Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe

If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines elegance with delightful flavor, this Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe is your perfect pick. Its buttery, crisp tart crust cradles a silky smooth custard cream, all topped with fresh strawberries arranged like delicate rose petals. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of creamy custard sweetness and juicy fruit freshness, making it a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a special treat, this recipe will be your new favorite go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet incredibly important for creating the flawless layers of flavor and texture in your tart. Each component plays a distinct role, from the tender, crumbly crust to the creamy custard and the fresh, vibrant strawberries that give it life.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The base for a tender, flaky tart crust that holds everything together beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold, cubed): Cold butter creates that perfect crumbly texture in the crust.
• Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness to the crust without grittiness.
• Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the crust dough for easy handling and a rich taste.
• Ice water (1–2 tbsp): Just enough moisture to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
• Whole milk (2 cups): The creamy foundation for the luscious custard cream filling.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering it.
• Large egg yolks (4): Give the custard its rich texture and golden hue.
• Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Essential for thickening the custard to the right consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warm, comforting flavor depth to the custard cream.
• Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Enriches the custard, making it silky smooth.
• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, thinly sliced): The star of the tart, providing a fresh, juicy, and colorful rose design.
• Apricot jam (2 tbsp): Used as a glaze to give the strawberries a lovely glossy finish.
• Warm water (1 tbsp): Thins the apricot jam so it brushes on smoothly.

How to Make Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Dough

First, let’s get that golden tart crust going. In a food processor, pulse the flour, cold cubed butter, and powdered sugar until you get a crumbly mixture that looks like coarse sand. This little step ensures your crust will be tender and flaky.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Add the egg yolk and one tablespoon of ice water to the mixture, pulsing just until the dough starts to come together. If it seems dry, add a little more ice water—just enough for the dough to form without being sticky.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the butter firm up again and prevents shrinking during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Tart Shell

When chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and press it into a 9-inch tart pan, trimming any excess. Prick the bottom all over with a fork to stop bubbling and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is a beautiful golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Custard Cream

Warm the whole milk over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Meanwhile, whisk together the granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and pale. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Cook the Custard until Thickened

Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan and cook it over low heat, stirring constantly. You’ll notice it gradually thickening—keep going until it’s smooth and custard-like. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter for extra creaminess. Let it cool to room temperature so it sets perfectly.

Step 7: Assemble the Tart

Spread the cooled custard evenly over the cooled tart shell, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula.

Step 8: Create the Strawberry Rose

Now comes the fun part! Arrange the thinly sliced strawberries in concentric circles on top of the custard, starting from the outer edge and overlapping slices slightly to mimic the petals of a rose. This simple technique transforms the tart into a work of art.

Step 9: Glaze the Strawberries

For that beautiful shine, mix the apricot jam with warm water and brush a light coat over the strawberries. This not only adds a glossy finish but also seals in freshness.

Step 10: Chill Before Serving

Pop your tart into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing neater and easier.

How to Serve Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle delicate mint leaves or edible rose petals around the edges. These add fresh fragrance and a pop of color that beautifully complements the strawberry rose.

Side Dishes

This tart shines on its own, but serving it alongside a light dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes the indulgence to another level. A cup of freshly brewed tea or sparkling lemonade pairs perfectly as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests even more, serve the tart on a decorative cake stand. Try dusting powdered sugar around the edges or placing individual mini tarts using the same rose design for a charming dessert table. You can also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or balsamic reduction on the plate for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, though it’s so good it rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

Because the fresh strawberries and custard are delicate, freezing isn’t recommended for the assembled tart, as texture and flavor can suffer. However, you can freeze the tart crust separately for up to one month and make the custard fresh when ready.

Reheating

This tart is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want a warmer dessert, try serving a slice with warm whipped cream or a heated fruit compote on the side.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the tart?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for maintaining that crisp rose shape and bright flavor, but if necessary, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly, although the texture won’t be as firm or visually striking.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of this tart?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, so be sure to chill the dough well before baking.

How do I prevent the custard from curdling?

The key is to whisk vigorously when adding hot milk to the egg yolks and cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly. Patience and a gentle hand help keep it silky smooth without scrambling the eggs.

Can I prepare the tart ahead of time for a party?

You can make the crust and custard a day in advance and assemble the tart on the day of your event. This keeps the strawberries fresh and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.

What other fruits can I use besides strawberries?

While strawberries are perfect for that rose look, other thinly sliced fruits like kiwi, peaches, or even raspberries can be arranged creatively for a beautiful and tasty variation of the Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself or loved ones to something truly special, this Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream Recipe is a no-fail choice that delivers stunning results and unforgettable flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that sparks joy, invites creativity, and fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fresh strawberries and vanilla. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it will become a treasured classic in your recipe collection.

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