Elegant and refined, Fresh Fig and Mascarpone Tartlets feature a crisp, buttery tart shell filled with a rich mascarpone vanilla cream, topped with ripe, juicy figs and a glossy touch of fig jam. These tartlets offer a beautiful blend of textures and flavors, making them a perfect dessert for entertaining or indulging in something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tartlets strike a perfect balance between sophistication and ease. Here’s why you’ll love them:

The creamy mascarpone filling pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of fresh figs.
They look impressive but are straightforward to make.
Ideal for entertaining or an elegant end to a meal.
The tart shells can be made ahead and filled just before serving.
Versatile—can be topped with other seasonal fruits if figs aren’t available.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Tart Shells:

all-purpose flour
unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
powdered sugar
egg yolk
cold water

For the Mascarpone Cream:

mascarpone cheese
heavy cream
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

For Topping:

fresh figs, quartered
fig jam
fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

directions

In a food processor, pulse the flour, chilled butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and 1–2 tablespoons of cold water. Pulse just until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the chilled dough and cut into rounds to fit tartlet pans. Press the dough into the pans and prick the bottoms with a fork.
Bake the tart shells for 15–18 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
In a bowl, whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Spoon or pipe the mascarpone cream into the cooled tartlet shells.
Top each tartlet with fresh fig quarters, a small dollop of fig jam, and garnish with mint leaves.
Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving for best texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6–8 tartlets, depending on the size of your tart pans. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes of chilling, with an additional 15–18 minutes of baking. Total time: roughly 1 hour 15 minutes.

Variations

Fruit Options: Replace figs with berries, sliced peaches, or poached pears for seasonal variations.
Herbal Notes: Infuse the mascarpone filling with a hint of thyme or rosemary for a subtle twist.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart shells suitable for dietary needs.
Nutty Crust: Add finely ground almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for extra richness.
Chocolate Base: Brush the cooled tart shells with melted dark chocolate before adding the cream for added depth.

storage/reheating

Assembled tartlets are best eaten within 24 hours. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Tart shells can be baked in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Avoid reheating as these are best served chilled.

FAQs

Can I make the tart shells in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the tart shells up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container.

What is the best substitute for mascarpone?

Cream cheese is the closest substitute, though it will have a tangier flavor and slightly firmer texture.

Do I have to use a food processor for the dough?

No, you can also cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips.

Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?

Fresh figs are ideal for their juiciness and presentation, but if using dried figs, rehydrate them in warm water or juice first.

How do I keep the tart shells from getting soggy?

Brush the inside of cooled tart shells with melted chocolate or a thin layer of fig jam before adding the cream.

Can I use store-bought tart shells?

Yes, pre-made tart shells can save time and work well for this recipe.

Can I sweeten the filling more?

Yes, adjust the powdered sugar to your taste if you prefer a sweeter cream.

What other herbs can I use for garnish?

Basil or thyme leaves also pair well with figs and add a touch of elegance.

Can I freeze the assembled tartlets?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the mascarpone and figs can deteriorate.

How long can I store the mascarpone filling?

The mascarpone cream can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Fresh Fig and Mascarpone Tartlets offer a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert perfect for warm weather entertaining or an elegant dinner. With a crisp shell, velvety filling, and fresh fruit topping, they deliver a harmonious balance of taste and texture in every bite. Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for a stress-free, sophisticated finale to any meal.