Delicious Fruit Tart with Custard Filling: A Must-Try Recipe

Imagine a warm afternoon, the gentle sound of laughter echoing from the kitchen, the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting through the air. It’s one of those lazy weekends when the world slows down just enough to savor the little things. I remember the first time I made a fruit tart with custard filling—my family gathered around the table, plates in hand, excitement written on their faces. It felt like a celebration of simple joys, and every creamy, fruity bite was a little piece of sunshine. This recipe has become a beloved staple in our home, a way to bring everyone together over something delicious and beautiful.

What makes this fruit tart so special, you ask? It’s not just the vibrant colors or the delightful blend of textures. It’s the nostalgic memories, the laughter shared, and the way a slice can turn a regular day into a moment worth savoring. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to Sunday brunches—this tart will quickly earn a spot in your recipe repertoire. So, let’s dive into this delightful adventure of flavors and create something magical together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, and you’re craving something sweet yet not overly complicated to whip up. This fruit tart with custard filling is like a warm hug on your plate. It’s incredibly satisfying to make, and it feels oh-so-fancy, yet it’s surprisingly easy! You don’t have to be a professional pastry chef to achieve that “wow” factor. And here’s the kicker: it tastes like something from a charming patisserie right in your own kitchen!

The combination of buttery tart crust, creamy custard, and fresh, juicy fruits creates an experience that is incredibly rewarding. Plus, it’s customizable! You can use whatever fruits are in season or tantalizingly colorful at your local markets. This fruit tart is not just a treat for your taste buds, it’s a feast for your eyes too, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

What It Tastes Like

Let’s talk about the experience of taking that first bite. The crust is perfectly crisp, providing a sturdy yet delicate base that crumbles lightly beneath your fork. The custard is velvety smooth, enveloping your palate in a dreamy layer of sweetness that dances effortlessly with the fresh fruit. The fruit! Oh, the glorious fruit! Bursting with natural sweetness and juice, it’s like a surprise party on your tongue—each piece offering a slightly different flavor and texture. One moment you’re greeted by the tangy brightness of strawberries, the next you’re wrapped in the soft, honeyed notes of peaches. It’s a lovely interplay that brings joy with every bite.

All in all, it’s like that first warm blanket on a chilly day or a greeting from an old friend. Each slice invites you to relax, smile, and perhaps share a lovely memory or two that come flooding back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients feels like preparing for a grand adventure. Here’s your shopping list:

• For the Tart Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our tart—a perfect canvas for our custard and fruit.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Buttery goodness that adds richness and flakiness.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar: A touch of sweetness for that delicate pastry feel.
  • 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
  • 2-3 tablespoons cold water: Just enough to bring our dough to life.
• For the Custard Filling:
  • 2 cups whole milk: The heart of our custard, making it creamy and dreamy.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and sweetness.
  • 4 large egg yolks: Adds richness and color.
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickeners are amazing—they work magic to create that perfect custard texture!
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To infuse a warm, comforting aroma and flavor.
• For the Fruit Topping:
  • 2 cups mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, peaches, etc.): The stars of the show, bringing vibrant colours and fresh flavors.

Optional Additions:

• Mint leaves for garnish: A pop of color and refreshing flavor.
• Fruit glazes (like apricot or raspberry) to brush over the fruit topping: Adds shine and a touch of extra sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready? Let’s get our hands a bit floury and dive into the making of this delectable tart:

1. Make the Tart Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water gradually, mixing until the dough forms. Don’t rush this step—it’s where the magic happens! Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze for about 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C): While your dough chills, let’s get our oven ready!
3. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to fit your tart pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it’s homemade! Press it into the pan, trim the edges, and prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Blind bake the crust: Place a piece of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely.
5. Whisk together your custard filling: In a medium saucepan, combine milk and sugar and heat over medium heat until warm (but not boiling!). In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth, then slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
6. Fill the tart: Pour the custard into the cooled tart shell, smoothing it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool at room temperature for a bit, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours so it can set properly.
7. Top with fruit: Once the custard is set, simply layer your fresh fruit on top. Arrange it however you like—be creative! Your tart can be a masterpiece that reflects your unique style.
8. Optional glaze: If you’re feeling a little extra, warm your chosen fruit glaze in a small saucepan and brush it over the fruits for a shiny finish.

