A luscious Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is the perfect dessert for any occasion. This delightful tart features a crisp, buttery pastry crust filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s a sweet and refreshing treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy vanilla custard and fresh strawberries creates a heavenly taste experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, this tart will be a showstopper at any event.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, making this tart is simpler than you might think.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to swap strawberries for other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries, to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant design make this tart look as good as it tastes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Tart pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Saucepan
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Tart pan: Provides the desired shape and structure for the tart crust.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth custard by effectively blending ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 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
For the Custard:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
To start, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk along with ice water gradually, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Fit it into your tart pan carefully. Prick the bottom with a fork and line it with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Custard
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. If using, split open the vanilla bean and scrape out its seeds; add both seeds and pod to the mixture. Bring it to a simmer while stirring occasionally. In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour in the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly; return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Tart
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in butter along with vanilla extract (if using). Let it cool slightly before pouring into your cooled tart crust. Now arrange sliced strawberries over the custard in an attractive pattern.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam until melted; brush over strawberries for a beautiful glaze. Optionally garnish with mint leaves for added freshness. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best results.
Now you have an exquisite Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart ready to delight everyone! Enjoy!
How to Serve Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Serving your Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance its presentation and flavor.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the tart’s flavors beautifully.
Serve with Fresh Mint
- A few fresh mint leaves on top can provide a refreshing contrast and enhance the visual appeal of the tart.
Accompany with a Fruit Compote
- Consider serving a side of berry compote for an extra burst of fruitiness that pairs well with the vanilla custard.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream can add richness and temperature contrast, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A light drizzle of chocolate sauce can create a beautiful presentation while adding a decadent twist to this classic dessert.
Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
- Pairing your tart with a cup of coffee or tea can balance the sweetness, offering a pleasant end to any meal.
How to Perfect Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Perfecting your Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for a flawless result.
- Use cold ingredients: Ensure that your butter and egg yolks are cold for a better crust texture.
- Chill the crust: Chilling the pastry before baking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture.
- Whisk constantly: When cooking the custard, constant whisking prevents lumps from forming and ensures smoothness.
- Cool completely: Let the custard cool completely in the crust before adding strawberries to maintain structure.
- Glaze carefully: Brush the apricot jam gently over strawberries to avoid disturbing their arrangement.
- Store properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two days.
Best Side Dishes for Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Enhancing your meal with perfect side dishes can complement your Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart nicely. Here are some great options:
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tart’s creamy filling.
- Grilled Asparagus: The smoky flavor of grilled asparagus adds an elegant touch alongside this sweet dessert.
- Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche can serve as a rich, savory counterbalance to the sweetness of the tart.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits enhances freshness and adds vibrant colors to your table.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses offers savory bites that pair well with sweet desserts like tarts.
- Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, serve chocolate mousse as an indulgent side that complements the vanilla flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some key errors to watch for:
- Ignoring the chilling time: Failing to chill the dough can result in a crust that shrinks during baking. Always give your pastry time to rest in the fridge.
- Using warm ingredients for custard: Mixing warm ingredients can cause the custard to curdle. Ensure all components are at room temperature before combining.
- Overbaking the crust: Baking too long can lead to a dry tart shell. Keep an eye on it and remove it when it’s just golden.
- Not preheating the oven: A cold oven affects how your tart bakes. Always preheat to ensure even cooking.
- Skipping the glaze: The apricot glaze not only adds shine but also enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step for a perfect finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the tart in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tart in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart, we’ve got answers!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh ones provide better texture and flavor.
How do I make my custard thicker?
To achieve a thicker custard, ensure you cook it longer while whisking continuously until it coats the back of a spoon.
Can I substitute other fruits?
Absolutely! You can use other fruits like blueberries or raspberries as a topping for variation.
What if my crust cracks?
If your crust cracks, you can patch it with leftover dough or simply cover it with berries and cream.
Final Thoughts
The Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with different fruits or flavors as you desire. Give it a try; it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart
Indulge in a slice of our Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart, a delightful dessert that combines a crisp, buttery pastry crust with velvety vanilla custard and fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, this tart is not only easy to prepare but also customizable—swap in your favorite fruits to create your signature dessert. The impressive presentation of vibrant colors makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings, while the rich flavors will satisfy even the sweetest cravings. Enjoy this classic French-inspired treat that promises to be a hit at your next event.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 pint fresh strawberries
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by mixing flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and ice water; mix until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough, fit into tart pan, prick bottom, line with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
- For the custard, heat milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch; gradually add hot milk mixture while whisking. Return to saucepan and cook until thickened.
- Pour custard into cooled crust and arrange sliced strawberries on top.
- Brush with melted apricot jam for glaze and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (105g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
