Why You’ll Love This Gooey Caramel Condensed Milk Tartlets
If you’re a fan of sweet, gooey, and indulgent desserts, then these Gooey Caramel Condensed Milk Tartlets are an absolute must-try! These little tartlets are packed with rich, creamy caramel and condensed milk filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. They combine the deep flavors of caramel with the smooth, velvety texture of condensed milk, creating a luscious treat that’s impossible to resist. The shortcrust pastry serves as the perfect base, adding a satisfying crunch to balance the richness of the filling.
What’s even better? These tartlets are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these tartlets are sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. The subtle sprinkle of sea salt on top adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the sweetness, making these little desserts all the more irresistible.
Ideal for those with a sweet tooth, these tartlets combine the best of caramel and condensed milk, and they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an afternoon treat. Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe that will become your new go-to dessert!
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have everything you need to make these delicious Gooey Caramel Condensed Milk Tartlets. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Tartlet Crust:
- 1 roll of shortcrust pastry (store-bought or homemade)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (395g) of condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For Garnish:
- A pinch of sea salt (for a touch of savory contrast)
These ingredients are simple and easy to find, meaning you won’t have to spend much time in the kitchen before you’re enjoying these tasty tartlets!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Tartlet Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your tartlet pans by lightly greasing them or using non-stick spray. If you don’t have tartlet pans, a regular muffin tin works just fine too. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly.
2. Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
If you’re using store-bought shortcrust pastry, roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. If you’re making your own shortcrust pastry, ensure it’s chilled and ready to go. Carefully cut out circles from the pastry dough using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass that’s just slightly larger than the diameter of your tartlet pans. Then, press the pastry circles into each tartlet pan, making sure the dough fits snugly and covers the bottom and sides.
If the dough cracks or breaks, simply patch it with extra dough. Prick the base of each pastry shell a few times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up while baking.
3. Pre-bake the Tartlet Shells
Before adding the filling, it’s important to pre-bake the tartlet shells so they stay crisp and golden. Place the tartlet pans in the preheated oven and bake the pastry shells for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.
Once done, remove the tartlets from the oven and set them aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the Gooey Caramel Filling
Now comes the best part: making the gooey caramel and condensed milk filling! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, eggs, and flour. The eggs will help set the filling while the flour ensures it stays thick and creamy. Add the caramel sauce to the mixture and stir until fully combined. If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, make sure it’s a high-quality one for the best flavor.
If you want to take the caramel to the next level, you can make your own caramel sauce by heating sugar in a pan until it melts and turns golden brown, then adding butter and cream for a rich, homemade touch.
5. Fill the Tartlet Shells
Once your filling is smooth and well combined, pour it into each pre-baked tartlet shell. Don’t overfill them—leave a little space at the top since the filling will puff slightly while baking.
6. Bake the Tartlets
Place the tartlets back into the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The filling will firm up as it cools. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t overcook.
7. Let the Tartlets Cool
Once your tartlets are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. The filling will set as they cool down, resulting in a smooth, gooey center that’s the perfect balance of caramel sweetness and creaminess.
8. Garnish with Sea Salt
To finish off these divine tartlets, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each one. The salt will enhance the caramel flavor and provide a savory contrast to the sweetness, taking these tartlets from delicious to extraordinary.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the tartlets have cooled and been garnished, they are ready to be served. You can enjoy them as they are, or for a touch of elegance, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Perfect for an afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the filling. Cold eggs can cause the filling to curdle or not set properly.
- Caramel Quality Matters: The caramel sauce is a key element of these tartlets, so make sure you’re using a high-quality store-bought version or homemade caramel sauce. A rich, buttery caramel will make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overfill the Tartlets: Be careful not to overfill the tartlet shells with the caramel filling, as it will rise slightly during baking. Leave a small gap at the top to avoid overflow.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the tartlets as they bake. The filling should be set and firm, but still slightly wobbly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the tartlets cool to room temperature and then chilling them in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving will help the filling firm up even more and make them easier to handle.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a rich chocolate drizzle to the top of your tartlets for a more indulgent dessert. Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the caramel-filled tartlets for a beautiful and decadent contrast.
- Nutty Topping: For extra texture and flavor, top the tartlets with chopped roasted nuts such as pecans or walnuts. The crunchiness of the nuts pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel filling.
- Fruit Topping: Add a touch of freshness with a fruit topping. Sliced bananas, berries, or even a few slices of roasted apple can complement the rich caramel filling and add a burst of flavor.
- Spices and Flavor Variations: Spice up the caramel filling with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of vanilla extract. The addition of these spices can take your tartlets to a whole new level of warmth and comfort.
Storing and Reheating
These Gooey Caramel Condensed Milk Tartlets are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later:
- Storing: Keep any leftover tartlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The caramel filling will continue to set as it chills.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm tartlets, simply place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warm throughout. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds for a quick reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade shortcrust pastry?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade pastry, feel free to make your own shortcrust dough. Just ensure it’s chilled before rolling it out to get a crisp, flaky crust.
Can I freeze the tartlets?
Yes, you can freeze the tartlets. To freeze, place the fully cooled tartlets in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.
Can I make these tartlets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tartlets in advance. Bake the tartlets and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply garnish with sea salt and enjoy!
Can I make these without eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you could try using egg replacers such as flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. However, the texture and consistency of the filling may change slightly.
The Final Word
Gooey Caramel Condensed Milk Tartlets are an irresistible treat that combines the best of caramel, condensed milk, and buttery shortcrust pastry. With a rich, gooey filling and a pinch of sea salt for balance, these tartlets are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are easy to make, delightfully indulgent, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy them on their own or with a scoop of ice cream, these tartlets will definitely leave you craving more!