Buttery, golden puff pastry cups filled with silky vanilla custard and jewel-like strawberries – an elegant yet easy dessert!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Restaurant-worthy presentation with minimal effort
✔ Perfect texture contrast: crisp pastry + creamy custard + juicy berries
✔ Versatile – swap fruits seasonally
✔ Make-ahead friendly – components store separately
📋 Ingredients
Makes 6 elegant tarts
For the Puff Pastry Shells
- 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
For the Vanilla Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Strawberry Topping
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled & sliced
- 2 tbsp strawberry jam, warmed
- Mint leaves (garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Bake the Pastry Shells
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking tray with parchment.
- Cut pastry into 6 rectangles, score 1cm borders (don’t cut through).
- Brush edges with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake 12-15 mins until puffed and golden.
2️⃣ Make the Custard
- Heat milk until steamy (not boiling).
- Whisk yolks, sugar & cornstarch until smooth.
- Temper yolks: Slowly pour in hot milk while whisking.
- Return to pan, cook over medium heat until thick (2-3 mins).
- Off heat, stir in vanilla & butter. Chill 30 mins.
3️⃣ Assemble
- Press down pastry centers gently.
- Fill with chilled custard.
- Top with strawberry slices.
- Brush berries with warmed jam for shine.
4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Add mint leaves for freshness
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired
💡 Pro Tips for Success
🔹 Pastry Perfection
- Keep pastry cold until baking for maximum puff
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts
- If centers puff too much, gently press down while warm
🔹 Custard Secrets
- Constant stirring prevents lumps
- Chill with plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent skin
- For extra richness, use half heavy cream
🔹 Strawberry Selection
- Choose firm, ripe berries – avoid mushy ones
- Macerate slices with 1 tsp sugar for 10 mins if berries aren’t sweet
🔄 Delicious Variations
- Lemon Curd: Swap custard for lemon curd + blueberries
- Chocolate: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to custard
- Tropical: Use mango/passionfruit + coconut custard
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Pastry shells: Store airtight at room temp 1 day
- Custard: Refrigerate 3 days
- Assemble just before serving for crispness
Nutrition per tart: 310 kcal | 5g protein | 38g carbs
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Sparkling wine or prosecco
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Afternoon tea
“An effortlessly chic dessert that looks like you spent hours – but takes just 20 minutes of active work!”
Made these? Tag us in your photos! 📸👇
Enjoy! 🍓✨
