Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWith the first hint of summer breeze, I often find myself daydreaming about gatherings filled with laughter, sunshine, and of course, delightful desserts. Nothing captures this season quite like a Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart. Its crisp, buttery pastry crust cradles a silky vanilla custard that’s just begging to be topped with glistening, fresh strawberries. The beauty of this tart lies not only in its vibrant flavors but also in its easy preparation, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for your next get-together. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a homemade treat that feels both luxurious and light. Have you ever thought of surprising your guests with a touch of sweetness that’s as pretty as it is delicious? Let’s dive into crafting this elegant dessert that will surely steal the show! Why is this tart a must-try? Irresistible Flavors: The combination of silky vanilla custard and juicy strawberries creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. Elegant Presentation: This tart is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering. Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this delight; the simple steps ensure a stress-free cooking experience. Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the fruit or glaze, allowing you to customize each tart to your liking—try pairing it with raspberries or a citrus twist! Perfect for Summer: Light and refreshing, this tart perfectly embodies the spirit of summer, making it an ideal dessert for barbecues and picnics. For another seamless dessert experience, check out my recipe for Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes—they’re a breakfast hit that your family will adore! Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Ingredients For the Crust Pastry Flour – Provides the structure for the crust; all-purpose flour works as a perfect substitute. Butter – Adds richness and flakiness; for a dairy-free option, margarine can be used. Sugar – Sweetens the crust; coconut sugar can give it a delightful complexity. For the Custard Egg Yolk – Essential for creating a rich custard texture; consider using a prepared egg substitute for a vegan option. Milk – The creamy base of the custard; whole milk works best, but almond or oat milk are tasty alternatives. Heavy Cream – Enhances the custard’s richness; replace with additional whole milk for a lighter variant. Vanilla Bean – Infuses an aromatic flavor; if unavailable, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract makes a great substitute. For the Topping Fresh Strawberries – Ideal for a vibrant topping; choose ripe ones for the best flavor, or use well-drained frozen strawberries if needed. Apricot Jam – Used as a glaze for shine; feel free to swap with your favorite fruit jams for a personal touch. This Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is sure to impress, combining simplicity with a touch of elegance—let’s get baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Step 1: Prepare the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine the pastry flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Form the mixture into a dough, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you roll out the dough on a floured surface. Fit the rolled dough into a tart pan, then prick the base with a fork and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Step 2: Make the Custard In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolk and cornstarch in a separate bowl until well blended. Once the milk mixture is steaming but not boiling, gradually pour it into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring continuously, for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened and able to coat the back of a spoon. Step 3: Assemble the Tart Remove the baked crust from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Once the custard has thickened, pour it into the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the custard cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is essential for a perfectly set Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart. Step 4: Top with Strawberries Once the custard is thoroughly chilled, it’s time to add the finishing touch. Arrange the fresh strawberries, sliced if desired, atop the custard layer, creating a beautiful and vibrant presentation. To add a glossy finish, gently warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan until liquid and then brush it over the strawberries. This will give your tart a lovely sheen and enhance its flavor. Step 5: Serve Slice the completed Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart into wedges. For the best experience, serve it fresh or within two days, keeping it refrigerated. This delightful dessert captures the essence of summer with its creamy, fruity layers and will surely impress your family and friends at any gathering. How to Store and Freeze Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Fridge: Store the assembled tart in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep it refrigerated to maintain its creamy custard and fresh strawberry toppings. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the tart out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage, especially with the custard. Freezer: While it’s best to enjoy the tart fresh, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheating: If you thaw frozen slices, allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight. Enjoy chilled or let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving. Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Variations Feel free to play with this delightful recipe and make it your own with these tempting variations! Berry Medley: Swap strawberries for a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries for a colorful twist. Each bite becomes a delicious explosion of fruity flavor! Citrus Zing: Infuse the custard with a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note. This brightens the overall flavor, making it taste like summer in every bite. Nutty Crust: For a delightful crunch, incorporate ground almonds or hazelnuts into the pie crust for added texture. Nut lovers will appreciate this added depth and richness. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the taste with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce over the fresh strawberries. The sweet, buttery flavor complements the tart, creating a decadent experience. Chocolate Bliss: Add cocoa powder to the custard for a rich chocolate version. Chocolate and strawberries are a classic match and take this tart to a whole new level. Spiced Up: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard to warm the flavors. These spices add comforting notes that elevate the dessert’s complexity, perfect for cozy gatherings. Vegan Delight: Substitute egg yolks with a silken tofu blend and use plant-based milk. This is an excellent way to enjoy this recipe while catering to vegan dietary needs. Gingery Glaze: Instead of apricot jam, use ginger preserves for a zesty kick. Its warmth adds a distinct personality, ensuring your dessert stands out on any table. For more delightful combinations, check out my recipes for Red Velvet Strawberry or the refreshing Moist Strawberry Shortcake—the options are endless for your sweet creations! What to Serve with Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Looking to elevate your dessert experience? Discover these delightful accompaniments that will create a well-rounded meal. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich and airy texture, enhancing the tart’s creamy custard. Mint Leaves: The bright freshness of mint serves as a vibrant contrast, balancing the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the sweet flavors, providing a comforting and stimulating experience that rounds out the meal. Iced Tea: For a refreshing twist, serve with a glass of chilled iced tea, making each bite of tart even more delightful. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a little chocolate ganache can add a rich and decadent twist, creating a luxurious layer to this elegant dessert. Pistachios: Chopped pistachios sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch, along with a nutty flavor that complements the creamy texture of the custard. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream would pair wonderfully, providing a creamy cold contrast to the tart’s texture. Let these pairings inspire you to craft a meal that’s as memorable as this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart! Expert Tips for Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Whisk Thoroughly: Make sure to whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch well to avoid curdling when you cook the custard. Check Custard Consistency: The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon—take your time to ensure the right texture! Chill the Crust: Pre-chill the crust for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain its flakiness and prevents shrinking during baking. Use Ripe Strawberries: Always choose ripe strawberries for a burst of freshness; if using frozen, drain them well and pat dry. Layer Carefully: When topping with strawberries, arrange them as you like for a beautiful presentation, and brush with warm apricot jam for added flavor and shine. Refrigerate Properly: For the best experience, serve the Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Make Ahead Options These Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tarts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the crust up to 48 hours in advance; simply chill it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The custard can also be made one day ahead; just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a film from forming. Assemble the tart on the day of serving by pouring the chilled custard into the pre-baked crust and topping it with fresh strawberries. This way, you’ll have a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without the last-minute rush! Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart Recipe FAQs What kind of strawberries should I use? For the best flavor, it’s essential to choose ripe, fresh strawberries. Look for berries that are vibrant red, firm to the touch, and free from dark spots or blemishes. If you’re in a pinch, well-drained frozen strawberries can work, but fresh ones will provide that superior juicy burst. How long can I store the tart in the fridge? The assembled Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy custard and prevent the crust from getting soggy. You might notice the tart’s flavor and texture are best when enjoyed fresh, so I recommend serving it within the first day for optimal taste. Can I freeze the tart? While it’s best eaten fresh, you can freeze individual slices of the tart for up to 1 month. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. They can be enjoyed chilled or allowed to sit at room temperature for a little while before serving. What should I do if my custard is too thin? If your custard isn’t thickening as expected, it may need more cooking time. After whisking your egg yolks and cornstarch into the milk mixture, cook it on medium heat while stirring continuously for about 5-7 minutes. You want the custard to coat the back of a spoon. If it still seems too thin, you could whisk in an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of cold milk, then return it to medium heat until it thickens. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Absolutely! The Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute milk with almond or oat milk and swap butter with margarine. If you prefer a vegan option, explore using an egg substitute like silken tofu blended until smooth. The use of gluten-free flour can also make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries? Yes, the Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is very versatile! If you want a twist, feel free to swap strawberries for other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries. For a citrusy delight, add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the custard or use a citrus glaze instead of apricot jam for a refreshing change. Delightful Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart for Summer Bliss This Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is a refreshing summer dessert made with a buttery crust, silky vanilla custard, and fresh strawberries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Pastry Flour All-purpose flour works as a substitute.1 cup Butter Use margarine for a dairy-free option.1/4 cup Sugar Coconut sugar can give it a delightful complexity.For the Custard4 large Egg Yolk Consider using a prepared egg substitute for a vegan option.1 cup Milk Whole milk is best, but almond or oat milk are alternatives.1/2 cup Heavy Cream Replace with additional whole milk for a lighter variant.1 bean Vanilla Bean 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract makes a great substitute.For the Topping2 cups Fresh Strawberries Choose ripe ones for the best flavor.1/4 cup Apricot Jam Swap with favorite fruit jams for a personal touch. Equipment Mixing bowlpastry cuttertart pansaucepanspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCombine the pastry flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Form into a dough, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), roll out the dough, fit it into a tart pan, prick the base with a fork, and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk and heavy cream until simmering. Whisk together egg yolk and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Gradually pour the milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking. Return to the saucepan and cook, stirring for about 5-7 minutes or until thickened.Removed baked crust from the oven; let it cool slightly. Pour the custard into the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours.Once the custard is chilled, arrange fresh strawberries atop the custard. Gently warm apricot jam until liquid and brush over the strawberries.Slice the tart into wedges. Serve fresh or within two days, keeping it refrigerated. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 95mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1mg NotesMake sure to whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch well to avoid curdling. Choose ripe strawberries for a delicious topping and brush with warm apricot jam for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
