Imagine a dessert so creamy, so luxuriously smooth, that it transforms an ordinary moment into a gourmet experience. These Decadent Vanilla Custard Tarts are not just a dessert—they're a culinary journey that will transport you straight to the charming patisseries of France. With a perfectly crisp tart shell cradling a silky vanilla custard and topped with vibrant fresh fruit, this recipe is your ticket to becoming a home pastry chef extraordinaire. Get ready to impress your guests and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart shell
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your pre-made tart shell is not already baked, place it in the oven for about 10 minutes to lightly brown and crisp up the crust. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the 2 cups of milk and add the 1/2 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm but not boiling. This should take about 5 minutes.
- While the milk mixture is heating, in a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large egg yolks and 1/4 cup of cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Once the milk is warm, gradually pour a small amount of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling. Continue to add the milk slowly while whisking until the egg mixture is fully combined with the milk.
- Return the combined mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously. The mixture will begin to thicken after a few minutes. Keep stirring until it reaches a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix well to incorporate the vanilla flavor.
- Carefully pour the vanilla custard into the pre-baked tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula if necessary. Allow the tart to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Once cooled, transfer the tart to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes to set the custard fully.
- Before serving, garnish the tart with fresh fruit of your choice, such as berries, sliced kiwi, or peaches, for a burst of color and flavor.
- Slice the tart into six equal pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy your decadent vanilla custard tarts!
Tips
- Tempering is Key: When adding hot milk to egg yolks, do it slowly and whisk constantly to prevent scrambling.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality vanilla extract makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Don't Rush the Cooling: Allow the custard to set properly in the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Room Temperature Matters: Bring eggs to room temperature before starting for smoother custard.
- Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different fresh fruits to add color and flavor complexity.
- Serve Chilled: These tarts are best enjoyed straight from the refrigerator for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
