Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a delightful treat combining sweet almond filling and rich raspberry jam, making them perfect for afternoon tea or special occasions. These tarts not only showcase the traditional British dessert culture but also allow for creativity in presentation and flavor. With their golden crust and comforting taste, they’re sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Follow: This recipe breaks down each step, ensuring that even novice bakers can create delicious results.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for various occasions like birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with tea.
• Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of almond extract and raspberry jam creates a unique and satisfying taste.
• Impressive Presentation: These tarts look beautiful on any dessert table, making them a great choice for entertaining.
• Fun to Make: Involve family or friends in the baking process for a fun and enjoyable experience.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make all the difference when preparing Mary Berry Congress Tarts. Below are essential items you will need to create these delightful pastries.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Cupcake tin
• Baking parchment
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients evenly, ensuring a consistent dough.
• Rolling pin: This tool is crucial for rolling out the pastry to an even thickness, allowing for uniform cooking.
• Cupcake tin: Using a cupcake tin provides the perfect shape for your tarts, helping them maintain structure while baking.

Ingredients

To prepare Mary Berry Congress Tarts, gather the following ingredients:

For the Pastry

• 275g plain flour (2 cups)
• 125g unsalted butter (cold, cubed) (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1-2 tbsp cold water

For the Filling

• 12-14 tsp seedless raspberry jam
• 60g caster sugar (1/3 cup)
• 60g unsalted butter (softened) (1/4 cup)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 60g ground almonds (2/3 cup)
• 30g plain flour (3 ½ tbsp)
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Flaked almonds

How to Make Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry

1. Blitz the plain flour and unsalted butter (cold) in a mixing bowl until crumbly.
2. Mix in the sugar, egg, and cold water to form a smooth dough.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In another mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter (for filling) and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the beaten egg, followed by the almond extract, mixing well.
3. Fold in the dry ingredients: ground almonds, plain flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface to about 5mm thick.
3. Cut circles from the pastry using a round cutter and line your cupcake tin with these circles.
4. Prick the bases of each pastry circle with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.
5. Place about 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each pastry base followed by spoonfuls of almond filling on top.
6. Sprinkle flaked almonds over each tart before placing them in the oven.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Mary Berry Congress Tarts as a delightful addition to any dessert table!

How to Serve Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Serving Mary Berry Congress Tarts can elevate any gathering or special occasion. These delightful treats are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert buffets, or as a sweet ending to a meal. Here are some creative ways to present them.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a burst of color and flavor. The tartness complements the sweetness of the tarts beautifully.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. You can also sprinkle a little vanilla extract into the cream for extra flavor.

Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream

• For a warm dessert experience, serve these tarts with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm filling.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the tarts adds an indulgent touch. Use dark chocolate for a sophisticated flavor that pairs well with the almond filling.

Garnished with Mint Leaves

• Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of green but also provide a refreshing taste that balances the sweetness of the tarts.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Congress Tarts

To ensure your Mary Berry Congress Tarts turn out flawlessly, follow these helpful tips. Each step can make a significant difference in texture and taste.

• Use cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are cold before starting to maintain the pastry’s flakiness.
• Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent shrinking during baking.
• Don’t overfill: When adding jam and almond filling, be careful not to overfill each tart shell. This prevents spilling and ensures even baking.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the tarts while baking; they should be golden brown on top but not overbaked.
• Cool properly: Allow the tarts to cool on a wire rack before serving to maintain their structure and prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Congress Tarts

While Mary Berry Congress Tarts are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Cheese Platter: Mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a savory counterpoint to sweet desserts.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit makes for an excellent contrast in textures.
4. Tea Selection: A variety of herbal or black teas can enhance the overall dining experience, perfect during afternoon tea.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Provide an interactive element where guests can dip fruits or leftover tart pieces into melted chocolate.
6. Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones can create a delightful contrast to sweet pastries, making your spread more diverse.
7. Custard Sauce: A warm vanilla custard served alongside adds richness and warmth that pairs well with the tarts.
8. Nut Mixes: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunchy bites that contrast nicely with soft pastries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mary Berry Congress Tarts can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls will help ensure success.

• Boldly measure ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistencies in texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Boldly chill your dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in a soggy crust. Ensure you refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
• Boldly preheat your oven: Failing to preheat your oven properly can affect baking time and result in uneven tarts. Always preheat at least 15 minutes prior to baking.
• Boldly use fresh ingredients: Using old or stale ingredients can compromise taste. Check your butter, eggs, and baking powder for freshness.
• Boldly avoid overfilling: Overfilling the tarts with jam or almond filling may cause spills during baking. Use the recommended amounts for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mary Berry Congress Tarts in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Reheating Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F, place tarts on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place tarts in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for approximately 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Mary Berry Congress Tarts that might help clarify any doubts.

What are Mary Berry Congress Tarts?

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are traditional British desserts featuring a sweet pastry filled with raspberry jam and almond filling topped with flaked almonds.

How do I customize my Mary Berry Congress Tarts?

You can customize them by adding different jams or using other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts instead of almonds.

Can I make these tarts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free blend to make Mary Berry Congress Tarts suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

How long do Mary Berry Congress Tarts last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they last up to 3 days. If frozen, they remain good for about 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various fillings or toppings based on your preference. Try your hand at making these delightful treats today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Mary Berry Congress Tarts

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Mary Berry Congress Tarts, a classic British dessert that combines a rich almond filling with the sweetness of raspberry jam. These tarts feature a buttery, golden crust that perfectly complements their fruity center, making them an ideal treat for afternoon tea or special gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create impressive pastries that are sure to wow your guests. With their beautiful presentation and satisfying flavor, these tarts are not just desserts; they are a celebration of traditional British baking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 275g plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 large egg
• 12–14 tsp seedless raspberry jam
• 60g caster sugar
• 60g unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large beaten egg
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 60g ground almonds
• 30g plain flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Flaked almonds for topping

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Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the pastry by combining plain flour and cold butter until crumbly. Mix in sugar, egg, and cold water to form dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. 2. For the filling, cream softened butter with caster sugar until fluffy. Add the beaten egg and almond extract, mixing well. Fold in ground almonds, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Roll out chilled pastry and cut circles to line cupcake tins. Prick bases with a fork.
4. 4. Spoon raspberry jam into each shell followed by almond filling and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
5. 5. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg