Merida’s Spell Cakes Recipe

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If you’re craving something enchanting to brighten up your afternoon or impress friends with a burst of berry-filled delight, Merida’s Spell Cakes are exactly the treat you need. These charming little tarts combine a buttery, flaky pâte brisée crust with a luscious, zesty blueberry filling that’s both sweet and tangy, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. With their golden tops dusted with sugar and a dollop of blueberry preserves nestled in a delicate cavity, Merida’s Spell Cakes capture the essence of homemade magic that’s simple to create yet unforgettable to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Merida’s Spell Cakes lies in their straightforward, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the flaky crust to making the juicy filling burst with flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring this recipe to life:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the pâte brisée, providing structure and flakiness for the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the dough and filling for depth.
• Unsalted butter: The secret to a tender, flaky crust with a rich, creamy taste.
• Ice water: Keeps the dough cool, ensuring a perfect flaky texture.
• Blueberries: Fresh and juicy, they are the star of the filling with vibrant color and tang.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the berry filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to a luscious consistency that holds in the tart.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the filling with a fresh, citrusy punch.
• Large egg: Used as an egg wash to give the tarts a beautiful golden finish.
• Confectioner’s sugar: A delicate dusting to add a pretty, sweet touch before serving.
• Blueberry preserves: Adds an extra burst of berry flavor and a pretty finish in the tart’s center.

How to Make Merida’s Spell Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Pâte Brisée Dough

Start by combining flour, salt, and sugar in your food processor to create a well-balanced base. Add the cold butter cubes in batches to reveal pea-sized pieces mixed throughout, which will give your crust that irresistible flakiness. The ice water comes in gently here to bind everything together without melting the butter, preserving the delicate texture. Bringing the dough together into a chilled disk sets you up perfectly for rolling out later.

Step 2: Cook the Blueberry Pie Filling

Next, care for the luscious filling by combining fresh blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, and juice in a saucepan. This mix simmers gently to thick perfection, coaxing out the natural sweetness and tang of the berries while the cornstarch works its magic to thicken just right. Allowing it to cool ensures a firm yet gooey filling that will hold its shape inside each tart shell.

Step 3: Roll Out and Cut the Dough

After the dough chills, let it rest at room temperature briefly for easier handling. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a fine 1/8 inch thickness. Using your biscuit cutters—one larger for the base and a smaller one for the top—you’ll cut neat circles that form the perfect little tart shapes. This step shapes the foundation for your spellbinding treats.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

Preheat your oven and gently press the larger dough circles into a silicone muffin pan to create individual tart shells. Spoon a generous three tablespoons of blueberry filling into each. Top with the smaller dough circles, carefully crimping the edges to seal in all that goodness. The small ‘X’ cut in each top allows steam to escape and adds a charming detail. Brushing with beaten egg yields that beautiful golden glow after baking.

Step 5: Bake the Tarts

Slide your pans into the hot oven and watch the magic unfold. Baking at 400 degrees for just under 25 minutes gives the crust a stunning golden finish, with the blueberry filling bubbling gently inside. Once baked, cooling them slightly before transferring prevents any breakage and keeps the tarts perfectly intact for serving.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

As if the tarts weren’t enchanting enough, a dusting of confectioner’s sugar adds a touch of snow-like sweetness. Use a melon baller or small spoon to create a tiny well in the centers, then spoon in a little blueberry preserves—this adds a glossy jewel-like finish that makes Merida’s Spell Cakes truly irresistible.

How to Serve Merida’s Spell Cakes

Garnishes

These spell cakes love a hint of fresh garnish. A few sprigs of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar enhances their visual appeal and adds a touch of freshness that complements the berry sweetness beautifully. Adding a lemon twist nearby can also emphasize the citrus notes woven into the filling.

Side Dishes

Merida’s Spell Cakes shine as a standalone treat but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the experience. A simple cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee makes for a harmonious afternoon pairing, balancing the tart’s richness and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present Merida’s Spell Cakes

For special occasions, serve these delicacies on a patterned cake stand or rustic wooden platter for that cozy, inviting feel. Try stacking two spell cakes side by side or placing them atop a leaf-shaped plate to evoke a whimsical forest vibe in line with their charming name. You could also drizzle a touch of lemon glaze over the tops for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Merida’s Spell Cakes left after sharing, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep the crust crisp and the filling fresh. Avoid refrigeration if possible as it can soften the crust, but if needed, keep them well-sealed.

Freezing

These tarts freeze wonderfully if you want to stash some magic away for later. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months, making meal planning or surprise guests hassle-free.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, thaw frozen spell cakes at room temperature and pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. This will revive the flaky crust and warm the filling without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking the filling to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the tart’s texture.

Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the filling?

You can substitute tapioca starch or arrowroot powder in equal amounts. They both thicken beautifully without changing the flavor.

Why do I need to chill the dough before rolling it out?

Chilling the dough firms the butter, making the pastry easier to roll and ensuring those signature flaky layers instead of a tough crust.

Can I make the dough and filling a day ahead?

Yes! Preparing the dough and the filling a day in advance lets the flavors develop and saves time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the tarts.

What’s the best way to prevent the crust edges from burning?

You can cover the tart edges loosely with foil or a pie crust shield halfway through baking to protect them from over-browning while the filling finishes cooking.

Final Thoughts

Merida’s Spell Cakes are truly a little treasure to have in your baking repertoire. Their flaky crust, vibrant blueberry filling, and sweet finishing touches feel special yet are wonderfully approachable to make at home. Whether sharing at a sunny brunch or indulging in a comforting snack, these spell cakes invite you to savor a touch of magic with every bite. So grab your rolling pin and biscuit cutters—your own charming batch of Merida’s Spell Cakes is waiting to be baked!

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