Zingy Strawberry Custard Tarts Recipe: Sweet Summer Joy

Delicate pastry crusts cradle a luscious strawberry custard that whispers sweet promises of summer afternoons.

Golden-baked tart shells provide the perfect canvas for this delightful dessert.

Each bite melts with creamy richness and bright berry notes that dance across your palate.

The silky custard nestles beneath fresh, glistening strawberries, creating a visual masterpiece that’s as delightful to admire as it is to devour.

Tender and smooth, these tarts blend classic French pastry techniques with vibrant seasonal fruit.

Simple ingredients come together to create an elegant treat that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Bake these tarts and watch as they become the star of any gathering, inviting everyone to savor a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Tools to Make Bakery-Style Strawberry Custard Tarts

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and forming pie dough.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending eggs, sugar, and creating lemon curd.
• Saucepan: Needed for cooking lemon curd over low heat.
• 4-inch Tart Pans: Crucial for shaping and baking individual tart shells.
• Rolling Pin: Used to roll out pie dough evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and aids in blind baking.
• Baking Beans: Keeps pie crust flat during initial baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for zesting lemon and cutting strawberries.
• Cooling Rack: Allows tarts to cool evenly after baking.

How to Bake and Chill Strawberry Custard Tarts

• Lemon Curd Preparation

A silky smooth lemon spread that adds bright tangy flavor to the tarts. Create this zesty mixture by gently heating butter, sugar, and fresh citrus over low flame while stirring consistently until the texture transforms into a luxurious sauce.

• Pastry Foundation

Craft delicate tart shells using cold ingredients and minimal handling. Combine flour with chilled butter, working quickly to maintain a flaky texture. Shape the dough into smooth discs and let them rest in the refrigerator to develop optimal consistency.

• Crust Formation

Carefully roll out the chilled dough and nestle it into small tart pans. Blind bake the shells to ensure a crisp base that will hold the luscious filling without becoming soggy. Create tiny perforations to prevent bubbling during baking.

• Filling Creation

Blend eggs with natural sweeteners and creamy yogurt to develop a silky custard. The mixture should have a gentle, soft texture that complements the bright strawberries waiting to be nestled into the golden shells.

• Final Assembly

Arrange vibrant strawberry slices across the pre-baked shells, then generously pour the custard mixture. Bake until the filling sets with a gentle wobble and the edges turn a warm golden brown. Once cooled, drizzle with the tangy lemon curd for a final touch of elegance.

Flavor Ideas for Tweaking Your Strawberry Tarts

• Replace strawberries with seasonal alternatives like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for fresh flavor variations.
• Prepare lemon curd and pie dough up to 3 days in advance, storing separately in sealed containers to streamline baking process.
• Toast sliced almonds or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Substitute honey yogurt with coconut yogurt or almond milk-based yogurt for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to create elegant restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests instantly.

Plating and Garnishing Strawberry Custard Tarts

• Picnic Perfect Presentation: Pack these tarts in a cute wicker basket for an elegant outdoor gathering with friends, adding fresh mint leaves as a delightful garnish.
• Berry Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these tarts as a stunning dessert during weekend brunch, placing them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Create an intimate dessert experience by plating individual tarts with a small dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of extra lemon curd, perfect for a cozy evening at home.
• Summer Tea Party Treat: Arrange these tarts on delicate china plates alongside chamomile tea, creating a sophisticated and sweet afternoon refreshment that celebrates seasonal berries.

Storage Instructions for Keeping Tarts Crisp

• Fridge-Fresh Safekeeping: Store these delightful strawberry custard tarts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping their delicate texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lemon curd and pie dough 2-3 days before assembling, allowing you to break down the recipe into manageable steps and reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Smart Slice Strategy: When storing individual tarts, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the pristine appearance of each delicate pastry.
• Temperature TLC: Always bring refrigerated tarts to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance their flavors and restore the perfect creamy custard consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Strawberry Custard Tarts Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for delicate tart shell, choose unbleached for richer texture.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps golden browning of crust.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates flaky, tender crust with rich, creamy undertones.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to pastry.
• Cold Water: Helps bind ingredients without overworking dough.

• Eggs: Provides structure and creates silky custard texture.
• Honey Yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess and natural sweetness.
• Fresh Strawberries: Brings vibrant color and juicy, bright flavor, select ripe, deep red berries.
• Sugar: Balances tartness and helps caramelize surface.

• Butter: Creates smooth, luxurious base with rich flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, zesty punch.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds subtle oils.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Eggs: Provides creamy, thick consistency.

Luscious Strawberry Custard Tarts

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elegant French Strawberry Custard Tarts showcase delicate pastry filled with silky vanilla custard and crowned with fresh strawberries. Sweet summer flavors invite you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic French dessert.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup (240 ml) vanilla yogurt
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) flour
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, chilled and cubed
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup (120 ml) lemon juice
• 4 tbsps sugar
• 1 ½ tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ tsp sea salt
• ¼ cup (12 g) lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• Pinch of coarse salt
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsps (90 ml) cold water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Lemon Curd Preparation: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, blending sugar, lemon juice, zest, and salt into a smooth base. Gradually whisk in eggs, ensuring thorough incorporation after each addition, and cook while stirring for 8-9 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, cool completely, and refrigerate.
2. Pastry Dough Creation: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut chilled butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Introduce vanilla extract and cold water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive mass. Transfer to a floured surface, fold gently, and shape into flat discs. Chill for 15-60 minutes to enhance texture.
3. Tart Shell Formation: Preheat oven to 375˚F. Roll out chilled dough and carefully line four 4-inch tart pans. Prick dough bottoms, line with parchment paper and baking beans, then bake for 10 minutes to partially set crusts. Remove beans and cool completely.
4. Custard Filling Assembly: Whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla extract, gently folding in honey yogurt to create a smooth mixture. Arrange fresh strawberries across the cooled pastry crusts, then pour the yogurt mixture evenly over the fruit.
5. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling sets and edges turn golden. Allow tarts to cool slightly, then elegantly drizzle with the prepared lemon curd. Serve and enjoy the delicate, fruity dessert.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate pastry dough for 15-60 minutes to prevent shrinkage and create a flakier, more tender crust during baking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Always prick tart shell bases and pre-bake with weights to ensure a crisp, golden foundation that resists moisture from fillings.
• Master Lemon Curd Technique: Cook curd on low heat while stirring constantly, watching for thickening and avoiding scrambling eggs for a silky-smooth texture.
• Fresh Strawberry Placement: Arrange berries before adding yogurt filling to create an attractive, professional-looking tart with fruit evenly distributed across the surface.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg