Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts are a delicious and visually stunning dessert that combines the smooth richness of a honey-infused custard with the sweetness of fresh strawberries, all nestled in a buttery, flaky tart shell. These tarts are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, a summer gathering, or simply craving a sweet, refreshing dessert. The smooth custard, made with honey for a natural sweetness, complements the juicy strawberries, making every bite a delightful experience.

This recipe is perfect for those who love indulging in fruity desserts with a rich, creamy twist. The combination of the honey custard and fresh strawberries not only provides a balance of sweet and slightly tangy flavors, but also adds a beautiful pop of color to your dessert table. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts come together easily and will impress your guests with their elegance and taste.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweetness of honey custard pairs perfectly with the tartness of fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s rich, refreshing, and balanced.
• Buttery, Flaky Tart Shell: The homemade tart shell is buttery and crisp, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy custard filling.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red strawberries on top of the creamy custard create a beautiful presentation, making these tarts an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.
• Versatile: These tarts can be made for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
• Simple Yet Elegant: With a few basic ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12 tarts
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per tart, depending on portion size and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18-22g

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Honey Custard Filling:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup honey (preferably local or raw)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Strawberry Topping:

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for glazing)

Special Equipment

While making Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts doesn’t require a lot of specialized tools, having a few key pieces of equipment will help you achieve the best results:

1. Food Processor: A food processor makes it easy to quickly combine the ingredients for the tart crust. If you don’t have one, you can also use a pastry cutter or two forks to incorporate the butter into the flour.
2. Tart Pans: Mini tart pans (about 3-4 inches in diameter) are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use a large tart pan if preferred. Non-stick pans are best for easy removal of the tarts once baked.
3. Whisk: A whisk is essential for smoothly incorporating the ingredients when making the custard. A balloon whisk works best for this job.
4. Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer: Sifting the cornstarch and honey helps prevent lumps in the custard mixture, ensuring a smooth and velvety filling.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the best results, so be sure to use standard measuring cups and spoons.
6. Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is useful for applying the egg wash to the tart shells, ensuring they bake to a golden brown.
7. Cooling Rack: After baking, it’s important to cool the tarts on a rack to allow air to circulate and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Tart Shells

To start, combine the flour, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the mixture a few times to combine the dry ingredients. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Next, slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while pulsing the food processor. Continue adding water until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and press it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.

2. Roll Out and Bake the Tart Shells

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles large enough to fit into your tart pans (about 4 inches in diameter).

Press the dough circles gently into the tart pans, trimming off any excess dough around the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the tart shells to prevent them from puffing up during baking.

Brush the edges of the tart shells with a beaten egg to help them achieve a golden brown color while baking. Place the tart pans on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Honey Custard Filling

While the tart shells are baking, prepare the honey custard filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not let it boil.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, honey, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and well-combined.

Once the cream mixture is heated, slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture.

4. Assemble the Tarts

Once the tart shells have cooled, spoon the honey custard filling into each tart shell. Fill each tart to the top, smoothing the surface with a spoon or spatula. Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the tarts for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.

5. Prepare the Strawberry Topping

While the custard sets in the refrigerator, prepare the strawberry topping. Hull and slice the strawberries, then arrange the slices on top of each tart once the custard has set. You can arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern or simply layer them randomly for a more casual look.

If desired, warm the remaining tablespoon of honey in a small microwave-safe bowl and brush it over the strawberries to give them a glossy finish. This optional glaze adds a beautiful shine to the fruit and enhances its sweetness.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the tarts have been refrigerated and the strawberries are arranged, your Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts are ready to serve. These tarts are best enjoyed chilled, so keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to share them with family and friends. Serve them as a light and refreshing dessert after a meal, or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for these tarts. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with other berries, like raspberries or blueberries.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the tart dough before rolling it out. This helps the dough become firm and easier to work with, ensuring a flakier tart crust.
• Prevent Soggy Tarts: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, consider blind-baking the tart shells for an extra 5 minutes before filling them with custard. This helps the crust stay crisp when topped with the custard.
• Make Ahead: The custard and tart shells can be made a day ahead of time, and you can assemble the tarts just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter custard, feel free to add more honey to the filling. You can also sprinkle a bit of sugar over the strawberries for extra sweetness if desired.

Variations of Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts

• Mixed Berry Custard Tarts: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and flavorful twist on the classic recipe.
• Lemon Honey Custard Tarts: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and strawberries.
• Chocolate Honey Custard Tarts: For a richer dessert, add a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the honey custard filling. This will create a decadent, multi-layered treat that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Almond Honey Custard Tarts: Add ground almonds to the crust for a nutty flavor that enhances the buttery tart shell. You can also sprinkle slivered almonds over the custard before adding the strawberries.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of preparation. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the custard fresh and the crust crisp. If you plan to make them in advance, bake and cool the tart shells and prepare the custard separately. Assemble and top the tarts with strawberries just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts

These tarts pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and light accompaniments:

• Fresh Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea complements the richness of the custard and the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Sparkling Wine or Champagne: For a celebratory touch, serve these tarts with a glass of bubbly. The light and effervescent nature of sparkling wine pairs beautifully with the creamy custard.
• Lemon Sorbet: Serve these tarts alongside a refreshing scoop of lemon sorbet for a cool and tangy contrast.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the tarts adds a luxurious finish and a creamy texture that complements the custard.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts are a wonderful dessert that combines the creaminess of custard with the sweetness of honey and the freshness of strawberries. Their buttery, flaky crust and beautiful presentation make them a perfect choice for any special occasion or gathering. With a simple recipe and a few key ingredients, you can create a dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in a treat, these tarts are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.