This Fruit Tart is a showstopper—crisp buttery shell, smooth vanilla pastry cream, and a vibrant crown of fresh fruit. It looks impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for spring brunches, summer dinners, or any celebration that calls for a light and elegant dessert.
You can customize it with your favorite fruits, skip the glaze for a rustic look, or keep it classic with a shiny apricot finish.
Why I Love This Recipe
This tart combines:
- A tender shortcrust pastry base
- Velvety vanilla pastry cream
- An eye-catching arrangement of fresh fruit
- Optional glossy glaze for that bakery-style finish
It’s a great make-ahead dessert that tastes as fresh and luxurious as it looks.
Ingredients
Tart Shell:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
Pastry Cream:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon butter
Toppings:
- Sliced strawberries
- Kiwi slices
- Mango chunks
- Blackberries
- Optional glaze: 2 tablespoons apricot jam + 1 teaspoon water
Swaps and Notes
- Dough tip: If your dough is too crumbly, add water ½ tablespoon at a time.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
- Fruit flexibility: Use any combo—blueberries, grapes, raspberries, or peaches.
- Glaze tip: Skip for a more natural look, or use a simple syrup brush instead of jam.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Make the Tart Shell
In a bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Powdered sugar
- Cold butter
Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add cold water 1 tablespoon at a time, just until dough comes together.
Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and press into a 9-inch tart pan. Prick the base with a fork.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until golden. Let cool completely.
🔹 Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream
In a saucepan, heat milk and vanilla just until steaming.
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Egg yolks
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
Slowly pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly. Return mixture to saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool. Chill until set.
🔹 Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Once the tart shell and pastry cream are both cool:
Spread the pastry cream into the shell in an even layer.
Top with sliced fresh fruit, arranging in circles or a pattern of your choice.
🔹 Step 4: Optional Glaze
In a small bowl, mix apricot jam with a splash of water. Microwave for 10–15 seconds to thin it out.
Brush lightly over fruit for a glossy finish.
🔹 Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the tart for at least 1 hour to set.
Slice and serve cold for a refreshing, bakery-worthy treat.
Tips for Success
- Chill that dough: It makes rolling easier and prevents shrinking.
- Use ripe fruit: You want vibrant color and juicy sweetness.
- Make ahead: Bake the shell and prep the cream up to a day in advance.
- Sharp knife = clean slices. Wipe between cuts for best presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This tart is ideal for:
- Brunches, tea parties, showers, or summer gatherings
- Blueberry Lemonade – pairs beautifully with the tart’s fruity notes
- Easy Coconut Macaroons – light and tropical on the side
- The Slippery Drank – for a dreamy, dessert-inspired cocktail
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – rich + fruity = perfect pairing
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – another crowd-pleaser for a full dessert bar
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Best eaten within 1–2 days for the freshest fruit texture.
- Freezer: Not recommended once assembled.
- Separate elements: You can freeze the tart shell or chill the pastry cream up to 2 days in advance.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love refreshing, elegant desserts, try:
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Easy Coconut Macaroons
- No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
Final Thoughts
This Fruit Tart is a delicious mix of textures and flavors—crisp, creamy, and juicy all at once. It’s the kind of dessert that looks fancy but is totally doable for home bakers. Whether you go colorful and classic or minimal and modern, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tried it? Tag @chefmaniac and show us your fruit-covered masterpieces—we love seeing your tart art! 🥧🍓🥝
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