These Strawberry Nutella Tarts inspired by The Selection Series are so simple to make. Rich and creamy Nutella and tart strawberries in a flaky pastry dusted in sugar – they’re absolutely divine!
I’m 25 and I still believe in fairy tales. When I was a kid my mom got me these two giant books with gold lined pages filled with beautiful stories of heroes, princesses, and dragons. I devoured those books. Somewhere over the last 10 years, fairy tales haven’t seem to have had as large of a presence in my life. Is it our society as a whole that has suddenly steered away from happy endings or is it just because I’ve gotten older? Either way, it’s a problem, and one that Kiera Cass has solved.
I was excited to receive and dive into The Selection Series, a modern day fairy tale that will have you glued to the pages until you finish all three books in as many days! <— like I did! Binge reading for the WIN!
The Selection Synopsis:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself–and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
I’ve had this book on my to read list for months, maybe even a year. I was intrigued by the reviews that described it as Cinderella meets Hunger Games. A lot of reviews referred to this series as dystopian, but it really isn’t. It really isn’t at all how I thought it would be, but I still loved it! It’s got action, love, and a great cast of characters; everything a great series needs.
I instantly fell in love with America, I really enjoyed her smart, kind, and defiant personality. I liked both Maxon and Aspen’s characters, but of course they had their flaws, then again, don’t most teenage boys? I thought the premise behind the books was serious enough for an adult, but not so dark that preteen couldn’t read it. It’s the perfect book to take with you to the beach or cuddle up on a rainy Sunday with.
Okay, so here’s the thing, The Selection ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, so be prepared and have The Elite on hand so you can jump right from one to the other. Oh, and then you better have The One too because you’ll just have to find out how it ends. Then, much to my excitement, The Heir will be released on May 5th and you can bet I won’t be wasting any time to start it. In fact, it’s going with me on the plane to Scotland! Think I can cruise through it in 6 hours and 55 minutes? I bet I can! Plus, look at that cover! Totally Gorg!
But when you curl up with the book, make sure to bring a batch of America’s Strawberry Nutella Tarts with you! These were inspired by one of my favorite scenes from the book. During the first breakfast America has in the palace, she has a strawberry tart that’s the most amazing thing she’s ever tasted. Her sounds of delight catch Prince Maxon’s attention and she tells him that the tarts are so good they’d make her sister, May, cry happy tears. He wagers a bet with her that May won’t cry. If she does, America gets to wear jeans and if she doesn’t, Maxon gets to take America on a date. You’ll have to read the book to find who wins!
America talks about how flaky thee tarts were, so I instantly thought of puff pastry, does it get any flakier than that? Obviously, tarts made in the palace would be a bit more over the top than anything she would have had on the outside. I thought the addition of Nutella sounded like just the thing to add a little richness. Boy, was I right! I almost cried over how good these tarts when I first tasted them. They were straight from the oven and the flavors just married so perfectly!
These tarts are best served fresh from the oven and are perfect for breakfast or dessert. If you want a little extra indulgence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- 2 Puff Pastry Sheets thawed
- 1 Egg
- 2 tsp Cold Water
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 8 Strawberries
- 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
- Confectioners' Sugar for dusting
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Preheat oven to 375.
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Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Unwrap pastry dough and unfold onto a different floured sheet of parchment paper.
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Use a rolling pin to gently smooth out the creases in the dough.
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Cut pastry dough using a 4 inch round cookie cutter or cut each pastry sheet into square quarters.
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In a small bowl, lightly beat together egg and water to create an egg wash and brush along the edges of the cut pastry dough.
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Pop the Nutella in the microwave for 15 seconds to make it easier to spread, then spread about 1 tbsp of Nutella in the middle of each pastry, leaving about an inch wide border. I find using the back of a spoon and working in a circular motion works best.
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Slice strawberries into thin slices, arranging one strawberry on the Nutella of each tart.
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Lightly sprinkle tarts with granulated sugar.
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Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges of tarts are golden brown.
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Remove from oven and transfer the parchment paper and pastries to a wire rack to cool for 5-10 minutes.
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Dust with confectioners' sugar and enjoy warm.
Best served fresh and warm.
Add a scoop of ice cream for dessert!
