Save A whimsical assortment of miniature desserts inspired by classic French pastries, arranged to resemble a charming train track. Perfect for festive occasions, afternoon teas, or as an elegant dessert platter.
I have always enjoyed creating themed dessert platters and this train-inspired mignardises set was a fun and delightful project that impressed all my guests.
Ingredients
- Choux Pastry: 60 ml water 60 ml whole milk 50 g unsalted butter cubed 1/2 tsp granulated sugar Pinch of salt 70 g all-purpose flour 2 large eggs
- Chocolate Ganache: 100 g dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) chopped 100 ml heavy cream
- Mini Financiers: 60 g unsalted butter 50 g almond flour 40 g icing sugar 20 g all-purpose flour Pinch of salt 2 large egg whites
- Fruit Tartlets: 100 g sweet shortcrust pastry (pâte sucré) 80 ml pastry cream 40 g assorted fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Decoration: 20 g powdered sugar (for dusting) 1 tbsp edible gold leaf or silver pearls (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- For the choux pastry In a medium saucepan combine water milk butter sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat add flour and stir vigorously until a dough forms. Return to heat and cook for 12 minutes stirring constantly. Transfer to a bowl let cool slightly then beat in eggs one at a time until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3:
- Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet. Bake for 2025 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool completely.
- Step 4:
- For chocolate ganache Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate let stand 1 minute then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
- Step 5:
- For mini financiers Melt butter until golden brown (beurre noisette). Cool slightly. In a bowl mix almond flour icing sugar all-purpose flour and salt. Whisk in egg whites then fold in browned butter. Spoon into mini financier molds or mini muffin tins. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden.
- Step 6:
- For tartlets Roll out sweet shortcrust pastry and cut into small rounds. Press into mini tartlet molds. Prick bases bake blind at 180°C (350°F) for 1012 minutes. Cool then fill with pastry cream and top with berries.
- Step 7:
- Assemble the mignardises on a large platter or board to resemble a winding train track line up choux puffs filled or dipped with ganache financiers as train cars tartlets as stations. Decorate with powdered sugar and gold leaf or silver pearls for extra flair.
Save This recipe always brings joy to family gatherings especially when the kids get excited about the train-themed presentation on the dessert table.
Required Tools
Saucepan Mixing bowls Piping bag Mini muffin/financier molds Mini tartlet molds Baking sheets Whisk
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk Wheat (Gluten) Tree Nuts (Almonds) May contain traces of soy if using certain chocolates Always check labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 3 g per serving approx 3 mignardises
Save Enjoy assembling this charming mignardises train that delights both the eyes and the palate.
Recipe FAQ
- → What is choux pastry made of?
Choux pastry combines water, milk, butter, sugar, salt, flour, and eggs to create a light, airy dough perfect for baking puffed pastries.
- → How is the chocolate ganache prepared?
Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit briefly before stirring to achieve a smooth, glossy ganache.
- → What gives the mini financiers their texture?
Browned butter combined with almond flour, icing sugar, flour, and egg whites creates a moist, tender crumb in mini financiers.
- → How are the tartlets assembled?
Sweet shortcrust pastry shells are baked blind, then filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh berries for a fresh and creamy bite.
- → Any tips for assembling the train track display?
Arrange choux puffs, financiers, and tartlets thoughtfully on a large platter to mimic train cars and stations, dust with powdered sugar, and add edible gold or pearls for elegance.
- → Can fillings be varied?
Yes, choux fillings can be customized with options like coffee or vanilla cream to suit different tastes and occasions.