Pin A whimsical and elegant assortment of mini desserts arranged in a floral pattern, perfect for parties or afternoon teas.
This dessert tray has always been a hit at family gatherings and celebrations, bringing a touch of floral charm to our table.
Ingredients
- Mini Lemon Shortbread Cookies: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 cups all-purpose flour, Zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 tsp salt
- Chocolate Ganache Petits Fours: 1/2 cup heavy cream, 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1 prepared pound cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Raspberry Cream Tartlets: 12 mini tartlet shells (store-bought or homemade), 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp powdered sugar, 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- Edible Flowers & Garnishes: Edible daisies or other small flowers (unsprayed), Fresh mint leaves, Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Shortbread Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in lemon zest and salt. Gradually add flour until dough forms. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut into daisy or round shapes. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Assemble Petits Fours:
- Cut pound cake into 1-inch squares. Dip tops in ganache and allow to set. Optionally, pipe a small ganache dot at the center for a daisy effect.
- Prepare Raspberry Cream Tartlets:
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon or pipe cream into tartlet shells. Top each with a raspberry.
- Assemble the Dessert Tray:
- Arrange cookies, petits fours, and tartlets in a circular or daisy chain pattern on a large platter. Garnish with edible flowers, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Pin This dessert always sparks joy when shared with my family during festive moments.
Required Tools
Electric mixer Rolling pin Baking sheet Small saucepan Mixing bowls Piping bag (optional) Large serving tray
Allergen Information
Contains milk, eggs, wheat (gluten) May contain nuts if using certain tartlet shells or store-bought pound cake Always check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information
Calories 310 Total Fat 17g Carbohydrates 36g Protein 4g
Pin This dessert tray is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece that never fails to impress.
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients give the shortbread cookies their lemon flavor?
The lemon zest blended into the shortbread dough provides a bright, citrusy aroma and taste.
- → How is the chocolate ganache prepared for the petits fours?
Heavy cream is heated until simmering and poured over chopped bittersweet chocolate, then stirred until smooth and cooled before use.
- → What creates the creamy filling for the raspberry tartlets?
The filling combines whipped heavy cream, powdered sugar, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla extract for a smooth, rich texture.
- → How are the dessert components arranged for presentation?
Cookies, petits fours, and tartlets are arranged in a circular daisy chain pattern on a large serving tray, garnished with edible flowers and mint leaves.
- → Can the raspberry topping be substituted?
Yes, fresh strawberries or blueberries can be used instead of raspberries to vary the flavor and color.
- → Is there a gluten-free option available?
Gluten-free flour and tartlet shells can replace conventional ones to accommodate dietary needs.