Recipe Variations

This fruit tart loves to transform! Here are some fun ideas:

• Flavor Variations: Swap out the vanilla in the custard for almond extract or a splash of citrus juice for a fun twist.
• Seasonal Fruits: Embrace seasonal offerings! Think of luscious berries in the summer or ripe figs in the fall—each season can invoke a different kind of tart.
• Nutty Crust: How about making the crust with ground almonds or walnuts for a delicious nutty flavor?

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving this fruit tart is as easy as enjoying it. Slice it up, share the joy, and hear the “oohs” and “aahs” of delight from your friends and family. To keep it fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. But let’s be honest—leftovers are a rarity in our house, and I suspect they might be in yours too!

If you have any custard left over (which is rare, but let’s prepare for that scenario), it makes for a fantastic dip for cookies or even pancakes—just saying!

Helpful Tips

While making this tart can feel like a straightforward process, here are some handy nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way:

• Don’t overmix the pastry: It’s okay if there are still some small lumps of butter in the dough; this will help the crust remain flaky!
• Temperature control: Ensure your milk isn’t boiling when mixing with the eggs. Tempering is key here, and it avoids scrambled egg bits in your custard.
• Fresh fruits are best: Choose ripe, seasonal fruits for the most flavor. This isn’t the time for sad, squishy strawberries!

Special Equipment

Here’s a list of a few things that make the process smoother:

• Tart pan: Having a tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easy to take out the tart without any mess.
• Pastry cutter or food processor: If you’re short on time, these gadgets help blend the dough quickly.
• Whisk: A good whisk is not just a whisk; it’s an essential partner in crime when it comes to getting that custard perfectly smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the tart crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the tart crust a day in advance and store it wrapped in plastic in the fridge. Just bake it before adding the filling!

2. What fruits work best for this tart?

Honestly, it’s subjective! Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and kiwis are all incredible. Feel free to mix and match, depending on your preferences!

3. Can I use a store-bought custard?

While I encourage you to try making the custard from scratch, using store-bought custard can save time. Just remember that homemade has a special touch that’s hard to replicate!

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind baking the crust first helps form a barrier so it stays crisp. Make sure to let it cool before adding the custard!

5. Is this tart suitable for special dietary needs?

Great question! You can use gluten-free flour for the crust and plant-based milk options for the custard. Just ensure all ingredients fit within the specific dietary guidelines.

Conclusion

This Fruit Tart with Custard Filling isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, colors, and cherished moments. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this tart brings everyone a little closer together. I can’t help but smile thinking about the joy it has brought into my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same delight. So, next time you have a gathering or just want to pamper yourself, remember this easy yet elegant tart. And if you make it, I’d love to hear all about it! What fruits did you choose? Share your version in the comments—I’m always curious about other people’s kitchen adventures!

Delicious Fruit Tart with Custard Filling: A Must-Try Recipe

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• Author: souzanfood
• Total Time: 2 hours 52 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this fruit tart with a creamy custard filling, perfect for any occasion! Follow our easy recipe for a delightful homemade treat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

½ cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed

¼ cup of powdered sugar

1 large egg yolk

2–3 tablespoons of cold water

2 cups of whole milk

½ cup of granulated sugar

4 large egg yolks

3 tablespoons of cornstarch

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 cups of mixed fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, peaches, etc.)

Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Fruit glazes (like apricot or raspberry) for brushing (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and cold water gradually, mixing until the dough forms. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll out the dough and press it into the tart pan, trimming the edges and pricking the bottom with a fork.

Blind bake for 15 minutes with parchment and weights, then an additional 5-7 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

For the custard, heat milk and sugar over medium heat until warm. Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch together, then add warm milk slowly.

Cook over low heat until thickened, then stir in vanilla. Allow to cool slightly.

Pour custard into the cooled tart shell, smoothing it evenly and refrigerating for 2-3 hours.

Once set, layer fresh fruit on top as desired.

If desired, warm fruit glaze and brush over the fruit for shine.

Notes

A delightful fruit tart with creamy custard filling, perfect for any occasion.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g