Description
A buttery tart shell filled with silky vanilla custard and topped with fresh glazed strawberries. This elegant and refreshing dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 egg yolk
2–3 tablespoons ice water
1 ¼ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
4 egg yolks
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 tablespoon apricot jam (for glazing)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and just enough ice water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and press into a tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights.
- Bake the tart shell in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
- To make the custard, heat the milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, scrape out the seeds and add both seeds and pod to the mixture. Bring to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch. Slowly pour in the hot milk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract (if using instead of the bean). Let it cool slightly.
- Pour the custard into the cooled tart shell and smooth the top.
- Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the custard.
- Melt the apricot jam and brush it over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Substitute strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries depending on the season.
Add lemon zest to the custard for a citrus twist.
Use store-bought tart shell or custard for quicker prep.
Refrigerate the tart, covered, for up to 3 days. Best served cold.
Do not freeze; the custard and fruit texture will not hold up.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg