Red Berry Swirl Tartlets

An easy to assemble treat perfect for any Canada Day celebration. Red Berry Swirl Tartlets are flaky, buttery, creamy, and sweet. Buy store-bought frozen tart shells to make this recipe fast and easier. These are stuffed with a cream cheese filling and a red berry compote!

RED BERRY SWIRL TARTLETS

In the world of food blogging, Canada Day is one particular celebration that’s almost completely void of food that mimics the colours and/or patriotic symbolism of this beautiful country. Here at Lord Byron’s Kitchen, I have a few recipes that celebrate America’s Fourth of July. So, this year, I decided to up my Canada Day recipe game as well. I couldn’t think of a better place to start than with these Red Berry Swirl Tartlets!

ARE CANADIANS AS PATRIOTIC AS AMERICANS?

Using the word patriotic to describe Canada is not something I feel really comfortable with doing. It’s not that Canucks aren’t a proud people; I think it’s the fact that Canadians are modest and humble. Of course, I’m not stating that in contrast Americans aren’t those things as well. But, it seems that America loves a good excuse to host a party!

You must admit, my Dear American Reader, the Fourth of July is a huge deal for you. Just a few years ago, while writing up a recipe, I found some facts about America’s Independence Day. I stumbled upon a fact sheet which I found extremely interesting. The website had compiled a list of Fourth of July food consumption.

THE TRUTH IS IN THE NUMBERS

Americans consume around 155 million hot dogs on the Fourth of July.  They also spend 92 million dollars on chips, 167 million on watermelon, and 341 million on beer. If you were to do the math, our numbers would be a small fraction of those.

So, why is it that Canadians don’t celebrate Canada Day with more red and white food? Do a search on Pinterest for Canada Day food and then do another search for Fourth of July food. See the major difference? The only reason I can think of is that Canada Day is not usually celebrated like Independence Day.

THE CELEBRATION IS DIFFERENT

Americans tend to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks. They have parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies. In addition, events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States take place on July 4th as well.

In contrast, Canadians usually celebrate Canada Day with fireworks and live music. Large outdoor concerts featuring some of Canada’s best musicians and singers are a very common attraction. In smaller towns there might be a parade or a community volunteer-based pancake breakfast. It is surely not a large spectacle like it is for our neighbours to the south.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this recipe. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.

Base:

• Tart Shells – You can make your own, but I just use the frozen tarts from the grocery store. They are ready to bake from the freezer section. Just follow package instructions.

Filling:

• Cream Cheese – When baking with cream cheese it is always best to use brick style rather than whipped or cream cheese in a tub.  The brick style is firmer and more condensed.  Cream cheese adds texture and flavour to baked items.
• Confectioner’s Sugar – This superfine sugar is sometimes called powdered sugar.  It is used in frostings quite often.  When dusted lightly onto cakes and cookies, it adds just a touch of sweetness, but more importantly, it looks very visually appealing!
• Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice should always be used in recipes unless the recipe specifically states bottled lime juice. 
• Vanilla Extract – Probably the most common extract and the most common flavouring used in cakes and cookies.  If you have white vanilla extract, use that to keep your cream cheese filling looking brighter.
• Milk – When a baking recipe requires milk, I always use whole milk, unless otherwise stated. 

Topping:

• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Sugar

HOW TO MAKE RED BERRY SWIRL TARTLETS

Begin by baking the mini tart shells according to package instructions and set aside to cool. While the tarts are baking, place the topping ingredients into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the berries break down, the sugar dissolves, and the mixture becomes thick. Stir constantly. This process will take about 15-20 minutes over medium heat. Don’t walk away – the filling will burn quite easily. Once the filling is done, remove from heat and pour the filling into a glass bowl. Set aside to cool completely.

In the meantime, beat the cream cheese using a hand-held mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the lime juice, white vanilla extract, and milk to the cream cheese and beat until well incorporated. Set aside.

Now, you’re ready to assemble. It is very important that the tarts and the filling are cooled to room temperature! Using a small cookie scoop, place about a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each tart. Next, add about one teaspoon of the topping mixture onto the cream cheese mixture. Use a toothpick to swirl the topping mixture into the filling mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE CANADIAN!

When it comes to red and white food, there’s not an overabundance of it on Canada Day. Local grocery stores stock red and white cakes and cupcakes. Every Tim Horton’s has a red and white cookie. And, I think that’s about it. So, I say, let’s change it! Let’s up our red and white Canada Day-themed food. Who’s with me?

Oh, and let’s try to stay away from dyes and colourings. There are so many food items that are red and can be used to create yummy Canada Day food. If you must use food colouring, go ahead. But, I’m going to try to keep these Red Berry Swirl Tartlets colouring-free. The raspberries and strawberries take care of the red part, while the white part is that delicious cream cheese filling.

Canada has numerous foods that we call our own and we are super proud of. We all know and love poutine. Then, there are Nanaimo bars, which are one of my favourite homemade treats. We can’t forget about donairs and butter tarts. Oh, and there are bannock and Montreal-style bagels too. And, of course, maple syrup.

However you celebrate Canada Day, I hope you have fun and enjoy it to the fullest. We live in a great country. We should acknowledge that and be thankful for it every chance we get, not only on July 1st. Whether your celebrations are big or small; whether it’s with lots of red and white food or a pizza delivery; I wish you a happy and safe Canada Day!