Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart Recipe Easy Dessert Idea

Posted on October 12, 2025

Vanilla Custard Strawberry Tart - featured image

The creamy vanilla custard, the buttery tart crust, and the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries—this Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart is pure dessert heaven. The first time I made this, I remember thinking, “How can something so beautiful be this simple?” It’s the kind of dessert that looks like you spent hours on it but actually comes together with just a little patience and love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a show-stopping weekend treat, this tart will steal the spotlight every time.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of the first desserts I made for a gathering with friends. Watching their faces light up with each bite made me fall even more in love with baking! And here’s the best part—it’s not just stunning to look at; the flavor is even better. Let’s dive in and make this irresistibly creamy, fruity, and utterly delightful tart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer brunch, a cozy dinner party, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this tart fits the bill beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh fruit.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy vanilla custard and vibrant strawberries is universally loved.
Unbelievably Delicious: The buttery crust, silky custard, and fresh strawberries create a flavor and texture combo that’s out of this world.
Visually Stunning: This tart is the dessert equivalent of a masterpiece painting—impressive yet approachable.

What makes this recipe stand apart is the homemade vanilla custard. It’s not overly sweet, and the subtle vanilla flavor perfectly balances the tartness of the strawberries. Plus, the crust is buttery and flaky, offering the perfect base for the creamy filling and fresh fruit topping. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for impressing family and friends!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a dessert that tastes like it came straight out of a bakery. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Tart Crust:

1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3-4 tbsp cold water

For the Vanilla Custard:

2 cups (480ml) whole milk
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (25g) cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Topping:

2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional: 2 tbsp apricot jam for glaze

Feel free to substitute the strawberries with other seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. The custard pairs wonderfully with almost any fruit!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to whip up this tart. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tart Pan: A 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom works best for easy serving.
Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the crust evenly.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and custard.
Whisk: To ensure your custard is smooth and lump-free.
Medium Saucepan: For cooking the custard.
Plastic Wrap: To chill and cover the dough.

If you don’t have a tart pan, a pie dish works as a solid alternative. Just press the dough into the dish and follow the same steps!

Preparation Method

Make the Tart Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing, then bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
Make the Vanilla Custard: In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, and let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Tart: Pour the cooled custard into the baked crust and spread evenly. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top in a decorative pattern.
Optional Glaze: Warm apricot jam in the microwave for 10 seconds and brush it lightly over the strawberries for a glossy finish.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the custard to set. Slice and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the tart dough; it helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Custard Consistency: If your custard isn’t thickening, make sure your heat is medium and not too low. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Use Ripe Strawberries: The fresher and sweeter your strawberries, the better your tart will taste.
Glaze for Shine: Brushing the strawberries with jam not only enhances their flavor but also adds an elegant finish.

These tips will guarantee a tart that looks and tastes like it was made by a pro!

Variations & Adaptations

Seasonal Fruits: Swap strawberries for peaches, raspberries, or even a mix of berries for a twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust. You may need an extra tablespoon of water to bind the dough.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the custard.
Tropical Twist: Add a layer of sliced mango or pineapple along with the strawberries for a summery vibe.

Personally, I love making this tart with a mix of strawberries and blueberries during patriotic holidays—it’s festive and delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This tart is best served chilled, straight from the fridge. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Serving Temperature: Serve cold for the creamiest texture and freshest flavor.
Pairings: Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A glass of chilled rosé is also a fantastic complement.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the custard may lose its smooth texture.
Reheating: No reheating needed—this tart is meant to be enjoyed cold!

Over time, the flavors meld together, making the tart even more irresistible on day two.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This tart is a sweet indulgence, but it does offer some nutritional perks:

Per serving (approx. 1 slice): 220 calories, 11g fat, 28g carbs, 3g protein
Rich in Vitamin C: Thanks to the fresh strawberries.
Calcium Boost: The custard provides calcium from milk and eggs.
Customizable for Diets: Easily adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

It’s the perfect way to treat yourself while enjoying the benefits of fresh fruit and homemade goodness.

Conclusion

This Vanilla Custard & Strawberry Tart isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a gift to yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Whether you’re experimenting with seasonal fruits or perfecting your custard skills, this tart offers endless opportunities for creativity.

I love how versatile and forgiving this recipe is, and I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do. If you try this tart, let me know in the comments how it turned out—or share your own creative adaptations. I’d love to hear your ideas!

So go ahead, grab your apron, and make this tart your next masterpiece. You’ve got this!

FAQs

Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the crust and bake it a day in advance. Store it at room temperature, covered, until ready to assemble.

What’s the best way to thicken custard?

Make sure to cook it over medium heat and stir constantly. Cornstarch is key for thickening, so don’t skip it!

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best, but if you’re using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.

How can I make this tart gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. It works beautifully!

What’s the shelf life of this tart?

Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s covered to keep the custard from drying out.