Delicious Strawberry Custard Tart Recipe Perfect for Enjoying the Taste of Summer

There’s something undeniably magical about a Strawberry Custard Tart. It’s elegant yet comforting. Bright yet creamy. Fresh yet indulgent. This dessert captures everything we love about summer — juicy strawberries, silky vanilla custard, and a buttery crisp tart shell that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re planning a garden party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a bakery-style dessert at home, this strawberry custard tart will absolutely impress.

It looks sophisticated.
It tastes luxurious.
And surprisingly — it’s easier than you think.


Why This Tart Is So Special

This dessert balances three essential layers:

  1. Buttery Tart Crust – Crisp, slightly sweet, golden.
  2. Silky Vanilla Custard – Creamy, smooth, rich but not heavy.
  3. Fresh Strawberries – Bright, juicy, naturally sweet.

The contrast of textures makes every bite perfect.


Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
  • 2 tbsp apricot jam (for glaze)
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add egg yolk and cold water. Mix until dough forms.
  5. Press dough into tart pan evenly.
  6. Chill 20 minutes, then bake 18–22 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
  7. In saucepan, heat milk until steaming but not boiling.
  8. In bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
  9. Slowly pour warm milk into egg mixture while whisking.
  10. Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened.
  11. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla.
  12. Pour custard into cooled crust and smooth top.
  13. Chill at least 2 hours until set.
  14. Arrange strawberries neatly on top.
  15. Heat apricot jam with water and brush over strawberries for shine.
  16. Chill 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Custard

  • Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Cook on medium heat.
  • Don’t overboil.
  • Strain if necessary for ultra-smooth texture.

How to Make It Extra Elegant

  • Arrange strawberries in concentric circles.
  • Add mint leaves for color contrast.
  • Use a thin glaze for bakery-style shine.
  • Dust crust edges lightly with powdered sugar.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days.
  • Keep covered loosely.
  • Best enjoyed within 24 hours for maximum freshness.

Variations You’ll Love

Mixed Berry Tart

Replace strawberries with raspberries and blueberries.

Chocolate Twist

Spread thin layer of melted dark chocolate on crust before custard.

Lemon Custard Version

Add 1 tbsp lemon zest for brightness.


Why This Is the Ultimate Summer Dessert

This strawberry custard tart:

  • Feels elegant and bakery-quality
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Highlights seasonal fruit
  • Is make-ahead friendly
  • Always impresses guests

It’s a dessert that looks like art but tastes like comfort.


Strawberry Custard Tart

A classic summer dessert featuring buttery tart crust, silky vanilla custard, and fresh glazed strawberries.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

Tart Crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tbsp cold water
Custard Filling
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries halved
  • 2 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1 tbsp water

Equipment

  • Tart pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven and prepare tart crust dough.
  2. Press dough into tart pan and bake until golden.
  3. Heat milk and prepare custard mixture.
  4. Cook custard until thickened and stir in butter and vanilla.
  5. Fill cooled crust with custard and chill.
  6. Arrange strawberries and glaze before serving.

Notes

Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. Best enjoyed within 24 hours.

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