What Are Tartlets? A Beginner’s Guide to French Mini-Tarts
Delicate, elegant, and bursting with flavor, tartlets are one of the most beloved French pastries — but many people still don’t know exactly what they are. If you’ve seen these beautiful mini desserts at a market or café and wondered what makes them special, you’re in the right place.
At Baudry Bakery, we proudly bring French tartlets to Cincinnati, offering everything from fruit-filled favorites to seasonal flavors. Whether you’re new to French baking or just curious about our mini fruit tart bakery offerings, this guide will help you fall in love with tartlets the way we have.
What Is a Tartlet?
A tartlet is a miniature version of a tart — a pastry with a buttery, crisp crust and a sweet or savory filling. While a full-sized tart serves several people, tartlets are individual-sized and often used for:
- Afternoon tea
- Elegant dessert plates
- Gift boxes
- Special occasions (or everyday indulgence!)
In France, they are a café staple, found in bakeries across the country in flavors that change with the seasons.
Key Elements of a Classic French Tartlet
Every good tartlet, especially at a French bakery like Baudry, is built with care and balance. Here’s what you’ll typically find:
1. The Crust (Pâte Sucrée)
French tartlets use a crust called pâte sucrée – a sweet pastry dough made with:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Egg yolks
It’s crisp, tender, and slightly sweet — the perfect base for fruits, custards, or creams.
At Baudry, we make this dough from scratch for every batch. No frozen crusts or pre-made shells — ever.
2. The Filling
Tartlets come with many different fillings, but the most common include:
- Pastry cream (crème pâtissière) – rich, vanilla custard
- Frangipane – almond-flavored filling
- Chocolate ganache
- Citrus curd (like lemon or orange)
- Seasonal fruit over cream
Each tartlet is carefully filled and topped by hand, ensuring balance and beauty in every bite.
3. The Toppings
Fruit tartlets are especially popular for their colorful appearance. Baudry Bakery uses:
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Sliced peaches, figs, or apples (seasonal)
- Glazes made from fruit purée or natural jam
- Edible flowers or powdered sugar for final touches
No artificial coloring or fake fruit — just fresh, real ingredients.
Why Tartlets Are So Popular in France (and Now in Cincinnati)
Tartlets have a long history in French patisserie. They’re cherished because they:
- Allow bakers to show off seasonal ingredients
- Are portion-controlled (no slicing needed)
- Look as beautiful as they taste
- Combine texture (crunchy + creamy + juicy)
At Baudry Bakery, our French tartlets in Cincinnati have quickly become best-sellers at farmers’ markets and special orders.
Baudry Bakery’s Most Loved Tartlet Flavors
Here are a few flavors you’ll regularly find at our stand:
Berry Pastry Cream Tartlet – classic vanilla cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
Lemon Curd Tartlet – bright, tangy citrus in a buttery shell
Chocolate Ganache Tartlet – silky dark chocolate in a crisp crust
Peach and Almond Tartlet – seasonal Ohio peaches with almond cream
Poached Pear Tartlet – elegant and aromatic, perfect for fall
We rotate flavors based on local fruit availability and season.
Where to Find Mini Fruit Tartlets in Cincinnati
If you’ve been searching for a mini fruit tart bakery near you, look no further:
Hyde Park Farmers’ Market – Every Sunday morning
Montgomery Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, seasonal
Select pop-up events – Follow us on social media for updates
baudrybakery.com – for pre-orders and menu previews
Tartlets tend to sell out quickly — especially fruit ones — so visiting early is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Tartlets may be small, but they’re full of flavor, texture, and beauty. At Baudry Bakery, each one is handcrafted using traditional French techniques and real ingredients. They’re not just mini desserts — they’re little works of edible art.
If you’re looking for authentic French tartlets in Cincinnati, come visit our farmers’ market stand or browse our seasonal offerings online. Whether you’re a first-time taster or a pastry lover, these tiny tarts are sure to win your heart.
Try a tartlet this weekend and discover why small really is beautiful.