Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a delightful British dessert that seamlessly blend sweet and nutty flavors. These tarts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a charming afternoon tea or a festive gathering. Their unique combination of buttery pastry and rich almond filling makes them a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of raspberry jam and almond creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a dessert or served during tea time with friends.
• Impressive Presentation: The golden tops and flaked almonds provide an attractive finish.
• Ideal for Sharing: With 12 servings, these tarts are great for gatherings or family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Mary Berry Congress Tarts, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cupcake tin
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Electric mixer
• Baking parchment

Importance of Each Tool

• Cupcake tin: Essential for shaping the tarts perfectly and ensuring even baking.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, providing a light texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve an even thickness in your pastry for consistent cooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Mary Berry Congress Tarts:

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 cold butter together in a food processor until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add in the sugar, egg, and enough cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar.
2. Beat in one large egg, followed by the almond extract.
3. Gently fold in the ground almonds, additional plain flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Tarts

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F.
2. Roll out your chilled pastry on a floured surface until about 0.5 cm thick.
3. Cut out circles that fit into your cupcake tin and line each cup with pastry.
4. Prick the bases with a fork to prevent bubbling, then add a teaspoon of raspberry jam into each cup.
5. Spoon over the almond filling until just full.
6. Top each tart with flaked almonds for added crunch.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
2. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Mary Berry Congress Tarts!

How to Serve Mary Berry Congress Tarts

These delightful Mary Berry Congress Tarts are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavors.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Serve alongside a mix of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tarts.

Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream

• A light dollop of whipped cream can add a creamy texture that complements the tart’s fruitiness beautifully.

Enjoy with Vanilla Ice Cream

• The warm tarts served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream create a deliciously indulgent dessert experience.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• A drizzle of rich chocolate sauce over the tarts can elevate their flavor profile and make them even more decadent.

Serve at Afternoon Tea

• These tarts are an excellent addition to any afternoon tea spread, offering guests a delightful treat alongside other pastries and sandwiches.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Congress Tarts

To ensure your Mary Berry Congress Tarts turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and water helps create a flaky pastry texture that will hold up well during baking.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the pastry dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps it relax, making it easier to roll out.
• Roll evenly: Aim for an even thickness when rolling out the pastry. This ensures that all tarts bake uniformly.
• Don’t overfill: When adding jam and almond filling, avoid overfilling to prevent spills during baking.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the tarts as they bake. They should be golden brown but not overly dark.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the tarts.
2. Light Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, can create an interesting flavor pairing.
4. Scones with Jam: Traditional scones served with fruit preserves can enhance your afternoon tea experience.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats can be a delightful addition that echoes the flavors in the tarts.
6. Spiced Nuts: A bowl of roasted spiced nuts offers a crunchy texture and savory element that balances sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mary Berry Congress Tarts can be a delightful experience, but certain pitfalls can ruin your efforts. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect dough consistency: If your dough is too dry or too wet, the pastry will not hold its shape. Ensure you add the right amount of cold water gradually until the dough comes together.

• Overmixing the filling: Mixing the almond filling too much can make it tough. Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture.

• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the pastry is essential for a flaky texture. Don’t skip this step; 30 minutes in the fridge makes a significant difference.

• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden finish. Always preheat before placing your tarts inside.

• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your tarts as they bake. Remove them once they’re golden brown to prevent them from overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow tarts to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat tarts for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to warm evenly without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Mary Berry Congress Tarts that might help you during your baking journey.

What are Mary Berry Congress Tarts?

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are delicious British desserts featuring a tender pastry filled with a sweet almond mixture and raspberry jam. They’re perfect for afternoon tea or dessert.

Can I use other jams instead of raspberry?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different jams like strawberry or apricot for varied flavors in your Mary Berry Congress Tarts.

How do I prevent my tarts from sticking to the pan?

Grease your cupcake tin lightly with butter or use muffin liners to ensure easy removal after baking. This helps keep your Mary Berry Congress Tarts intact.

Can I make these tarts vegan?

You can replace butter with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. However, this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Congress Tarts offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them a standout dessert. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats, these tarts are highly customizable—try adding different nuts or fruits based on your preferences. We encourage you to give this recipe a go!

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Mary Berry Congress Tarts

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Mary Berry Congress Tarts are a quintessential British dessert that perfectly balances sweet raspberry jam with a rich almond filling, all nestled within a buttery pastry shell. These delightful tarts are not only easy to make but also visually stunning, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, from afternoon tea with friends to festive gatherings. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch topped with flaked almonds and a burst of fruity flavor that is sure to please everyone. With just the right amount of sweetness and a charming presentation, these tarts are perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.

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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 egg (beaten)
• ½ tsp almond extract
• 60g ground almonds
• 30g plain flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Flaked almonds for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry by blending plain flour and cold butter in a food processor until crumbly. Add sugar, an egg, and cold water slowly until the dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling by creaming softened butter with caster sugar, then beat in an egg and almond extract. Fold in ground almonds, additional plain flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Roll out chilled pastry and line cupcake tins. Add raspberry jam and fill with almond mixture. Top with flaked almonds.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown; cool before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 188
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg