These healthier fruit tartlets are a light and delicious dessert, perfect for any season. Made with a whole wheat spelt shortcrust pastry and a smooth, sugar-free pastry cream, they’re topped with fresh fruits of your choice and a touch of honey glaze. These mini tarts are a guilt-free treat that everyone will love.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the crust:
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1 recipe whole wheat spelt tart crust
For the pastry cream:
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1 recipe sugar-free pastry cream
For the honey glaze:
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1 tablespoon honey (20 g)
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1 teaspoon water (optional, depending on the honey’s consistency)
Toppings:
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Fresh fruits of your choice (strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, grapes, etc.)
Directions
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Make ahead:
Prepare and bake the tartlet crusts, and make the pastry cream 1 day in advance. Store the empty tart shells in an airtight container at room temperature and keep the pastry cream chilled in the fridge. -
Prepare the honey glaze:
Mix the honey with a little water until it has a brushable consistency—not too runny. -
Assemble the tartlets:
Lightly whisk the pastry cream until creamy again. Pipe it into the tartlet shells using a piping bag. Top with fresh fruits and brush the fruits with the honey glaze to give them a shiny finish and prevent them from drying out. Serve immediately.
Nutrients (Per tartlet)
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Calories: 74.8 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 9 g
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Protein: 1.6 g
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Fat: 4.5 g
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Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
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Cholesterol: 51.9 mg
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Sodium: 28.1 mg
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Potassium: 41.2 mg
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Fiber: 0.3 g
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Sugars: 2.9 g
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Calcium: 33.1 mg
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Iron: 0.2 mg
A Wholesome Crust with Whole Wheat Spelt Flour
The foundation of these fruit tartlets is a whole wheat spelt shortcrust pastry, a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional white flour crusts. Spelt is an ancient grain known for its slightly nutty flavor, gentle texture, and added nutritional value. It’s higher in fiber and essential minerals like magnesium and iron compared to conventional flours, and its lower gluten content makes it easier to digest for some people.
Despite being made with whole grains, this crust bakes up tender and crisp, offering the satisfying bite of a classic tart shell without the heaviness. It provides a rustic, earthy flavor that complements the fresh fruit and creamy filling, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture in every bite.
Sugar-Free Pastry Cream: Creamy and Guilt-Free
At the heart of each tartlet lies a luscious sugar-free pastry cream, delivering the luxurious texture and flavor of traditional custard without the refined sugar. This creamy element adds a rich, velvety layer that balances the crisp crust and juicy fruit topping.
Using natural sugar alternatives or minimal sweeteners, this pastry cream retains its smooth consistency and rich taste while keeping the overall tartlet light and diabetes-friendly. It’s the perfect example of how classic patisserie techniques can be adapted to align with modern nutritional goals, such as reduced sugar and lower glycemic index.
You won’t miss the sugar here—especially when paired with the natural sweetness of ripe fruit and the touch of honey glaze on top.
Fresh Fruit Toppings That Steal the Show
The beauty of these tartlets comes from their versatile fruit toppings, which can be changed depending on the season or your personal preference. From juicy strawberries and blueberries to kiwi, grapes, peaches, or figs, the options are endless. You can go for a bright rainbow of mixed fruits or create color-themed designs—either way, the visual appeal is guaranteed to impress.
Not only do fresh fruits add vibrant color and refreshing flavor, but they also contribute natural sweetness, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins to the dessert. This makes the tartlets not just lighter in calories but also richer in nutrients, giving you more reason to enjoy them without hesitation.
A Natural Honey Glaze for Shine and Preservation
To give the tartlets a polished finish and help preserve the freshness of the fruit, a simple honey glaze is brushed over the top. Made with just a tablespoon of honey and a touch of water, this glaze adds a glossy sheen that makes the tartlets look bakery-worthy while offering a hint of floral sweetness.
Unlike traditional glazes made with refined sugar or corn syrup, this honey-based option aligns with the tartlets’ health-conscious theme. It also acts as a natural preservative, preventing the fruits from drying out or oxidizing too quickly, especially important if you’re serving the tartlets at a gathering.
Ideal for Entertaining or Everyday Enjoyment
These healthier fruit tartlets are a host’s dream dessert. They’re easy to make ahead, assemble quickly, and look stunning on a platter. The tart shells and pastry cream can be made a day in advance and stored separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply whisk the pastry cream to bring it back to a smooth texture, fill the tart shells, top with fruit, and brush on the glaze.
The compact, individual portions make them perfect for parties, picnics, bridal showers, or even kids’ birthday celebrations. No slicing or plating is required, and each guest gets their own beautifully presented dessert.
And for everyday enjoyment? These tartlets are a fantastic treat to keep in the fridge for a few days. You can customize each one with different fruits or toppings depending on your mood. They feel decadent, yet they’re light enough to enjoy even after a healthy meal.
Nutrition That Supports Your Goals
At just approximately 75 calories per tartlet, these mini desserts deliver satisfaction without overindulgence. With around 9 grams of carbs, 4.5 grams of fat, and just under 3 grams of sugar, they’re a smart choice for those watching their intake of sugar and refined carbs.
The use of whole wheat spelt flour brings added fiber and minerals, while the sugar-free pastry cream helps keep blood sugar levels more stable. Add to that the antioxidants and natural sweetness from fresh fruits, and you’ve got a dessert that nourishes as much as it delights.
For those with specific dietary needs, the recipe can be easily adapted to be gluten-free (using a gluten-free flour blend) or dairy-free (substituting the cream with a plant-based option like almond or coconut milk). This makes it easy to accommodate a variety of guests without compromising flavor or presentation.
Tips for Perfect Fruit Tartlets Every Time
To get the most out of this recipe, here are a few helpful tips:
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Chill the tartlet shells before baking to prevent shrinkage and maintain shape.
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Use ripe, but firm fruits for better structure and appearance.
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Whisk the pastry cream gently before piping to bring back its creamy consistency after refrigeration.
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Apply the honey glaze just before serving to keep the fruit looking fresh and shiny.
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Use a piping bag for clean, professional-looking cream layers and easier filling.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your tartlets are as beautiful to serve as they are delicious to eat.
Conclusion
Healthier Fruit Tartlets prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or elegance to enjoy a more nutritious dessert. With a wholesome spelt crust, creamy sugar-free filling, and vibrant fresh fruit toppings, these mini tarts offer the best of both worlds—indulgence and wellness in one beautiful bite. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a mindful dessert, these tartlets bring joy, color, and nourishment to any occasion. Light, lovely, and endlessly customizable, they’re a fresh take on a classic favorite that everyone will love.