Description
A delightful French-inspired Mixed Berry Tart with a smooth custard filling, featuring a buttery, flaky crust topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Perfectly glazed for a shiny, appealing finish, this tart is an elegant dessert that balances creamy custard sweetness with the freshness of mixed berries.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tart Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Custard Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apricot jam, warmed for glaze
Instructions
- Prepare the Tart Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a food processor or bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut the cold cubed butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of cold water, mixing gently just until a dough forms.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the Custard Filling: Heat the whole milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, salt, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the warm milk into this mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Cook the Custard: Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the custard thickens and becomes smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the slightly cooled custard into the cooled tart shell, spreading evenly. Arrange the fresh mixed berries attractively on top.
- Optional Glaze: Lightly brush the berries with warmed apricot jam to add shine and preserve freshness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and visual appeal.
- The tart can be assembled up to one day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- If the custard is too thick, you can whisk in a small amount of milk to loosen before pouring into the crust.
- To avoid a soggy crust, ensure the tart shell is completely cooled before adding custard.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
