Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts

Name: Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup powdered sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 egg yolk; 1 tablespoon cold water; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 egg yolks; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I can't get enough of these Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts! They combine fresh, juicy strawberries with the smooth richness of vanilla bean custard, creating a delightful dessert that always impresses. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess that makes it ideal for gatherings or special occasions. I love how easy they are to make, yet they look so elegant on the table. This recipe simply elevates the classic tart to a whole new level with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:34:27.440Z

When I first made these Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts, I was searching for a dessert that would impress my guests without requiring all day in the kitchen. The combination of the vanilla bean custard and fresh strawberries is pure bliss, and I was amazed at how quickly they came together. My secret is to let the custard cool slightly before adding the strawberries to prevent them from wilting.

Another tip is to use high-quality vanilla beans to get that rich, authentic flavor that elevates the entire tart. The aroma alone is irresistible! Each tart is a joy to assemble, and I love watching everyone's faces light up when they take their first bite.

Why You'll Love These Tarts
The combination of fresh strawberries and rich vanilla cream is simply heavenly.
Beautiful presentation makes these tarts a showstopper at any event.
Perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Understanding Tart Shells

The tart shells are the foundation of these Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts, providing a crisp and buttery base that complements the smooth custard and fresh strawberries. Using cold butter helps create that desired flaky texture. When mixing the ingredients, avoid overworking the dough; stopping once it just comes together is key to achieving a tender crust. If you're short on time, you can also use store-bought tart shells as a shortcut, though making your own adds a lovely homemade touch.

After baking, allow the tart shells to cool completely before adding the custard. This ensures that the custard doesn't melt when poured in. If you notice that your shells puffed up while baking, gently press them down with a spatula before cooling. You can also prick the bottoms before baking to prevent bubbles, ensuring a perfectly flat surface for filling.

Crafting the Perfect Vanilla Bean Custard

Vanilla bean custard is not just a filling; it’s the heart of these tarts. The use of a split vanilla bean brings an aromatic depth that pure extracts cannot replicate. Be sure to scrape the seeds thoroughly; they not only add visual appeal but also an intense vanilla flavor. When pouring the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, do so gradually and continuously whisk to prevent curdling. If you notice any lumps while cooking, simply strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth finish.

For added richness, I recommend letting the custard cool in the saucepan off the heat; it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, achieving the ideal consistency for filling the tart shells. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk with full-fat coconut milk, although keep in mind it will alter the flavor profile slightly.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

When topping the tarts with strawberries, choose fruit that is at peak ripeness for the best flavor and presentation. A mix of whole and sliced strawberries can create a visually appealing layered look. If you want to enhance the color and shine, consider glazing the sliced strawberries with a light warm mixture of apricot jam and water. This trick makes your tarts look professional and adds another layer of flavor.

These tarts can be prepared in advance, making them perfect for entertaining. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days; however, for the freshest taste, assemble them right before serving. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a gourmet touch. The essence of this dessert lies in its versatility and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create delightful tarts.

For the Tart Shells

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon cold water

For the Vanilla Bean Custard

2 cups whole milk
½ cup granulated sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything measured ready before starting to make the tarts.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the perfect Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts.

Make the Tart Shells

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and powdered sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and cold water until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and press it into tartlet pans. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Let them cool completely.

Prepare the Vanilla Bean Custard

In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean until just boiling. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Cool slightly before filling the tart shells.

Assemble the Tarts

Once the custard has cooled, fill each tart shell with the custard. Top generously with sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Vanilla Bean Strawberry Tarts with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For enhanced flavor, use a splash of vanilla extract in the custard. You can also substitute strawberries with any other berry of your choice.

Key Ingredient Role

Each element of this recipe plays a crucial role in its overall flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour in the tart shell contributes to a sturdy yet tender crust, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps dissolve easily during mixing. This balance ensures that the tart shells don't overpower the delicate flavors of the custard and strawberries.

In the custard, the granulated sugar not only sweetens but also assists in thickening through caramelization when heated, while the egg yolks provide richness and stability. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that your custard sets properly without becoming too gelatinous or runny. Understanding how these ingredients interact will help in troubleshooting any issues that may arise during the preparation.

Make-Ahead Tips

For those planning a gathering, these tarts can be partially prepared ahead of time. The tart shells can be made and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The vanilla bean custard can also be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

When ready to serve, you can quickly fill the shells with custard and top with strawberries. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also allows flavors to meld beautifully if the custard is made in advance. The assembly is swift, and your tarts will taste just as fresh and delightful as if made the same day.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One of the most common issues when baking tart shells is the dough shrinking during baking. To prevent this, make sure to chill the dough adequately before rolling it out and ensure that you don’t stretch it while placing it into the tart pans. Additionally, chilling the shells after shaping them can help maintain their shape as they bake.

If the custard seems too runny once cooled, it may not have been cooked long enough or not whisked enough while adding the milk. Always watch for a thick, pudding-like consistency before removing from heat. For the best results, keep a reliable thermometer handy to check the internal temperature; custard should generally reach about 175°F (80°C) when done.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the tart shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can make and bake the tart shells a day in advance. Keep them in an airtight container until ready to fill.

→ How should I store the tarts?

These tarts are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crust's texture, cover lightly.

→ What can I use instead of vanilla bean?

You can use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in place of the vanilla bean for a similar flavor, though the complexity will be slightly different.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are recommended, but if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.