Check out more Food and Fiction posts and find something fun to read after you’re done with The Selection from my Summer Reading List.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
These sound so amazing! ‘d love to sit down to one with a cup of tea! Beautiful photography!
[email protected] says
Looks amazing, I am pinning!
Theresa Sutton says
Those Strawberry Tarts look amazing and that book series sounds like a great read! I’ve been in desperate need of a new series to keep me occupied. I’ll have to check out these books! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca says
You’ll love this one, Theresa!
Danita says
Those look beautiful! Great pictures. Perfect for a special treat. I love strawberry and chocolate
Linda @ With A Blast says
The book sounds interesting and I love nothing more than a good read and a sweet treat like your Strawberry Nutella Tarts !
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
Sounds like the perfect series of books for a week by the pool!
Absolutely beautiful tarts. Just my type of fuss free cooking.
Rebecca says
It most definitely is!
Becky says
We are never too old for a good fairytale!! And the tarts are absolutely drool-worthy!!
Rebecca says
My thoughts exactly on both accounts!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
I couldn’t focus on a book with this tart in front of me!
Michelle says
I’m just hearing about this series for the first time and it sounds like something I need to investigate for my young teen daughter. It’s a challenge to find appropriate YA lit that is not pure garbage. And, the tarts sound AMAZING, fun idea for a mom/daughter night in!!!!
Rebecca says
A mother/daughter night in sounds perfect! These books are really clean, which was quite refreshing given what’s out there today for young women! I bet she’ll love this series!
Meagan says
Wow, those look beautiful. Almost too pretty to eat. I love strawberry tarts though. They look delicious! Definitely put this on the list for my family parties.
Nibbles By Nic says
So, yeah, strawberries and nutella pretty much the best combo EVER!!!!! love these treats!
Melanie says
I haven’t read a good book in ages!
Rebecca says
This is definitely a great read to pick up to get you back on your game!
Nicole says
You simply can’t beat Nutella and strawberries together. You just can’t!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Beautiful tarts, Rebecca! That sounds like a fun series to read! I need to check them out!
Emily says
My tween would love this recipe! He is obsessed with anything nutella!
Debra says
This recipe sounds delicious and I love that series!
Joanne T Ferguson says
Your tarts look and sound delicious and love your fun photos!
Kallee says
A great book, with a wonderful treat. Who could ask for more?
Kadie says
The strawberry tarts look amazing! I was just telling my husband I needed to get a new series of books to read during soccer practices. I think I’ll be checking these out soon. 🙂
Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy says
I’ve seen this book, but I hadn’t picked it up yet. I knew it was a beauty pageant type thing, but I had not heard of it as Cinderella meets Hunger Games, that sounds a lot more intriguing.
Rebecca says
Not really beauty pageant, more Bachelor like. However, there’s some great underlying history in the books with the rebels and I thought the cast system was interesting, similar to how I imagine the districts. It would be a great series to read with your daughter and I’m sure you’d blow right through them like I did!
Emily @ Love, Pasta and a Tool Belt says
A good book and a delicious dessert, yes please! This looks so good and I want to change out the book series too!
Catherine says
Dear Rebecca, Beautiful post…and a wonderful recipe to accompany the book. I think this is something my daughter would enjoy reading. xo, Catherine
Rebecca says
Thank you, Catherine! I think she would too!
Kavey says
Love this simple recipe, simple can often be the tastiest! Looks fabulous!
Rebecca says
Most definitely!
Del's cooking twist says
They’re so delicate, so beautiful, look so tasty… your tartlets are dreamy!! Good job! 🙂
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
These tarts are so beautiful! Love the dusting of icing sugar, it’s so striking!
Rebecca says
Thank you so much, Becca!
Mrs Major Hoff says
Those look so good! I think I’ll pick up the book too, I need a fun series!
Kendra says
You had me at Nutella! These look good to snack on while curling up with a good book!
Angela says
I am loving everything about these tarts! So easy, beautiful and sounds delicious!!
Autumn | It's Autumn's Life says
So simple and man does that look delicious…!
nadia says
loved this, you should add it to our link party
http://mountaintopchef.blogspot.com/2015/09/friday-finds-1.html
firly austine says
nice recipe ^^ I’ll try make it today ^^