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:
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 egg yolk
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2-3 tbsp cold water
For the Custard Filling:
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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½ cup whole milk
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½ cup granulated sugar
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4 large egg yolks
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
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Assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, and mango)
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Apricot glaze or fruit jam (optional, for a shiny finish)
Instructions
For the Tart Crust:
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In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water, pulsing until the dough comes together. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of water.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until hot but not boiling.
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
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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.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled.
Assembling the Tart:
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Once the crust and custard are cooled, spread the custard evenly in the tart shell.
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Arrange the fresh fruit on top in a decorative pattern.
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Optional: Heat apricot glaze or fruit jam and brush it over the fruit for a shiny finish.
- 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.