Whether you call them tartlets or mini pies, these Coconut Tartlets / Mini Pies are sure to satisfy and go great with a hot beverage.
Do you know the difference between a pie and a tart?
Whether you do or don't, I do not. Growing up in Germany, there is no word for "pie", and baked goods like it would be called "tarts". Coming to Canada, I suddenly see pies AND tarts. So I guess there is a difference, but I didn't know it.
Due to my ignorance, and also because I like the sounds of it, let's call above pictured goodies "tartlets". If you know the difference, or if you prefer it that way, 'mini pies' work too.
Stunning Beauty of Cameron Highlands
My husband and I had those Strawberry and Coconut tartlets when we were traveling through Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Usually, Malaysia is very hot and tropical, but the highlands have a totally unique climate of their own, and a very lush and fruitful one at that.
Due to that climate and the hilly landscape, it is very suitable for growing tea. So, one morning, we got up early since we had booked a guided tour that included visiting a tea plantation. Barely awake, we were greeted with this stunning and breathtaking view of the sun's rays peaking over the mountain tops and illuminating the unreal green of the tea plants.
We were in awe and we spent a considerable amount of time just taking in the fairy-tale like view that unfolded in front of us. We also tried, for maybe just as long, to capture this beauty. But you guessed it, this picture doesn't even justify the reality.
You might have seen a similar picture on my About page.
Drinking Tea with An Amazing View
After taking a tour of the tea factory where the tea leaves get processed, we had the opportunity to buy (of course!) tea grown on this plantation or actually have a cup of freshly brewed tea in the cafeteria while enjoying more amazing views from the deck.
With the tea pot, we received a sieve for pouring through to keep the leaves from getting into the cup, as well a serving of fresh milk. Being the sweet tooths that we are, we also ordered a strawberry and coconut tartlet to go with the tea. They were nicely warmed up and tasted wonderful with the hot tea while breathing in the cool and fresh mountain air.
Tartlets Recipe
You can easily make your own strawberry or coconut tartlets either in tartlet molds or little custard bowls/ramekins.
This recipe makes about 6 double-crusted strawberry tartlets and about twice as many coconut tarts. The recipe for coconut filling was found via My Kitchen Snippets.
Update: One comment gave me the idea to combine the strawberry and coconut fillings for a Strawberry-Coconut-Tartlet. Suggestions for that are included in the recipe.
Common Questions
A tea plantation is an agricultural estate where tea leaves are cultivated and harvested for the production of tea.
The largest tea plantation in the world is located in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and lush tea cultivation.
The calorie content of a coconut tart can vary depending on its size and specific ingredients. Generally, a standard coconut tart may contain around 300 to 400 calories, but the precise count may differ based on the recipe used.
Mini coconut tarts typically have fewer calories compared to regular-sized tarts, usually ranging from 100 to 200 calories each. However, the calorie count may differ based on the specific recipe and the size of the mini tart.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Have a look at these other recipes for inspiration and mouth-watering goodness!
Recipe
Strawberry and Coconut Tartlets / Mini-Pies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust or this shortening version or store bought
Strawberry Filling:
- 3 cups strawberries
- 2-3 tablespoon brown sugar or to taste
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
Coconut Filling:
- 1 cup fresh grated coconut
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- ½ cup sugar scant; leave out if using sweetened coconut
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoon condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon custard powder or cornstarch
Instructions
- Roll out chilled pie dough on a floured surface to ¼" thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or glass cut out circles for the crust and smaller circles as second crust for strawberry tarts. Press into tartlet molds or ramekins.
Strawberry Tartlets
- Stir whole or sliced/cubed strawberries together with brown sugar to taste. Place a couple spoons of strawberry filling into crust molds and close with another crust circle. Poke a few holes into top to allow steam to escape or (barely) cut a few lines.
- Whisk egg white and water for egg wash and brush over strawberry tartlets.
Coconut Tartlets
- Mix all coconut filling ingredients together and fill into crust molds.
Strawberry-Coconut-Tartlets
- Fill half of tartlet with strawberry filling and top it off with a couple spoonfuls of coconut filling for a combined flavor experience.
- Bake tartlets at 350F for 30-40 minutes. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Pin this Strawberry and Coconut Tartlets recipe for later?
If you have left-over coconut filling, try baking heaped spoonfuls on a cookie sheet for macaroons.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Cust
LOVE! YUM!
Regina
Thank you Dorothy!
Ashley - Baker by nature
I would have never thought to combine strawberry and coconut before! Now I can't wait to try this flavor combination 🙂
Regina
Ashley - great having you here. They were actually separate strawberry and coconut tartlets, but you are giving me a wonderful idea. Instead of a top crust, why not top the strawberry filling with the coconut filling. Oohh...I think I will have to edit the recipe to put that in 🙂