Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious, Strawberry Custard Tart is the ultimate dessert that will impress your guests at any gathering. This delightful tart combines a buttery shortcrust pastry with a silky custard filling, topped off with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Perfect for celebrations or just a treat for yourself, this tart offers a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of custard and strawberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness.
- Versatile Dessert: Great for birthdays, picnics, or as a sweet ending to dinner parties.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant strawberries on top make it visually stunning.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the tart in advance for stress-free entertaining.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Strawberry Custard Tart, having the right tools on hand is essential. These kitchen essentials will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Tart pan: Provides the structure needed for your tart and helps achieve even baking.
- Mixing bowls: Ensure you have enough space to combine all ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Perfect for achieving a smooth custard consistency without lumps.
Ingredients
Sweet and simple tart made with a buttery shortcrust tart pastry, silky custard, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
For the Pastry
- 170 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Custard
- 500 g milk
- 4 large eggs
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 30 g cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 60 g unsalted butter (softened & cubed)
For the Topping
- 200 g whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- strawberries (halved)
How to Make Strawberry Custard Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and mix well.
- Gradually incorporate flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it into your tart pan. Chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Pastry Shell
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place parchment paper over the chilled pastry shell and fill it with baking weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
Step 3: Make the Custard Filling
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add heated milk to egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return this mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
- Pour the custard into the cooled pastry shell.
- Let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
Step 5: Add Toppings
- Whip together whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over set custard before decorating with halved strawberries.
Now you have created an exquisite Strawberry Custard Tart, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every delicious slice!
How to Serve Strawberry Custard Tart
Serving a Strawberry Custard Tart can elevate any occasion. This delightful dessert is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or a simple family treat.
Pair with Fresh Mint
- Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing contrast to the sweet custard and strawberries.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A rich chocolate sauce can enhance the tart’s flavor, creating a delightful combination.
Accompany with Ice Cream
- Vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs beautifully with the tart, adding a creamy texture that complements the fruit.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds airiness and richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
Garnish with Edible Flowers
- Edible flowers, like pansies or nasturtiums, create an elegant presentation and a touch of floral flavor.
How to Perfect Strawberry Custard Tart
Perfecting your Strawberry Custard Tart takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tart turns out flawless every time.
- Chill the Dough: Letting the dough chill for at least 30 minutes prevents shrinkage during baking.
- Bake Blind: Use pie weights when blind baking to maintain the tart’s shape and prevent bubbles.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and high-quality vanilla make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Cool Completely: Allow the tart to cool completely before adding custard; this helps avoid sogginess.
- Whip Cream Just Right: Whip cream until soft peaks form for the best texture on top of your tart.
- Serve Fresh: For best flavor, serve the tart shortly after assembly.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Custard Tart
To complement your Strawberry Custard Tart, consider these delicious side dishes. Each option enhances the overall dining experience and provides variety.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can add freshness and balance the sweetness of the tart.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that contrast nicely with the dessert’s sweetness.
- Pineapple Sorbet: This light and refreshing sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites of rich tart.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti provide texture and nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy custard.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add a tropical twist that complements strawberry flavors beautifully.
- Honey Yogurt Dip: A yogurt dip drizzled with honey adds creaminess and tanginess that enhances each bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Strawberry Custard Tart can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of for a successful outcome.
- crust preparation: Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until combined and chill before rolling out.
- egg temperature: Using cold eggs can affect the custard’s texture. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal results.
- baking time: Not baking long enough may leave the custard runny. Keep an eye on it and bake until set in the center.
- ingredient measurement: Incorrectly measuring ingredients can alter the tart’s balance. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
- cooling time: Cutting into the tart too soon can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely before serving for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in a cool area of your fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing Strawberry Custard Tart
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Strawberry Custard Tart
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals, checking often.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Strawberry Custard Tart recipe.
Can I use other fruits in my Strawberry Custard Tart?
Yes! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different flavor profile.
How long does it take to make a Strawberry Custard Tart?
The total time is approximately 615 minutes, including prep and cooling time.
What makes this Strawberry Custard Tart so special?
The combination of buttery crust, silky custard, and fresh strawberries creates a delightful dessert experience.
Can I prepare the tart ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Custard Tart is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors to suit your taste. Try this recipe today for a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Strawberry Custard Tart
Indulge in the heavenly Strawberry Custard Tart, a delightful dessert that effortlessly combines sweet, creamy custard with fresh strawberries atop a buttery shortcrust pastry. This exquisite tart is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple family treat. With its vibrant presentation and the balance of flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all levels. Enjoy this luscious dessert chilled, garnished with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a stunning finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 170 g unsalted butter (softened)
- 120 g powdered sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 500 g milk
- 4 large eggs
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 30 g cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 200 g whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
Instructions
- Prepare the shortcrust pastry by creaming butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and mix well. Gradually incorporate flour and salt to form a dough. Roll out the dough, press it into a tart pan, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the chilled pastry shell with weights for 20 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
- For the custard filling, heat milk until steaming. Whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in another bowl. Slowly add hot milk while whisking to temper eggs. Return to heat until thickened.
- Pour custard into cooled pastry shell and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla before decorating with halved strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 72mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
