Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling Recipe
This Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling is pure sunshine on a plate, boasting a crisp, buttery crust, silky vanilla custard, and a jeweled crown of glistening berries. Each bite balances rich creaminess with the tang and sweetness of ripe fruit, making it a showstopper for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating berry season or just in need of a dessert that feels fresh and luxurious, you’ll find yourself coming back to this tart time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients to make a truly memorable dessert; each component here plays a crucial role in the flavor, texture, or vibrancy of your Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and a few tips to help everything shine.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your tart crust, offering the perfect structure and tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Essential for a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth tart shell—using cold butter is the secret!
- Powdered sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps create a delicate, shortbread-like crust.
- Salt: Balances flavors and elevates the sweetness of both the crust and filling.
- Cold water: Brings the dough together without overworking it, keeping the crust supple.
- Whole milk: Gives the custard filling its signature richness and creaminess—you definitely want full-fat here.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard while helping it set with the right texture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the custard so it sits beautifully in your tart without being runny.
- Large egg yolks: Provide body and a luxurious mouthfeel in the custard filling.
- Unsalted butter (custard): A final touch of silkiness in the custard, enhancing its smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Fragrant and comforting—pure vanilla is what makes the custard sing.
- Mixed fresh berries: Use strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful medley; the more variety, the more eye-catching your tart.
- Apricot jam (optional): Brushed over the berries for gloss and a light hint of fruitiness—this simple step makes your tart bakery-beautiful!
How to Make Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling
Step 1: Craft the Perfect Tart Crust
Start by whisking together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a bowl. Using a pastry cutter (or your fingertips if you want to feel like a true French pastry chef), work in the icy-cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse sand. Next, drizzle in the cold water little by little—just until the dough begins to clump. Gather it into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest is crucial for easier handling and an even flakier crust.
Step 2: Roll, Chill, and Bake the Crust
Once chilled, roll your dough out on a lightly floured surface, aiming for an even circle large enough to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Gently press the dough into the pan, trimming off any overhang, and use a fork to prick the base (this keeps air bubbles at bay). To prevent shrinking, freeze the lined tart pan for about 15 minutes. Then, bake it in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 18 to 20 minutes until it achieves a delicate golden color. Let the crust cool completely before filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Luscious Custard Filling
Heat the whole milk in a saucepan just until it’s steaming—not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks in a mixing bowl until smooth and glossy. Gradually pour in the hot milk, whisking constantly so the eggs don’t scramble. Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency and starts to bubble. Off the heat, blend in the butter and vanilla extract for a silken finish. Pour the custard into a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface (to prevent a skin from forming), and chill for at least one hour.
Step 4: Assemble the Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling
Once both the crust and custard have cooled, it’s time for the delicious assembly! Spoon the chilled custard into your tart shell and smooth it with a spatula for an inviting canvas. Now comes the fun part: artistically arrange your fresh mixed berries in circles, rows, or even a whimsical pattern—there’s no wrong way to go. For a glossy, professional touch, gently brush the tops of the berries with a bit of warmed apricot jam.
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
After assembling, refrigerate your tart until ready to serve. This quick chill allows the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld together. The wait might feel impossible—but the final result is worth every minute! Slice, serve, and get ready for rave reviews.
How to Serve Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling
Garnishes
For a flourish, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar, a few sprigs of mint, or even a twist of lemon zest over the berries right before serving. Each of these little touches brings a hint of elegance and a pop of color, making the Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling even more irresistible and photogenic.
Side Dishes
While this tart stands beautifully on its own, you can pair it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream. A pour of fresh berry coulis on the plate—especially if you have extra berries on hand—adds a decadent restaurant-style finish without overpowering the bright fruit flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, cut the tart into mini squares or wedges for a dessert buffet, or serve in elegant slices topped with an extra berry or two. You can also make individual tarts by dividing the dough and custard among smaller pans—a delightful option for tea parties or special brunches. No matter how you slice it, the Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling is certain to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any remaining tart with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The crust will stay crisp and the custard creamy for up to 2 days, making this a fantastic prep-ahead dessert for gathering or just treating yourself throughout the week.
Freezing
While fresh berries and custard are at their best when enjoyed soon after assembly, you can freeze the baked and cooled crust, wrapped tightly, for up to a month. The custard and berry topping are best added fresh after thawing the crust, to preserve their delicate textures and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
This tart is wonderful chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer a slightly warm crust, let a slice sit out for about 15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving, as the custard can split and the berries lose their fresh pop. Enjoy as is for maximum flavor and beauty!
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries for the Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling?
Fresh berries truly shine in this recipe, as they hold their shape and color beautifully. However, if you’re using frozen berries, thaw and drain them very well to avoid excess moisture seeping into the custard.
How far ahead can I assemble the tart?
You can assemble the tart up to four hours ahead of serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle while ensuring the crust stays perfectly crisp and the berries vibrant.
What’s the best way to slice a tart without ruining the topping?
For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This tricks helps the custard stay smooth and keeps the berries looking pristine atop your Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling.
Can I add other fruits or a flavor twist?
Absolutely! Try stone fruits like sliced peaches or add a little lemon or orange zest to the custard for a lively citrus note. Experimenting is part of the joy with this versatile dessert.
Is the apricot jam glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional, but it adds eye-catching shine and a subtle, complementary flavor to the tart. If you want your Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling to look extra-professional (and taste extra special), definitely give it a try.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with summer’s best flavors, this Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling is calling your name. With its balance of crisp pastry, smooth vanilla custard, and juicy berries, it’s a dessert that celebrates both comfort and elegance. Gather your ingredients, invite someone special to share it, and enjoy every beautiful, berry-packed slice!
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Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of a buttery tart crust filled with creamy custard and topped with a colorful array of fresh mixed berries, all finished off with a glossy apricot glaze. This Mixed Berry Tart with Custard Filling is a perfect dessert for any occasion, showcasing the best of summer fruits in a beautifully presented treat.
Ingredients
Tart Crust:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
Custard Filling:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 tablespoon apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Tart Crust: Combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add water, form dough, chill, roll out, and bake.
- Custard Filling: Heat milk, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and yolks, add hot milk, cook until thick, stir in butter and vanilla, chill.
- Assembly: Spread custard in tart shell, top with berries, glaze with warmed apricot jam if desired, chill.
Notes
- Use any combination of fresh seasonal berries.
- The tart can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance.
- For a citrusy twist, add a bit of lemon zest to the custard.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
