Ingredients
Jam
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen raspberries (or chopped strawberries or fruit of choice)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (powdered sugar or sweetener, to taste)
- 1/4 cup (60g) water (or as needed)
- 2 tablespoons (14g) cornstarch / corn flour (or chia seed as a replacement)
Shortcrust Pastry
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose plain flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 125g vegan block butter (room temperature; alternatives: coconut oil or vegan margarine)
- 1/3 cup (35g) powdered sugar / icing sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45g) cold water (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Make the raspberry jam: Add all jam ingredients to a small saucepan and mix well until fully combined, ensuring no lumps of cornstarch remain. Place over medium heat, mash the berries with a fork or stick blender, and stir continuously for 5-10 minutes until thickened to a jam-like consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding water or cooking longer as needed.
- Cool the jam: Remove jam from heat and let it cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools.
- Prepare the shortcrust pastry: Combine flour, vegan butter, powdered sugar, and cold water in a large mixing bowl or food processor. Mix until the dough clumps together and is soft yet pliable. Adjust with additional water or flour if too dry or wet.
- Shape the dough: Lightly flour a work surface and gently press the dough into a smooth ball, handling it carefully to maintain softness.
- Preheat and prepare tins: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease 20 mini shallow tart tins.
- Roll and cut pastry: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 5 mm (1/4 inch) thick. Cut rounds using a 6 cm (2 1/2 inch) fluted cookie cutter.
- Form tart shells: Gently press each pastry circle into the tart tins and use fingertips or leftover pastry to press the dough firmly against the bottom and sides.
- Fill the tarts: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cooled jam into the center of each tart, smoothing it as needed.
- Bake the tarts: Place the tart pans on the middle rack and bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the tins to a wire rack and allow the tarts to cool completely before removing them from the molds. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- You can substitute corn starch with chia seeds for a natural thickener.
- For vegan butter alternatives, coconut oil or vegan margarine works well.
- Be gentle when handling the dough to keep pastry tender and flaky.
- If you prefer store-bought jam, skip making the homemade jam step.
- Ensure the jam is fully cooled before filling to prevent soggy pastry.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegan