Indulge Guilt-Free: Delicious 1 SmartPoint Strawberry Custard Tarts for Any Occasion
Prepare to be delighted! These charming strawberry custard tarts are not just incredibly delicious, but also surprisingly light at only 1 SmartPoint each. Imagine the smiles when you present these at your next gathering, especially as a delightful finish to your Thanksgiving dinner. While many of us in Canada celebrated our Thanksgiving last month, I know my friends in the US are gearing up for theirs, and these tarts will be an absolute hit. The best part? You can comfortably enjoy two of these delightful treats without a hint of guilt. Now, that’s what I call a perfect dessert – satisfying, sweet, and wonderfully light!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Custard Tarts
These mini strawberry custard tarts are more than just a dessert; they’re a revelation for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat without derailing their healthy eating goals. At a mere 1 SmartPoint per tart, they fit perfectly into a Weight Watchers lifestyle, making them an ideal choice for a lighter indulgence. Their individual size makes portion control effortless, while their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor ensure they’re a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, planning a potluck, or simply craving something sweet after dinner, these tarts offer the perfect balance of taste, convenience, and health consciousness.
The Secret to Guilt-Free Indulgence: Wonton Wrappers!
The magic behind these incredibly light and crispy tart shells lies in a surprising ingredient: wonton wrappers. These thin, versatile squares transform into perfect, golden-brown cups when baked in a muffin tin, providing a delicate crunch that beautifully complements the creamy custard filling. Using wonton wrappers drastically cuts down on calories and fat compared to traditional pastry crusts, making these tarts an exceptionally smart choice for a dessert. They are readily available in most grocery stores, usually in the refrigerated section near tofu or produce, making preparation quick and straightforward.
Perfect for Holiday Tables and Everyday Treats
While often associated with holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, these strawberry custard tarts are versatile enough for any occasion. Their bright red strawberries and creamy yellow custard bring a festive pop of color to any dessert spread. Imagine them alongside your pumpkin pie and apple crisp, offering a refreshing and lighter alternative. Beyond holidays, they are fantastic for bridal showers, baby showers, garden parties, or even as a simple, elegant dessert to treat yourself and your family on a weeknight. Their ease of preparation also makes them a fantastic last-minute dessert option when you want to impress without the stress.
Strawberry Custard Tarts
Ingredients
- 12 Wonton wrappers
- 1 package Instant custard mix
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 tsp No sugar added strawberry jello powder
- 8 Tbsp Boiling water (divided)
- 5 Tbsp Cold water
Instructions
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First, prepare your wonton tart cups. Lightly spray a regular-sized muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully place one wonton wrapper into each cup, gently pressing it down to form a cup shape. For extra crispiness and to prevent sticking, give the wontons another light spray once they are in the tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 5 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crispy. Keep a close eye on them as wontons can brown quickly.
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While your wonton cups are baking or cooling, prepare your instant custard mix according to package directions. Typically, this involves whisking the mix with boiling water until smooth and thick. When shopping, look for “instant custard mix” in the baking or pudding aisle. If you can’t find it, a good alternative is fat-free vanilla pudding mix, prepared as directed. As soon as the custard is ready, immediately spoon 1 tablespoon of the warm custard into each cooled wonton cup. Place the filled tarts in the refrigerator to chill and set while you prepare the glaze.
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For the strawberry glaze, combine 1 teaspoon of no-sugar-added strawberry jello powder with 3 tablespoons of boiling water in a small bowl. Stir until the jello powder is completely dissolved. Place this mixture in the fridge for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. After 5 minutes, add 5 tablespoons of cold water to the jello mixture and stir well. Return the bowl to the fridge and let it chill until it is almost set but still pourable, which usually takes about 25 minutes. You want it to be thick enough to coat, but not fully solidified.
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Once your custard-filled tarts are chilled and firm, remove them from the refrigerator. Arrange your fresh, cut strawberries neatly on top of the custard in each tart. Three halves of a medium strawberry or several smaller slices usually fit perfectly, creating an appealing presentation.
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When the jello glaze has reached the desired consistency (almost set but still brushable), use a clean pastry brush to gently brush the tops of the strawberries with the gelatin mixture. This creates a beautiful, glossy finish and helps to preserve the freshness of the strawberries. Store the finished tarts in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. Each delicious tart is approximately 1 SmartPoint or 1 PersonalPoint.
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Nutritional information per tart (excluding strawberries, which are typically zero points on Weight Watchers): Calories 33, Fat 0.3g, Saturated fat 0.2g, Carbohydrates 6.4g, Fiber 0.1g, Sugars 1.8g, Protein 1g.
Additional Info
Key Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Understanding the role of each ingredient can help you master this recipe and even experiment with variations. Here’s a closer look:
Wonton Wrappers
These thin, square sheets of dough are the star of our low-point crust. They crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating a light and airy shell. Look for them in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, often near fresh pasta, tofu, or Asian ingredients. Ensure they are fresh and not dried out for the best results. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you might be able to use spring roll wrappers, though they tend to be a bit larger and may require trimming.
Instant Custard Mix
Instant custard mix provides a quick and easy way to achieve a creamy, sweet filling without the fuss of making custard from scratch. It usually just requires mixing with liquid, typically boiling water or milk. Check the baking or pudding aisle. If instant custard mix is unavailable, a fat-free, sugar-free vanilla pudding mix is an excellent substitute. Prepare it according to its package instructions, ensuring it sets properly for a firm tart filling.
Fresh Strawberries
The vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of fresh strawberries is essential for these tarts. Choose ripe, firm strawberries with a bright red color. Wash them thoroughly and hull them before slicing. While strawberries are the classic choice, many other berries or soft fruits can be used for variations, which we’ll discuss later. Always use fresh fruit for the best texture and flavor.
No Sugar Added Strawberry Jello Powder
This ingredient serves a dual purpose: it enhances the strawberry flavor and creates a beautiful, protective glaze over the fruit. Opting for a “no sugar added” variety keeps the SmartPoint count low. The gelatin helps to set the fruit and prevents it from drying out, adding a lovely sheen. If you prefer, a sugar-free clear gelatin could also be used, or you could simply skip the glaze for a more natural look, though the glaze adds a nice touch.
Boiling Water & Cold Water
These are crucial for activating both the instant custard mix and the jello powder. Always ensure the water is truly boiling for the best activation. The cold water is then used to cool down and help set the jello glaze to the right consistency for brushing. Precision in water measurements for both the custard and jello is key to achieving the desired texture.
Step-by-Step Guide to Flawless Tarts
Creating these delightful strawberry custard tarts is a simple process. Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time:
1. Baking the Wonton Cups
The foundation of your tart is the crispy wonton shell. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 12-cup standard muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all cup interiors are coated. Gently place one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup. Use your fingers to carefully press the wrapper down into the cup, shaping it to fit the contours. For an extra golden crunch and to prevent any sticking, give the placed wontons another light spray of cooking oil. Bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cups are crispy. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly due to their thinness. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely in the muffin tin before handling.
2. Preparing the Custard Filling
While your wonton cups are cooling, prepare the instant custard mix. Follow the package instructions precisely, typically involving whisking the powder with a specified amount of boiling water until smooth and thickened. The goal is a creamy, lump-free consistency. If you’re using a fat-free vanilla pudding mix as an alternative, prepare it according to its specific package directions. As soon as the custard is ready, spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the warm custard into each cooled wonton cup. The custard will be warm, but it’s fine to fill them immediately. Once all cups are filled, transfer the muffin tin to the refrigerator. Allow the tarts to chill for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is firm enough to hold the fruit.
3. Setting the Jello Glaze
Next, prepare the no-sugar-added strawberry jello glaze. In a small, heatproof bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the jello powder with 3 tablespoons of boiling water. Stir vigorously until the jello powder is completely dissolved and no granules remain. Place this bowl in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to allow it to cool slightly. After 5 minutes, remove it and add 5 tablespoons of cold water, stirring well to combine. Return the bowl to the refrigerator. You’ll want the jello to be almost set, but still liquid enough to brush. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t fully solidify.
4. Assembling Your Tarts with Fresh Strawberries
Once your custard-filled tarts are chilled and the custard is set, carefully remove them from the refrigerator. Take your prepared fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced). Arrange the strawberry pieces attractively on top of the custard in each tart. For a visually appealing look, typically three halves of a medium strawberry or several smaller slices fit perfectly. You can arrange them in a fan shape or simply pile them for a rustic charm. This step adds both beauty and the fresh, natural sweetness of the fruit.
5. Glazing and Chilling for Perfection
Finally, retrieve your almost-set jello glaze from the refrigerator. Using a clean pastry brush, gently brush the tops of the arranged strawberries with the gelatin mixture. This creates a beautiful, glossy finish, enhances the strawberry flavor, and helps to protect the fruit from drying out. Ensure an even coat on all the strawberry pieces. Once glazed, place the tarts back into the refrigerator to chill thoroughly until you are ready to serve them. This final chilling step allows the jello to fully set and marries all the flavors together. They are best served cold and fresh!
Tips for Success & Common Questions
Even with a simple recipe, a few pointers can elevate your results. Here are some tips and answers to common questions:
Achieving Crispy Wonton Cups
The key to perfectly crispy wonton cups is even baking. Ensure your muffin tin is well-sprayed to prevent sticking. When placing the wrappers, gently mold them to the cup shape, but don’t overstretch, as this can lead to tearing. A second light spray of oil over the wontons once they are in the tin helps them crisp evenly. Keep a close eye on the oven; wontons are thin and can go from golden to burnt very quickly. If some cups brown faster, remove them individually. Let them cool completely in the tin before removing them, as they become firmer when cooled.
Troubleshooting Custard Consistency
If your instant custard seems too thin, it might be due to not enough boiling water or not whisking vigorously enough. Always follow the package instructions precisely. For a slightly thicker custard, you can try adding a tiny bit less water than recommended, but be careful not to make it too pasty. If using fat-free pudding, ensure it’s “instant” and not the cook-and-serve variety, as their setting properties differ. Chilling is essential for the custard to firm up properly, so don’t skip that step.
Making Ahead & Storage
These tarts are best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation to ensure the wonton shells remain crispy. You can make the wonton cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The custard can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the tarts (fill with custard and add strawberries) a few hours before serving, then apply the jello glaze. Store the finished tarts in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are not suitable for freezing.
Creative Variations to Try
While strawberry custard tarts are a classic for a reason, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your taste!
Different Fruits
Strawberries are wonderful, but feel free to swap them out or combine them with other fruits. Consider:
- **Mixed Berries:** A medley of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a burst of color and flavor.
- **Kiwi Slices:** Adds a beautiful green color and a tangy contrast.
- **Peach or Nectarine Segments:** Sweet and juicy, especially in summer.
- **Mandarin Orange Segments:** Bright and citrusy.
- **Cherry Halves:** A rich, deep color and flavor.
Remember to choose fruits that complement the custard and are not too watery. You may need to adjust the jello glaze flavor to match your chosen fruit.
Flavorful Custard Swaps
Beyond vanilla or traditional custard, you can experiment with different pudding flavors:
- **Chocolate Pudding:** For a rich, decadent tart. Pair with raspberries or sliced bananas.
- **Lemon Pudding:** Offers a zesty, refreshing twist. Excellent with blueberries or more strawberries.
- **Pistachio Pudding:** A unique flavor profile that pairs well with berries.
Ensure you’re using instant, fat-free, sugar-free pudding mixes to keep the SmartPoint count low, or adjust points accordingly for other options.
Toppings & Garnishes
Elevate your tarts with simple toppings:
- **Whipped Topping:** A dollop of light whipped cream or coconut whipped cream before serving.
- **Mint Leaves:** A fresh sprig of mint adds a touch of elegance and aroma.
- **Zest:** A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest over the glazed fruit.
- **Shaved Chocolate:** For a touch of sophistication, especially with chocolate custard variations.
These small additions can make a big difference in presentation and taste.
Nutritional Insights & Weight Watchers Friendly Notes
These Strawberry Custard Tarts truly shine in their nutritional profile, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their intake, particularly within the Weight Watchers program. Each tart, excluding the zero-point strawberries, boasts a remarkably low 33 calories. They are also incredibly low in fat at just 0.3g per serving, with only 0.2g of saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy option. With 6.4g of carbohydrates and a mere 1.8g of sugars, they satisfy your sweet tooth without a sugar overload. Plus, they offer 1g of protein, contributing to a feeling of satiety. This lean nutritional breakdown is precisely what earns them their coveted 1 SmartPoint status, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, elegant dessert without compromising your wellness goals. It’s a testament to how creative substitutions and smart choices can lead to incredibly satisfying and healthy outcomes.
Conclusion: A Dessert You Can Feel Good About
These 1 SmartPoint Strawberry Custard Tarts prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. With their crispy wonton shells, creamy custard filling, and fresh, glossy strawberries, they offer a burst of flavor and a touch of sophistication that will impress any guest. They’re quick to prepare, versatile enough for any occasion, and best of all, you can enjoy them guilt-free. So go ahead, whip up a batch for your next family dinner, holiday gathering, or simply as a special treat for yourself. You deserve a dessert that tastes this good and makes you feel even better!