
• 150g sugar: Essential for caramelizing and creating that rich, amber caramel layer.
• 100ml heavy cream (for caramel): Adds creaminess and smoothness to the caramel filling.
• 40g butter: Enriches the caramel with a silky finish.
• Pinch of salt (for caramel): Gives that perfect salty-sweet balance.
• 150g dark chocolate: For a decadent ganache with deep, bittersweet notes.
• 100ml heavy cream (for ganache): Creates a luscious and smooth chocolate topping.
• Gold dust or flakes (optional): Adds a magical and dazzling cosmic touch to the finished tartlets.

How to Make Milky Way Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell Dough

Start by combining cold, cubed butter with powdered sugar in a bowl. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs—this is the key to a tender crust. Add the egg and a pinch of salt, then fold in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Avoid overworking it to keep the crust flaky. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which helps it hold its shape when baking.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Tart Shells

Once chilled, press the dough evenly into your tartlet molds or mini tart pans, making sure to gently push it up the sides for full coverage. Prick the bottoms lightly with a fork to prevent bubbles and bake them at 170°C (340°F) until they turn golden and crisp—about 15-20 minutes. Let them cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Make the Luscious Caramel Filling

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches an amber color. Carefully and slowly add the warm heavy cream — it will bubble vigorously, so proceed with caution. Stir continuously to combine, then whisk in the butter and a pinch of salt until the caramel is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring into the cooled tart shells. Chill the caramel-filled shells to set the filling firmly.

Step 4: Create the Silky Chocolate Ganache

Heat the remaining heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then stir gently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Spoon the ganache evenly over the chilled caramel layer. Refrigerate the assembled tartlets until the ganache is set but still soft to the touch.

How to Serve Milky Way Tartlets

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle edible gold dust or gold flakes on top of the chilled ganache for an awe-inspiring cosmic glow. This little touch turns these tartlets into a show-stopping dessert and makes them perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These Milky Way Tartlets pair wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries, whose brightness cuts through the richness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can also bring extra creaminess and balance as you enjoy each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these tartlets on a dark slate platter to make the gold garnishes pop. You can also arrange them alongside star-shaped cookies or sprinkle a little cocoa powder around the plate for an artistic galaxy effect that’s sure to delight your guests visually as well as on the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Milky Way Tartlets keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the caramel and ganache layers fresh and luscious—just bring to room temperature slightly before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the tart shells alone before adding fillings if you want to prep in advance. Freeze wrapped tightly for up to a month. After thawing, fill with caramel and ganache just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.

Reheating

Because of the delicate caramel and ganache layers, reheating is best done gently at room temperature rather than heat. Let the tartlets sit out for 20 minutes to soften slightly; avoid microwaving as it may separate the layers.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

You absolutely can. Milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier ganache that some may prefer, but it’s important to adjust the sweetness in the caramel layer slightly to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t have tartlet molds—can I use a regular muffin pan?

A regular muffin pan can work in a pinch. Just ensure to press the dough evenly and use cupcake liners or non-stick spray for easier removal. Keep an eye on baking time, as it might differ slightly.

How important is chilling the dough and the filled tartlets?

Chilling is key to ensuring the dough firms up for a crisp crust and that the caramel sets well inside the shell. Skipping chill time may result in misshapen shells or runny filling.

Can I substitute heavy cream with something else?

Heavy cream is ideal for its fat content and smoothness, but for a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk can be used. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, with a mild coconut note.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Expect slightly different texture in the crust, but the overall result will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making and sharing these Milky Way Tartlets. With their celestial layers of buttery crust, luscious caramel, and silky chocolate ganache, they offer a dreamy dessert experience that feels both special and approachable. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just discover your new go-to treat for impressing friends or enjoying a delicious escape from the everyday.

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