Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Fruit Tart

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2-3 hours
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Fruit Tart is a stunning dessert that features a smooth, creamy custard filling topped with fresh, vibrant fruits, all sitting on a crisp, buttery pastry crust. Whether for a special occasion or a casual treat, this tart is easy to make, beautiful to look at, and deliciously satisfying.


Ingredients

  • For the Tart Crust:
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 egg yolk

  • 2-3 tbsp cold water

For the Custard Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

For the Topping:

  • Assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mango)

  • Apricot glaze or fruit jam (optional, for a shiny finish)


Instructions

For the Tart Crust:

  1. In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing until the dough comes together. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of water.

  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Form it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the dough out to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press into the pan, trimming excess dough.

  5. Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for 5-7 minutes more until golden. Cool completely.

For the Custard Filling:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until hot but not boiling.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.

  3. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks to temper them. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly.

  4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

  5. Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled.

Assembling the Tart:

  1. Once the crust and custard are cooled, spread the custard evenly in the tart shell.

  2. Arrange the fresh fruit on top in a decorative pattern.

  3. Optional: Heat apricot glaze or fruit jam and brush it over the fruit for a shiny finish.

  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Crust Variations: Swap the shortcrust pastry for a gluten-free option or graham cracker crust.Fruit Combinations: Customize with your favorite fruits, such as peaches, pears, or pomegranate seeds.Lemon Custard: Add lemon zest and use part lemon juice in the custard for a citrus twist.Chocolate Layer: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate beneath the custard for extra flavor.