Pin This An elegant assortment of miniature French desserts, inspired by the whimsical ascent of a hot air balloon. Perfect for festive gatherings or refined afternoon teas.
This elegant dessert platter brings together a variety of delicate French treats that I love to prepare for special occasions.
Ingredients
- Mini Choux Puffs: 60 ml water, 30 g unsalted butter, 40 g all-purpose flour, 1 large egg, Pinch of salt
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: 80 g dark chocolate, chopped, 80 ml heavy cream
- Mini Lemon Tartlets: 1 sheet shortcrust pastry, 2 large eggs, 80 g granulated sugar, 60 ml fresh lemon juice, 30 g unsalted butter, melted, Zest of 1 lemon
- Raspberry Macarons: 60 g almond flour, 100 g powdered sugar, 50 g egg whites (about 2 eggs), 30 g granulated sugar, Pink food coloring, 60 g raspberry jam
- Garnishes: Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), Edible flowers, Mint leaves, Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Mini Choux Puffs:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Add flour, stirring until a dough forms. Cook for 1 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cool 2 minutes, then beat in the egg until smooth. Pipe 16 small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden and puffed. Cool completely.
- Make Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then pipe into cooled choux puffs.
- Assemble Mini Lemon Tartlets:
- Cut pastry into 8 rounds Press into mini muffin molds. Prick with a fork. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Whisk eggs, sugar, lemon juice, butter, and zest. Pour into baked tart shells. Bake another 10 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
- Prepare Raspberry Macarons:
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together. Beat egg whites to soft peaks, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Gently fold in dry ingredients and a drop of pink food coloring. Pipe 16 small rounds onto parchment-lined trays. Let sit 20 minutes, then bake at 150°C (300°F) for 12 minutes. Cool, then sandwich with raspberry jam.
- Arrange the Platter:
- Place choux puffs, lemon tartlets, and macarons artistically on a large serving platter. Garnish with fresh berries, edible flowers, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to evoke the floating, festive spirit of a Montgolfière.
Pin This This dessert platter always brings smiles to our family events and makes celebrations even more special.
Required Tools
Saucepan, Mixing bowls, Hand mixer or stand mixer, Piping bags, Baking trays, Mini muffin tin, Sifter
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, dairy, gluten (wheat), nuts (almond flour). Some ingredients may contain traces of soy or other allergens check labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 285. Total Fat: 14 g. Carbohydrates: 34 g. Protein: 5 g per serving.
Pin This This Montgolfière dessert platter offers a decadent finale for any gathering and delights guests with its variety.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve perfect choux puffs?
Bring the water, butter, and salt to a boil before adding flour. Cook the dough briefly before beating in the egg for a smooth, pipeable batter. Bake until golden and puffed to ensure lightness.
- → What is the best way to make smooth chocolate ganache?
Heat heavy cream just to boiling, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring gently until glossy and smooth for easy filling.
- → How can I prevent lemon tartlets from sogginess?
Bake the shortcrust shells lightly before adding the filling, and bake again until the lemon custard is set. Cooling fully also helps maintain texture.
- → What tip helps make raspberry macarons light and glossy?
Beat egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks gradually adding sugar. Gently fold in dry ingredients without deflating the meringue, and rest piped shells before baking.
- → How should I assemble the platter for a festive look?
Arrange the components artistically on a large platter, garnishing with fresh berries, edible flowers, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar to evoke a festive, airy feel.
- → Can I customize the fillings or flavors?
Yes, you can substitute fruit jams or citrus curds for fillings to suit your taste or seasonal availability.