The Vanilla Bean Custard Tart with Blueberries is an elegant dessert featuring a flaky, all-butter pastry crust filled with creamy vanilla bean custard and topped with fresh blueberries. The tart is prepared by blind-baking the crust, filling it with stovetop-cooked custard, and then chilling it until set. The custard is rich and creamy, thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch, and flecked with vanilla bean specks. While blueberries are used in this version, you can also top the tart with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or stone fruits such as peaches and cherries when they’re in season.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the Vanilla Bean Custard:
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
For the Topping:
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions:
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Prepare the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and ice water. Add to the flour mixture and pulse until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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Blind Bake the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess.
- Line the crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
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Prepare the Vanilla Bean Custard:
- In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla bean seeds (or paste) over medium heat until just simmering.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thickened and bubbling.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter until melted and smooth.
- Pour the custard into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and let it cool to room temperature.
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Assemble the Tart:
- Once the crust and custard are cooled, spread the custard evenly into the crust.
- Arrange fresh berries on top of the custard.
- In a small saucepan, heat apricot jam and water until melted and smooth. Brush the glaze over the berries.
- Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour before serving.
Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Vanilla Bean Custard Tart with Fresh Berries – A Timeless Dessert Classic
If you’re looking for an elegant and delicious dessert that never fails to impress, Vanilla Bean Custard Tart with Fresh Berries is the perfect choice. This classic French-inspired tart combines a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry with a rich and silky vanilla bean custard, topped with a medley of fresh, juicy berries. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a show-stopping dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a homemade indulgence, this tart delivers on both taste and presentation.
The History Behind Custard Tarts
Custard tarts have been a staple in European cuisine for centuries. Originating in France as Tarte à la Crème, variations of this dessert can be found worldwide, from Portuguese Pastéis de Nata to British Egg Custard Tarts. The use of vanilla bean in custard is a hallmark of French pastry, with its origins tracing back to the 17th century when vanilla was first introduced to Europe from Mexico. Today, vanilla custard tarts remain one of the most beloved desserts, often served in fine patisseries and bakeries across the globe. What makes this recipe special is the use of real vanilla bean, which enhances the depth of flavor and elevates the custard beyond the ordinary. Paired with a crisp tart shell and a vibrant topping of seasonal berries, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and tart flavors.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are many reasons why this Vanilla Bean Custard Tart stands out:
Rich and Creamy Custard:
- The homemade vanilla custard is smooth, luscious, and deeply flavored with real vanilla bean, giving it a natural, aromatic sweetness that far surpasses store-bought versions.
Perfectly Crisp Tart Crust:
- The buttery, flaky shortcrust pastry provides the ideal contrast to the creamy filling, ensuring a satisfying texture with every bite.
Fresh and Vibrant Topping:
- A mix of fresh berries not only adds natural sweetness and tartness but also provides a visually stunning presentation. The berries complement the custard beautifully, making every slice irresistible.
Elegant Yet Easy to Make:
- While it looks sophisticated, this tart is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a professional-looking dessert at home.
Versatile and Customizable:
- You can experiment with different fruits, add citrus zest to the custard, or even drizzle some melted chocolate for a gourmet twist.
The Health Benefits of Fresh Berries
One of the standout features of this tart is the generous topping of fresh berries, which not only enhance the flavor but also provide numerous health benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants:
- Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are packed with antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
High in Vitamins and Minerals:
- Fresh berries contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese, all of which support overall health.
Good for Heart Health:
- Studies show that regular consumption of berries can help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Low in Calories, High in Fiber:
- Berries are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making them a guilt-free addition to desserts.
By incorporating fresh berries into this tart, you’re not only making it more delicious but also adding a nutritional boost to your dessert.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vanilla Bean Custard Tart
To ensure your tart turns out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:
Use High-Quality Vanilla Bean
- The key to an incredibly flavorful custard is real vanilla bean or high-quality vanilla bean paste. If using a vanilla bean pod, split it open and scrape out the seeds to infuse the milk with a rich, natural aroma. Avoid artificial vanilla extract, as it lacks the depth and complexity of real vanilla.
Chill the Dough Before Baking
- For the flakiest tart crust, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly, ensuring a crisp, non-greasy crust.
Blind Bake the Crust
- To prevent a soggy bottom, pre-bake the tart shell with parchment paper and pie weights before adding the custard. This step ensures that the crust stays crisp and sturdy.
Stir the Custard Constantly
- When making the custard, whisk constantly over low to medium heat to prevent lumps and scorching. The key is to cook it slowly until thickened, then remove from heat and strain for an ultra-smooth texture.
Arrange the Berries Just Before Serving
- For the best presentation, add the berries and glaze right before serving. This keeps the fruit looking fresh and vibrant while preventing the tart from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This tart is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with these serving ideas:
A Dollop of Whipped Cream:
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious touch.
A Drizzle of Honey or Caramel:
- For extra sweetness, drizzle some warm honey or salted caramel over the tart.
Pair with a Glass of Dessert Wine:
- A chilled glass of Moscato or a light Riesling complements the creamy custard beautifully.
Serve with a Cup of Coffee or Tea:
- The slight bitterness of coffee or the floral notes of an Earl Grey tea contrast wonderfully with the sweet vanilla and berries.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to prepare this tart in advance, here’s how to store it:
Refrigeration:
- Store the tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The crust will stay crisp, and the custard will remain fresh.
Make-Ahead Crust:
- You can prepare the tart dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling it out and baking.
Avoid Freezing:
- Custard-based desserts do not freeze well, as the texture can become grainy once thawed.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Bean Custard Tart with Fresh Berries is an elegant and timeless dessert that combines the best of creamy, crisp, and fruity elements. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at tarts for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. The real vanilla bean custard is luxuriously smooth, the crisp tart shell provides the perfect bite, and the fresh berries make it a visually stunning and flavor-packed masterpiece. With its rich history, customizable options, and impressive presentation, this tart is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it for your next gathering or weekend baking project, and enjoy a slice of pure indulgence!
