Pin This 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 love assembling these mignardises on a large platter because they look like a winding train track which always delights my guests and family
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 sucrée), 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
Pin This This recipe always brings joy during family gatherings especially when the kids help assemble the train mignardises
Notes
For a playful touch, add chocolate rails or cookie tracks. Pair with Champagne, Sauternes, or tea
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
Pin This This delightful dessert train will impress everyone and makes for a memorable occasion
Recipe FAQ
- → What is the best way to pipe choux pastry?
Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to pipe consistent small rounds. Keep the dough smooth and avoid air bubbles for even puffing.
- → How do I make the chocolate ganache smooth and glossy?
Heat cream until just simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for a minute, then stir gently until fully combined and shiny.
- → Can I prepare mini financiers ahead of time?
Yes, bake them in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve their moist texture.
- → What fruits work best for the tartlets?
Seasonal fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries complement the buttery tart crust and smooth pastry cream beautifully.
- → How should I assemble the mignardises to resemble a train?
Arrange choux puffs coated or filled with ganache as the engine, place financiers as the train cars, and use tartlets as stations along a winding track layout.
- → What are suitable drink pairings with this assortment?
Champagne, Sauternes, or a delicate tea balance the rich, buttery, and fruity flavors effortlessly.