Delicious Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Recipe

There’s something truly special about a homemade dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. This vanilla custard tart combines a silky, smooth custard with a crisp tart shell, topped generously with fresh, vibrant strawberries. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable, this vanilla custard tart recipe fits the bill perfectly.

this Recipe

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself on a quiet evening, this tart is sure to become a favorite. The balance of creamy custard and juicy strawberries will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Silky homemade vanilla custard that’s rich but not overly sweet.
• Fresh strawberries add a bright, natural sweetness and beautiful color.
• Crisp, buttery tart crust made from scratch for the perfect texture.
• Versatile dessert suitable for casual dinners or special occasions.
• Relatively simple to make with straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your vanilla custard tart. The tart shell and custard are made separately, then combined with fresh strawberries for the finishing touch.

Tart Shell

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water (plus more if needed)

Vanilla Custard Filling

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

How to Make Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, and salt to combine. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg yolk and ice water. Pulse just until the dough begins to come together. Press the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
4. For the custard, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper it, then pour it back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the custard thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin, and cool to room temperature.
7. Once the tart shell and custard are cooled, spread the custard evenly in the tart shell. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern.
8. Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the custard to set fully.

Tips for the Best Results

• Keep your butter and water cold when making the tart dough for a flaky crust.
• Don’t overmix the dough to avoid a tough crust.
• Temper the eggs carefully when making the custard to prevent scrambling.
• Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and appearance.
• Chill the tart well before serving to allow the custard to set properly.

Storage and Reheating

Store the vanilla custard tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The custard and fresh strawberries mean this dessert is best enjoyed fresh and chilled rather than reheated.

For longer storage, you can freeze the custard filling separately (not recommended to freeze the tart assembled). Thaw the custard in the refrigerator before assembling the tart fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! This vanilla custard tart pairs wonderfully with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced peaches. Just make sure the fruit is fresh and ripe for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the tart crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust until golden helps create a barrier that prevents sogginess. You can also brush the cooled crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg white before adding the custard for extra protection.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard a day ahead. Just cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the tart for easier spreading.

What’s the best way to slice the tart?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between slices. This helps create clean cuts without dragging the custard or fruit.