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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove custard from heat, fold in vanilla extract, and let cool to room temperature. Carefully pour the silky mixture into the prepared tart shells.
- 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.
- 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