Merida’s Spell Cakes Recipe

If you adore the magic of classic tart flavors combined with a whimsical touch, Merida’s Spell Cakes are destined to become your new favorite treat. These delicate, hand-crafted blueberry tarts boast a buttery, flaky pâte brisée crust topped with a vibrant filling bursting with fresh blueberries and bright lemon zest. Finished with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar and a spoonful of luscious blueberry preserves nestled in the center, these spellbinding cakes offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that feels enchanting with every bite. Prepare to be enchanted by Merida’s Spell Cakes, a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Merida’s Spell Cakes lies in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting that perfect flaky crust and luscious filling. From the rich butter in the pâte brisée that gives the tarts their delicate texture to the fresh blueberries that create a natural burst of flavor, all the components come together to create something truly special and visually charming.

• All-purpose flour: The building block for the tender, flaky tart crust.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and filling.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the crust its irresistible buttery richness.
• Ice water: Helps bind the dough together without melting the butter.
• Blueberries: Fresh and juicy, they create the vibrant, fruity filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to avoid any watery mess.
• Lemon zest and juice: Adds a bright, citrusy spark that lifts the blueberry flavor.
• Large egg: Used for an egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
• Confectioner’s sugar: For that delicate snowy dusting that adds a sweet final touch.
• Blueberry preserves: Adds an extra burst of sweet blueberry goodness in the tart center.

How to Make Merida’s Spell Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Pâte Brisée

Start by pulsing together the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor until well combined. Then, add cubed cold butter in two batches, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Slowly add ice water, pulsing just enough until the dough begins to clump. Press the crumbly dough into a disk, wrap it tightly, and chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling step is essential to achieve a buttery, flaky crust that’s easy to roll out and bake to golden perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Filling

While the dough firms up, make the pie filling by combining fresh blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens — this usually takes around eight minutes. Cooling the filling completely before assembly will help it hold up nicely inside the delicate crust when baked.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Circles

Once your dough is chilled, allow it to soften slightly for 10 to 15 minutes to make rolling easier. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 5-inch biscuit cutter to cut six large circles, then a 3-inch cutter for six smaller ones. These will become the bases and tops of Merida’s Spell Cakes, so keep them neat and even for the best results.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently press the large dough circles into a silicone muffin pan, creating little wells for the filling. Spoon a generous three tablespoons of the cooled blueberry filling into each pastry cup. Top each with a smaller dough circle, carefully crimping the edges to seal in the juicy filling. Cut a small “X” in the center of each tart to let steam escape, then brush with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the tarts at 400 degrees for about 20 to 22 minutes, or until they’re gloriously golden and crisp. After removing from the oven, let them cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to reach room temperature. This cooling step prevents sogginess and helps the filling set just perfectly.

Step 6: Decorate and Add Finishing Touches

The final step is where the magic truly shines—dust each tart with confectioner’s sugar for a snowy effect. Use a melon baller or small spoon to gently create a shallow cavity in the center of each tart, then fill it with a spoonful of luscious blueberry preserves for an extra burst of flavor and a stunning visual finish. This final flourish captures the spirit and charm of Merida’s Spell Cakes beautifully.

How to Serve Merida’s Spell Cakes

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate Merida’s Spell Cakes to an irresistible treat. A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and refreshing aroma, while a light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios creates texture and complexity. These touches bring out the natural flavors and make the presentation truly enchanting.

Side Dishes

Merida’s Spell Cakes pair wonderfully with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement their fruity brightness. A warm cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, can create a cozy, satisfying contrast to the tart’s vibrant flavors. These combinations turn your eating experience into a comforting and delightful moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine presenting Merida’s Spell Cakes on rustic wooden boards or charming vintage plates that bring out their homemade allure. For an added touch of whimsy, serve them with edible flowers or fresh berries scattered around the platter. These creative presentations instantly captivate your guests and make the experience feel truly magical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Merida’s Spell Cakes left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust tender and the filling flavorful without becoming soggy. For best enjoyment, consume leftovers within this short window to experience their full enchantment.

Freezing

Merida’s Spell Cakes freeze beautifully—simply wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored frozen for up to one month. When you want a treat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring your Merida’s Spell Cakes back to life, warm them in a preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warm and gooey, delivering that freshly baked magic every time you enjoy one.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh for Merida’s Spell Cakes?

Yes, frozen blueberries can work nicely if fresh are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent excess liquid, which can make the tart filling too runny.

How important is it to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the pâte brisée dough is crucial as it helps solidify the butter and relaxes the gluten in the flour, resulting in a crust that’s flaky and tender rather than tough or crumbly.

Can I make the tart dough by hand instead of using a food processor?

Absolutely! You can mix the flour, salt, and sugar, then cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until you achieve the coarse meal texture before adding ice water gradually to form the dough.

What if I don’t have a silicone muffin pan?

You can use a metal or standard muffin tin, but be sure to grease it well so the tarts release easily. Alternatively, mini tart pans work fine for a slightly different shape.

How long do Merida’s Spell Cakes keep their best flavor?

These cakes are best enjoyed within one to two days of baking to experience the buttery crust and fresh filling at their peak. Beyond that, the crust may lose its crispness, but they still taste delightful.

Final Thoughts

Merida’s Spell Cakes are truly a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by loving hands and a sprinkle of magic. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these charming tarts promise to enchant taste buds and bring a touch of whimsy to the table. Give them a try, and watch how they quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!

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