Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart Recipe

Introduction

This Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a crisp, buttery crust with smooth vanilla custard and fresh strawberries. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3-4 tbsp cold water
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp (25g) cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Optional: 2 tbsp apricot jam for glaze

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and work it into the flour with fingers or a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press dough into pan and trim edges. Prick bottom with fork to prevent puffing. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
3. Step 3: Heat milk in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture while whisking. Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter. Let cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour cooled custard into baked crust, spreading evenly. Arrange sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern.
5. Step 5: (Optional) Warm apricot jam in microwave for 10 seconds and brush lightly over strawberries for a shiny glaze.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate tart for at least 2 hours to set custard. Slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled butter and ice-cold water to ensure a flaky crust texture.
• For a different flavor, substitute strawberries with fresh raspberries or mixed berries.
• Glazing with apricot jam not only adds shine but also helps preserve the fruit’s freshness.

Storage

Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, consume within this time. Reheat is not recommended as custard texture changes when warmed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes, the tart crust dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 1 day before baking. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.

How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and thickens noticeably as you stir. If it’s too runny, continue cooking a little longer while stirring constantly.

Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart Recipe

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This Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart features a buttery, flaky crust filled with smooth, creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh, vibrant strawberries. The optional apricot glaze adds a beautiful shine and a subtle fruity sweetness, making it a perfect elegant dessert for any occasion.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tart Crust

• 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsp cold water

Vanilla Custard

• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp (25g) cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Topping

• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• Optional: 2 tbsp apricot jam for glaze

Instructions

1. Make the Tart Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit your tart pan. Carefully press the dough into the pan and trim any excess from the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool completely before filling.
3. Make the Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk until warm but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth and pale. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Let the custard cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Tart: Pour the cooled vanilla custard into the baked tart crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern, covering the custard completely.
5. Optional Glaze: Warm the apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 seconds to loosen it. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the apricot glaze over the strawberries to add a glossy finish and subtle sweetness.
6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled tart for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to fully set. Once chilled, slice and serve as a refreshing and elegant dessert.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, bake with pie weights or dried beans before filling to prevent bubbling.
• Make sure to temper the egg yolks by slowly adding the warm milk to avoid curdling the custard.
• The custard can be made a day in advance and refrigerated for convenience.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
• The apricot glaze can be omitted if a less sweet finish is preferred.

Keywords: vanilla custard tart, strawberry tart, homemade tart, dessert recipe, fruit tart, custard dessert, fresh strawberries, apricot glaze