Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

Name: Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 egg yolk; 2–3 tablespoons ice water; 1 1/4 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 egg yolks; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing); Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Author: Lora

Published: August 6, 2025

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Introduction to Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

Is there anything more delightful than a slice of Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart? This classic dessert brings a smile to my face every time I make it. It’s the perfect way to end a long day, offering a burst of sweetness and comfort. As a busy mom, I know how precious time is. But this tart manages to impress your loved ones without being overly complicated. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a little treat for yourself, this tart is a delightful solution for all occasions!

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

This Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is truly a gem in my dessert repertoire. It’s remarkably easy to whip up, even on the busiest of days. The luscious vanilla custard pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries, creating an explosion of flavor that dances on your tongue. Plus, this beautiful tart is a showstopper on any table, sure to delight your guests or brighten up your family meal with minimal effort!

Ingredients for Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

To create this delectable Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. While exact measurements can be found at the bottom of the article, here’s a quick rundown of what’s required:

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of the tart crust, providing essential structure.
Powdered sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Using cold, cubed butter ensures a flaky tart crust that everyone will rave about.
Egg yolk: This helps bind the crust together, making it rich and tender.
Ice water: Adding cold water helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
Whole milk: Provides a creamy base for the custard, giving it a silky texture.
Heavy cream: Enhances the richness and creaminess of the custard for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard, balancing it beautifully with the tart strawberries.
Vanilla bean or vanilla extract: A must-have for that classic vanilla flavor; the bean offers a more intense experience.
Egg yolks: They add richness and depth to the custard, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Cornstarch: This helps thicken the custard, ensuring it sets perfectly without any lumps.
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show! Use the ripest, juiciest strawberries for the best flavor.
Apricot jam: Used for glazing, it gives a lovely sheen and adds a hint of fruity sweetness.
Fresh mint leaves (optional): These can be a lovely garnish, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

By choosing high-quality ingredients, you’ll uplift the entire dessert. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

How to Make Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

Making the Tart Crust

Let’s start with the tart crust, which is the foundation of this lovely dessert. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs, showing a little love from your hands.

Once it’s crumbly, add the egg yolk and a sprinkle of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap this lifesaver in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps create a flakier crust, so don’t skip this step! After that, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface, fit it into a tart pan, and prick the bottom with a fork. Bake your crust for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Preparing the Vanilla Custard

Now, onto the creamy goodness of the vanilla custard, a star that makes this tart shine! Start by combining the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar in a saucepan. If you’re using a vanilla bean, split it open, scrape the seeds, and toss them—along with the pod—into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let the flavors marry for a few minutes.

While that simmers, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Slowly incorporate the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk blend, whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs, avoiding any scary curdles. Once well combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Keep whisking until the custard thickens—this will take about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until melted. Let the custard cool slightly before pouring it into your pre-baked tart crust.

Assembling the Tart

It’s time for the grand assembly! Carefully arrange the beautifully sliced fresh strawberries over the velvety custard. I love trying different patterns; try a spiral or a simple row for a classic touch. To finish, gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it melts and becomes glaze-like. Brush this delicious glaze over the strawberries for a beautiful shine. Pop your tart in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps set everything perfectly, making for an even more delightful treat!

Tips for Success

Always use cold butter for your crust. It’s the secret to a flaky texture!
Chill your dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain the structure during baking.
Don’t rush the custard-making process. Whisk constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy result.
Opt for ripe strawberries. They provide maximum flavor and sweetness to your tart.
Let the tart cool fully before glazing, ensuring a neat and beautiful finish!

Equipment Needed

Tart pan: A fluted tart pan gives a beautiful shape, but a pie dish works too.
Mixing bowls: A couple of medium bowls are handy, but feel free to use whatever you have!
Whisk: Essential for making the custard smooth; a fork can work in a pinch.
Pastry cutter: Great for mixing butter into flour; a fork or your fingers will also do.
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is perfect for cooking the custard and heating the jam.

Variations

Use Different Fruits: While strawberries are the star, try blueberries, raspberries, or kiwi for a colorful twist. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor!
Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk or coconut milk for the whole milk and use a dairy-free cream for a lighter version of this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart.
Add a Citrus Zing: For a refreshing kick, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the custard. It pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries!
Chocolate Lovers: Mix melted chocolate into the vanilla custard for a rich twist. Top with chocolate shavings or a drizzle for extra indulgence.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a tart that everyone can enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra decadence.
Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a crisp glass of sparkling water to cleanse the palate.
Dust with powdered sugar right before serving, adding an elegant touch to your dessert.
Add a few mint leaves on top for a pop of color and a refreshing scent.
Serve slices on elegant plates, and perhaps add a small fruit garnish for flair!

FAQs about Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

Can I make the tart crust in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart crust up to two days ahead. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, roll it out and bake as directed.

How do I store leftover Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart?

Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered lightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to three days, although the crust may lose some crunch over time.

Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Yes! Feel free to get creative. Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches can add a delightful twist to this dessert. Just remember to use fresh seasonal fruits for the best taste!

Is this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart difficult to make?

Not at all! With straightforward steps, this tart is beginner-friendly. Just take your time with each process, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning dessert!

Can I use store-bought custard instead of making my own?

Yes, you can certainly use store-bought custard if you’re short on time. Just make sure to sweeten it slightly to suit your taste. It’s a great shortcut on busy days!

Final Thoughts

Every time I prepare this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart, I’m reminded of the simple joys of baking. The rich, creamy custard and vibrant strawberries create a symphony of flavors that warm the heart. Whether serving it at a dinner party or enjoying a slice after a hectic day, this dessert brings a sense of accomplishment and happiness. It’s a beautiful way to gather loved ones around the table, turning an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Trust me, with each bite, you’ll experience a delightful moment of bliss that you’ll want to recreate time and again!