Discover the Sweet Magic of Congress Tarts Recipe Today

Sweet memories of my childhood weekends often revolved around delightful congress tarts that my grandmother would carefully prepare.

Pastry shops in southern india first popularized these delicate treats with their unique crumbly texture.

Buttery, flaky crusts envelop a rich, sweet filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Local bakeries across bangalore and chennai have perfected this classic recipe over generations.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect balance of flavors that surprise and delight.

Each bite carries a whisper of nostalgia, connecting you to cherished culinary traditions.

You’ll find these tarts irresistibly simple yet wonderfully complex in their delicate composition.

Bake these and transport yourself to a world of comforting, homemade goodness.

Fun Twists On Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of eggs, and choose plant-based jam.
• Nutty Alternative: Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract and use different nut toppings like chopped pistachios or hazelnuts.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and select a sugar-free fruit spread for filling.

Tasty Pairings For Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Pair with Aromatic Almond Tea: Brew a light, fragrant almond tea that complements the tart's nutty flavor and enhances the delicate almond extract notes.
• Create Sweet Wine Harmony: Select a light dessert wine like Moscato or late harvest Riesling to match the tart's sweetness and almond undertones.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Cream: Prepare a smooth, chilled vanilla bean cream as a delightful accompaniment that balances the tart's rich, nutty filling.
• Elevate with Spiced Cappuccino: Craft a creamy cappuccino with a sprinkle of cinnamon to provide a warm, contrasting flavor profile to the delicate Congress Tarts.

How To Keep Mary Berry Congress Tarts Fresh

• Store Congress Tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air from the bag.
• Remove frozen tarts from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, place in the refrigerator overnight for gradual thawing.
• Warm tarts in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pastry's crisp texture. Place on a baking sheet for even heating.

Mary Berry Congress Tarts Questions Answered

• Are Congress Tarts similar to other pastries?

These tarts are unique British treats originating from traditional English baking, featuring a buttery pastry base, sweet jam, and almond filling that sets them apart from standard fruit tarts.

• Can I use different types of jam?

While traditional recipes use raspberry or strawberry jam, you can experiment with apricot, blackcurrant, or cherry jam to create your own flavor variation.

• Do I need special equipment to make Congress Tarts?

You’ll need a standard cupcake tin, rolling pin, mixing bowls, and basic baking tools. No specialized equipment is required to create these delightful pastries.

What Makes Mary Berry Congress Tarts A Delight

• Craft with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, these Congress Tarts require basic kitchen techniques that even beginners can master confidently.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Packed with sweet jam and nutty almond flavors, these tarts guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike during family gatherings or afternoon tea.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these tarts a speedy treat for spontaneous sweet cravings or unexpected guests.
• Versatile Party Treat: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or casual celebrations, these tarts travel well and can be prepared in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Mary Berry Congress Tarts Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the tart's crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky pastry base with delicate layers.
• White Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the pastry dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the pastry ingredients together and provides richness.
• Cold Water: Helps bring the pastry dough to the right consistency.

• Butter: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the almond filling.
• White Sugar: Provides sweetness to the tart filling.
• Egg: Binds the filling and adds richness to the texture.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flavor with a deep, nutty essence.

• Jam, Flaked Almonds: Adds a layer of fruity sweetness and a crunchy almond topping for textural contrast.

Easy Method For Mary Berry Congress Tarts

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Dough

Combine flour and butter in a food processor, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add sugar, egg, and cold water, blending until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Create Almond Filling

• Butter
• Sugar

Incorporate egg and almond extract, beating until light and fluffy. Gently fold in dry ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 180°C / 350°F. Lightly grease a cupcake tin.

Step 4: Shape Pastry Shells

Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut circular shapes to fit cupcake tin cavities. Carefully line each cavity with pastry, gently pressing into place.

Step 5: Add Filling Layers

Prick the bottom of each pastry shell with a fork. Spread a small amount of jam across the base. Top with the prepared almond filling.

Step 6: Decorate and Finish

Sprinkle flaked almonds over the top of each tart for added texture and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tarts turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the tarts cool completely on a wire rack. The tarts will develop a delightful crisp texture as they cool.

Baking Tips For Mary Berry Congress Tarts

• Chill Dough Properly: Refrigerate pastry for 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a tender, flaky crust that doesn't collapse during baking.
• Choose Quality Jam: Select a high-quality, thick raspberry or strawberry jam for authentic flavor and smooth texture in the tart filling.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Prick pastry bases before adding jam to allow steam to escape and create a crisp, golden crust.
• Master Almond Filling: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to create a smooth, light almond mixture that bakes evenly and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
• Achieve Perfect Browning: Watch tarts closely during the last few minutes of baking to ensure golden-brown tops without burning the delicate pastry.

Congress Tarts Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 58-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Congress tarts whisper sweet memories of Portuguese colonial bakeries, nestled in Goa’s charming streets. Golden pastry shells cradle delicate coconut and egg custard, inviting you to savor a delightful slice of culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pastry Base:

• 275 grams (2 cups) plain flour
• 125 grams (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1–2 tablespoons cold water

Filling:

• 60 grams (1/3 cup) caster sugar
• 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 60 grams (2/3 cup) ground almonds
• 30 grams (3 1/2 tablespoons) plain flour
• 12 teaspoons almond extract
• 12 teaspoons seedless raspberry jam

Garnish and Finishing:

• 12 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Flaked almonds

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Instructions

1. Pulse cold butter and flour in a food processor until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Incorporate sugar, egg, and chilled water to create a cohesive pastry dough.
3. Refrigerate the pastry for half an hour to firm up and enhance texture.
4. Cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy for the almond filling.
5. Whisk egg and almond extract into the butter mixture until smooth.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy filling to create a consistent texture.
7. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a cupcake tin with non-stick spray.
8. Roll out chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to approximately 3mm thickness.
9. Cut circular pastry shapes and carefully line each cupcake cavity.
10. Use a fork to delicately prick the pastry bases to prevent rising.
11. Spread a thin layer of jam across the pastry bases.
12. Spoon almond filling over the jam layer, ensuring even distribution.
13. Sprinkle flaked almonds on top of each tart for added crunch and visual appeal.
14. Bake for 18-20 minutes until pastry turns golden and filling sets.
15. Transfer tarts to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

• Pastry Perfection: Ensure butter is cold when blitzing with flour to achieve a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
• Chilling Magic: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent shrinkage and creates a more stable pastry that holds its shape beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend for a dietary-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Flavor Boost: Toast flaked almonds briefly before topping to intensify their nutty aroma and add a delightful crunch to these delicate tarts.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 197 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg