The Best Strawberry Custard Tarts with Glaze Recipe Ever Made

Sweet summer memories dance through this strawberry custard tarts with glaze that promises delectable moments of pure indulgence.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright fruit notes, creating a dessert that whispers elegance.

Delicate pastry shells cradle silky smooth custard, topped with glistening strawberries that sparkle like jewels.

Each bite transports you to a sunlit kitchen where baking becomes an art form.

Subtle hints of vanilla weave through the filling, complementing the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries.

Pastry chefs and home bakers alike will adore this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Strawberry Custard Tarts with Glaze: Elegant Bite

• These tarts adapt beautifully for different occasions, from casual family gatherings to sophisticated dinner parties, impressing guests with minimal effort.
• Combining creamy custard with bright strawberry glaze creates a dessert that balances rich, smooth textures with vibrant, tangy fruit notes, making every bite delightful.
• Prepare components in advance and assemble quickly, allowing you to serve a stunning dessert without last-minute stress, ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.

Ingredients for Silky Strawberry Custard Tarts

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the delicate tart shell.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich flavor and helps create a flaky texture.
• Egg Yolk: Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without developing gluten.

• Whole Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy base for the custard.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious texture to the filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to the custard.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the custard.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the custard.

• Fresh Strawberries: The primary flavor and color source for the glaze.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the strawberry glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the strawberry glaze to the right consistency.

How to Bake and Fill Strawberry Custard Tarts

Step 1: Create Buttery Tart Shells

Warm up your oven to 375F.

• All-purpose flour
• Powdered sugar
• Cold butter

Pulse these ingredients until they look like coarse crumbs.

Drop in egg yolk and a splash of ice water, then pulse until the dough forms a soft ball.

Gently press the dough into tart pans, creating a smooth, even layer.

Pop the pans in the refrigerator for a quick 10-minute chill.

Slide the pans into the oven and bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.

Let the shells cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Silky Custard Filling

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

Whisk the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a luxurious cream.

Pull the pan off the heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Allow the custard to cool down to room temperature, then carefully spoon it into the waiting tart shells.

Step 3: Craft Vibrant Strawberry Glaze

• Fresh strawberry puree
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Heat the mixture, stirring until it transforms into a glossy, thick sauce.

Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Finish with Fruity Flourish

Gently drizzle the strawberry glaze over the custard-filled tarts.

Slide the tarts into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the glaze set perfectly.

Serve and watch everyone swoon!

Tips for Smooth, Shiny Fruit Glaze

• Add an extra egg yolk to enhance binding and create a more stable, less fragile pastry shell.
• Whisk continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, silky texture that sets perfectly.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries at peak season for the most vibrant and intense glaze color and taste.
• Refrigerate tarts for at least an hour before serving to allow custard and glaze to firm up completely.
• Swap whole milk for low-fat milk or add a sprinkle of chia seeds to the custard for extra nutrients.

Storing and Reheating Custard Tarts

• Store covered tarts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soggy crusts.
• Wrap individual tarts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm tarts at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
• Let tarts sit at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain food safety.

Ideal Pairings for Strawberry Custard Tarts

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Perfect Pairings
• Sip Sparkling Rosé Wine: The delicate bubbles and light pink hue complement the sweet strawberry glaze, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the rich custard.
• Match with Lavender Shortbread: The buttery, floral cookie provides a crisp texture contrast and enhances the tart's delicate strawberry notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Create Mint Whipped Cream Accent: Infuse whipped cream with fresh mint leaves, offering a cool, herbaceous touch that brightens the creamy custard and fruity glaze.
• Brew Chamomile Tea Pairing: The subtle, honey-like tea softens the tart's sweetness while adding a gentle, soothing undertone that complements the strawberry's bright flavor.

Creative Variations on Custard Tart Flavors

• Vegan Berry Delight: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk, almond cream, and plant-based butter. Use chia seeds or cornstarch to thicken custard, replacing eggs. Select dairy-free crust ingredients like almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace traditional flour with almond or coconut flour. Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia. Create custard with heavy cream, egg yolks, and low-carb sweeteners. Top with fresh berries instead of sugary glaze.
• Gluten-Free Option: Utilize gluten-free flour mix for crust. Ensure cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute wheat flour with rice flour or ground nuts for base. Maintain original flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Select fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness. Minimize added sugars in glaze and custard. Incorporate Greek yogurt for creamy texture with lower calorie count.

FAQs

• Are these tarts difficult to make for beginners?

These tarts are beginner-friendly with simple steps. The recipe requires basic baking skills and common kitchen tools like a food processor and saucepan. Following the instructions carefully will help you create delicious strawberry custard tarts.

• Can I use different fruits for the glaze?

Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Just ensure you puree the fruit and adjust sugar levels based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

• How do I know when the custard is properly thickened?

The custard is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should have a smooth, pudding-like consistency without any lumps.

• What's the best way to prevent a soggy tart crust?

Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust until golden and cool completely before adding custard. This helps create a crisp base that won’t become soft from the filling’s moisture.

Strawberry Custard Tarts with Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Strawberry Custard Tarts showcase French pastry artistry with a sweet symphony of creamy custard and fresh berries. Elegant dessert lovers will savor this classic treat that balances delicate flavors and irresistible textures in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Tart Crust:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup powdered sugar
• 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons ice water

Custard Filling:

• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.33 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Strawberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Craft the pastry base by blending flour, powdered sugar, and butter in a food processor until crumbly. Incorporate egg yolk and icy water, pulsing until dough forms cohesively.
2. Gently press the dough into tart molds, then refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up. Bake at 375F for 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden hue, then allow to cool completely.
3. Construct the creamy custard by whisking milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture thickens dramatically.
4. Remove custard from heat, fold in vanilla extract, and let cool to room temperature. Carefully pour the silky mixture into the prepared tart shells.
5. Create a vibrant strawberry glaze by simmering pureed strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened sauce.
6. Allow the glaze to reach room temperature, then generously drizzle over the set custard tarts. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to solidify the glaze and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold when making the tart crust to achieve a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Use a food processor for quick and even mixing of dough, preventing overworking which can make the crust tough.
• Chill the tart shells before baking to prevent shrinkage and maintain their perfect shape during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to create a delightful alternative crust.
• Whisk custard constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth consistency that’s pure perfection.
• Replace whole milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free option that still delivers rich, creamy goodness.
• Strain strawberry glaze through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and create a glossy, professional-looking finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg