Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These tartlets combine the rich, smooth flavor of semi-sweet chocolate with a light, fluffy vanilla filling. The fresh raspberries, blueberries, and white chocolate stars add a vibrant pop of color, making these treats as beautiful as they are delicious. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, and their individual portion sizes make them perfect for parties or family gatherings. Plus, the combination of chocolate and vanilla is always a winner!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Shells:
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
- Silicone tartlet molds or mini cupcake liners
For the Creamy Vanilla Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate stars (store-bought or homemade with a mold)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Make the Chocolate Shells
Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Spoon about a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each tartlet mold, using the back of a spoon to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Place the molds in the fridge or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Once set, gently remove the chocolate shells from the molds and arrange them on a tray.
2. Whip Up the Vanilla Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth and fluffy filling.
3. Assemble the Tartlets
Spoon or pipe the vanilla filling into each chocolate shell, filling nearly to the top. Decorate each tartlet with fresh raspberries and blueberries. Place a white chocolate star on each for a festive finish. Garnish with small mint leaves if desired.
4. Chill and Serve
Place the assembled tartlets in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing, patriotic dessert!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 tartlets
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Fruit: Feel free to swap out the berries for other fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, kiwi, or mango, to create your own variation.
- Add a Drizzle: For extra flair, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the tartlets after decorating for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Flavored Filling: For a different twist, you can flavor the filling with lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of coffee to complement the chocolate shells.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store tartlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Tartlets are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: These tartlets can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in an airtight container and freeze. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: These tartlets are best served cold and do not need to be reheated.
FAQs
Can I make the chocolate shells ahead of time?
Yes! The chocolate shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the shells?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Just be sure to adjust the melting and coating process accordingly.
Can I use store-bought tart shells instead of making chocolate shells?
Yes, you can use store-bought tart shells if you prefer a shortcut, but the homemade chocolate shells add a rich flavor and make the tartlets even more special.
How do I make sure the vanilla filling is smooth?
Be sure to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy before adding the powdered sugar. Folding the whipped cream in gently helps maintain the light texture of the filling.
Can I decorate the tartlets with other toppings?
Yes! You can get creative with the toppings—try adding edible glitter, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of fruit syrup for a delicious and colorful twist.
Conclusion
Patriotic Chocolate Tartlets are the perfect dessert for your 4th of July celebration or any summer gathering. With their creamy vanilla filling, rich chocolate shells, and fresh, colorful toppings, they’re a visually stunning and delicious way to show your patriotic spirit. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing, these tartlets will be a hit at any party or get-together. Make them ahead of time, chill, and enjoy a refreshing and festive treat!
Patriotic Chocolate Tartlets Recipe
Patriotic Chocolate Tartlets are a delicious and festive dessert featuring rich chocolate shells filled with creamy vanilla filling and topped with fresh berries and white chocolate stars. Perfect for the 4th of July or any summer celebration, these tartlets are visually stunning and incredibly easy to make.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 tartlets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
Silicone tartlet molds or mini cupcake liners
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Fresh blueberries
Fresh raspberries
White chocolate stars (store-bought or homemade with a mold)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Shells: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Spoon about a tablespoon of melted chocolate into each tartlet mold, using the back of a spoon to evenly coat the bottom and sides. Place the molds in the fridge or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes until the chocolate firms up. Once set, gently remove the chocolate shells from the molds and arrange them on a tray.
- Whip Up the Vanilla Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a smooth and fluffy filling.
- Assemble the Tartlets: Spoon or pipe the vanilla filling into each chocolate shell, filling nearly to the top. Decorate each tartlet with fresh raspberries and blueberries. Place a white chocolate star on each for a festive finish. Garnish with small mint leaves if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Place the assembled tartlets in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for a refreshing, patriotic dessert!
Notes
Chocolate shells can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
If you prefer a different chocolate, feel free to use milk, dark, or white chocolate for the shells.
For a unique twist, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the tartlets or add edible glitter for extra sparkle.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tartlet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg