Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts With Lemon Curd Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd Recipe

Strawberry honey custard tarts represent a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

These elegant desserts combine silky smooth textures with vibrant, fresh ingredients that elevate simple pastry into a gourmet experience.

Delicate custard forms the creamy heart of each tart, providing a luxurious base for bright, seasonal fruits.

Rich honey infuses the filling with natural sweetness, creating a subtle complexity that crafts an ordinary treat into something extraordinary.

lemon curd adds a zesty counterpoint, cutting through the richness with its sharp, refreshing notes.

Crisp tart shells cradle this harmonious blend of ingredients, offering a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness.

The result is a sophisticated dessert that feels both familiar and innovative.

Why These Custard Tarts Are Pure Joy

  • Savor Sweet-Tart Symphony: This recipe masterfully blends honey's golden sweetness with bright lemon curd, creating a flavor profile that dances between smooth custard and zesty citrus notes.
  • Craft Elegant Dessert Easily: Despite looking professionally made, these tarts come together with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute, making impressive homemade treats accessible.
  • Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Delight: Featuring ripe strawberries as a stunning garnish, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a gorgeous presentation perfect for spring brunches, summer gatherings, or special weekend celebrations.
  • Experience Textural Harmony: Crisp buttery crust meets silky custard and smooth lemon curd, delivering a luxurious multi-layered mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients for Strawberry Honey Custard Treats

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A base for creating a tender and flaky tart shell with classic texture.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the tart.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a flaky, tender crust texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.
  • Cold Water: Helps bind the dough together without developing too much gluten.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy base that adds moisture and subtle vanilla flavor to the custard.
  • Honey: Natural sweetener with unique floral notes and smooth consistency.
  • Large Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the custard filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps set the custard.
  • Fresh Strawberries: Bright, sweet fruit that adds color and fresh flavor to the tart.
Lemon Curd Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs: Thickens and provides structure to the lemon curd.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor to the curd.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of the lemon.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with aromatic oils.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the lemon curd.

How to Build These Pretty Little Tarts

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Sea salt
  • Sugar

Cut in cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add vanilla extract and cold water, mixing until dough forms. Press the dough into a tart pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the crust for 20 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 3: Create the Honey Custard Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Vanilla yogurt
  • Honey
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and arrange sliced strawberries on top.

Step 4: Bake the Custard Tart

Bake the tart for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set. Allow to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Tangy Lemon Curd

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk:
  • Eggs
  • Lemon juice
  • Sugar
  • Lemon zest

Add butter and stir continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes). Strain the curd and let it cool.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

Spread the cooled lemon curd over the tart. Refrigerate until the curd is set and the tart is chilled.

Serving Tip: Best enjoyed cold, this dessert combines the sweetness of honey, the tartness of lemon, and the freshness of strawberries in a delightful pastry crust.

Custard Tips for Smooth and Lemony Layers

  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the crust mixture for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky texture during baking.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the tart shell to create a barrier that keeps the custard filling from making the crust soggy.
  • Check Custard Doneness: Gently shake the tart pan to ensure the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center when removing from the oven.
  • Layer Strawberries Strategically: Arrange strawberry slices in a circular pattern for an elegant presentation and even distribution of fruit.
  • Smooth Lemon Curd Technique: Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any egg lumps and create a silky-smooth topping.

Store These Delicate Tarts Just Right

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store your strawberry honey custard tarts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them carefully separated by placing parchment paper between each tart to prevent sticking.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain optimal texture and flavor quality.
  • Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen tarts overnight in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Gently warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the crust's crispness and revive the custard's creamy consistency.

What Matches Their Honey-Lemon Balance

  • Brew a Bright Beverage Pairing: Complement the tart's sweet and tangy flavors with a crisp, chilled white wine like Riesling or a light Moscato, which will enhance the strawberry and lemon notes without overpowering the delicate custard.
  • Match with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of lavender or vanilla bean ice cream to echo the tart's smooth custard texture and add a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, honey-infused dessert.
  • Create a Cheese Board Accent: Pair with a mild, creamy goat cheese or a soft brie to balance the tart's sweetness and provide a sophisticated savory element that harmonizes with the lemon curd's bright citrus profile.
  • Brew a Subtle Tea Selection: Offer a delicate chamomile or Earl Grey tea to complement the tart's gentle flavors, providing a soothing backdrop that highlights the strawberry and honey undertones without competing with the dessert's nuanced taste.

Creative Toppings and Fillings to Try

  • Summer Berry Remix: Replace strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, colorful tart that bursts with seasonal fruit flavors.
  • Tropical Dream Tart: Swap strawberries for diced mango and add a splash of coconut milk to the custard for a tropical-inspired dessert with exotic undertones.
  • Lavender Honey Infusion: Steep dried lavender buds in the honey before mixing into the custard, creating a delicate floral note that complements the bright lemon curd.
  • Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios over the tart before serving, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy custard and smooth lemon curd.
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Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts With Lemon Curd Recipe

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts With Lemon Curd Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry honey custard tarts showcase French pastry elegance with silky lemon curd dancing across delicate buttery shells. Rich flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor each exquisite bite of this delightful dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

Flour

  • 1 ¾ cups flour (437.5 grams)

Butter

  • ½ cup butter, chilled and cubed (113 grams)

Strawberries

  • 2 cups strawberries, sliced (300 grams)

Eggs

  • 5 eggs (total across recipes)

Sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup sugar

Secondary Ingredients:

Dairy and Yogurt

  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (85 grams)

Citrus Components

  • ½ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup lemon zest (about 2 lemons)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers

  • ¾ teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (in crust)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (in filling)
  • Pinch of coarse salt
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tart crust by blending all-purpose flour (240 grams), sea salt, and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  2. Incorporate chilled unsalted butter (113 grams or ) into the dry ingredients, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips to create a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
  3. Drizzle vanilla extract and cold water (60 milliliters or ) into the mixture, gently folding until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough into a 9-inch (23-centimeter) tart pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom and sides to create a uniform crust.
  5. Refrigerate the prepared crust for 30 minutes to firm up and enhance its structural integrity.
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  7. Bake the chilled crust for approximately 20 minutes, or until it develops a golden-brown color and appears crisp around the edges.
  8. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Whisk together vanilla yogurt (240 milliliters or ), honey (60 milliliters or ), large eggs (2), granulated sugar (50 grams or ), and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth.
  10. Pour the custard mixture over the cooled crust, ensuring an even distribution.
  11. Arrange thinly sliced fresh strawberries in an attractive pattern across the custard surface.
  12. Return the tart to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard sets and appears slightly firm with a gentle jiggle.
  13. While the tart bakes, prepare the lemon curd by combining eggs (2), fresh lemon juice (60 milliliters or ), granulated sugar (100 grams or ), and lemon zest in a saucepan.
  14. Cook the mixture over medium heat, continuously whisking and gradually incorporating unsalted butter (57 grams or ) until the curd thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  15. Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential scrambled egg bits, then let it cool to room temperature.
  16. Once the tart has completely cooled, generously spread the lemon curd over the strawberry custard surface.
  17. Refrigerate the tart for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
  18. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

  • These delicate tarts combine the sweetness of honey, tanginess of lemon, and freshness of strawberries for a sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Chilling the crust ensures a crisp, flaky texture that perfectly complements the creamy custard filling.
  • Whisking the custard ingredients thoroughly prevents lumps and creates a smooth, silky consistency.
  • Straining the lemon curd removes any potential egg bits, resulting in a luxuriously glossy and velvety topping.
  • Arrange strawberries artfully to create an Instagram-worthy dessert that tastes as beautiful as it looks.
  • Allow tarts to cool completely before serving to help the custard and lemon curd set properly for clean, elegant slices.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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