Silky Vanilla Bean Custard Tart Recipe: A Sweet Treat Success

Rich, velvety vanilla bean custard nestles in a buttery, golden crust that promises pure dessert bliss.

This classic tart shines with elegant simplicity and layers of delicate flavor.

Smooth, silky custard captures the essence of pure vanilla in every luxurious bite.

Bakers adore this timeless recipe for its straightforward technique and stunning presentation.

The delicate balance of creamy custard and crisp pastry creates a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Sweet vanilla beans transform an ordinary tart into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to delight your senses with this irresistible French-inspired treat that will leave everyone craving another slice.

Pairings for Vanilla Custard Tart Slices

• Savor Sweet Wine Harmony: Pair this vanilla bean custard tart with a luscious late-harvest Riesling, which brings complementary honeyed sweetness and delicate fruit notes that perfectly balance the creamy custard's richness.
• Elevate Coffee Experience: Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast cappuccino or a velvety espresso, allowing the coffee's warm undertones to enhance the tart's delicate vanilla and buttery crust flavors.
• Create Berry Beverage Bliss: Match with a chilled raspberry or strawberry sparkling tea, which adds bright, tangy elements that cut through the custard's richness while echoing the optional fresh berry garnish.

How to Store Vanilla Bean Custard Tart

• Store the vanilla bean custard tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the surface from drying out.
• Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly and prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm the tart in a preheated 325F (160C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain the custard's creamy texture.
• Remove the tart from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature, which enhances the flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this vanilla bean custard tart?

The key ingredients are all-butter pie dough, sugar, cornstarch, milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, vanilla bean seeds or paste, and butter.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe requires intermediate baking skills. You’ll need to handle custard making, blind baking a crust, and temperature control, which might challenge beginners.

• Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla bean with vanilla extract. Use 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract as an alternative to vanilla bean seeds or paste.

Why Vanilla Bean Custard Tart Is Classic

• Craft Comfort Dessert: Indulge in a delightful bread that combines the warm, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and sweet apples, perfect for satisfying those cozy cravings.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Designed for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it an approachable treat for anyone wanting to explore baking.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delectable dessert, this bread brings joy to any gathering and appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible sweet and spicy profile.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform everyday pantry staples like flour, sugar, apples, and cinnamon into a stunning, restaurant-worthy bread that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What Goes In Vanilla Bean Custard Tart

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the buttery and flaky tart crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly texture in the crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and custard filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the tart.

• Egg Yolks: Create a rich, creamy texture and help thicken the custard.
• Milk: Forms the base liquid for the smooth custard.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious mouthfeel to the custard.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken and stabilize the custard filling.
• Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Paste: Provides deep, authentic vanilla flavor throughout the custard.
• Butter: Adds a silky finish and extra richness to the custard.

• Egg White: Used to create a barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
• Fresh Berries: Optional topping that adds color and fresh flavor to the tart.

Steps for Baking Vanilla Bean Custard Tart

Step 1: Prepare Buttery Tart Crust

Roll out your homemade all-butter pie dough. Carefully line a tart pan with parchment paper, gently transferring the dough.

Trim the edges neatly and place in the freezer for a quick 20-minute chill.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Fire up the oven to a toasty 400F.

Cover the crust with aluminum foil and weight it down with dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and beans, then brush with egg white. Return to the oven for another 12-15 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Create Silky Custard Base

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking until completely smooth.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Custard Filling

Gradually add egg yolks, whisking after each addition. Scrape in vanilla bean seeds or stir in vanilla paste.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Enrich with Butter

Pull the pan off the heat.

Stir in butter until it melts completely, creating a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 6: Fill the Tart Shell

Carefully pour the custard filling into the pre-baked tart crust.

Step 7: Final Baking Magic

Lower the oven temperature to 350F. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

The custard should set around the edges but maintain a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 8: Cool and Set

Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack.

This takes about 2-3 hours, so patience is key.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

Slice and savor this creamy, dreamy dessert that’s sure to impress!

Notes for Perfect Vanilla Bean Custard Tart

• Choose high-quality vanilla beans or pure vanilla paste for rich, authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Freeze the tart shell before baking and use pie weights to maintain its shape and prevent unwanted shrinking during the blind baking process.
• Stir constantly while cooking the filling to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, silky texture that coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
• Watch the tart carefully during the final baking stage; the center should remain slightly jiggly to guarantee a creamy, tender custard filling.
• Allow the tart to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help it set and make cutting clean, precise slices easier.

Flavor Additions for Vanilla Custard Tart

• Chocolate Lovers' Custard Tart: Replace vanilla with melted dark chocolate, adding rich cocoa flavor to the custard filling for intense chocolate enthusiasts.
• Tropical Coconut Variation: Substitute milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the custard, creating a tropical-inspired dessert with exotic undertones.
• Gluten-Free Almond Crust Option: Use almond flour instead of traditional pie dough, making the tart accessible for gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining delicious texture.
• Citrus Zest Infusion: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the custard for a bright, refreshing twist that cuts through the creamy richness of the original recipe.

Vanilla Bean Custard Tart Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky vanilla bean custard tart invites passionate bakers into a world of elegant French pastry craftsmanship. Rich Madagascar vanilla and delicate pastry cream promise a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with each sublime bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 vanilla beans

Thickening/Binding Agents:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Supporting Ingredients:

• 12 recipe all-butter perfect pie dough
• 1 egg white

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the pie crust using an all-butter dough recipe, carefully lining a tart pan with parchment paper and trimming excess edges. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes to firm up the pastry.
2. Heat the oven to 400F (200C). Shield the crust with aluminum foil, weighing it down with dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and beans, brush with egg white, and continue baking 12-15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown hue.
3. In a saucepan, blend sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly incorporate milk and heavy cream, whisking until achieving a silky consistency.
4. Integrate egg yolks one by one, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Incorporate vanilla bean seeds or paste. Simmer over medium heat, continuously stirring for 5-8 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and fold in butter until completely melted and smooth.
6. Transfer the custard filling into the pre-baked tart shell.
7. Reduce oven temperature to 350F (175C). Bake 35-40 minutes, ensuring the edges are set while the center remains slightly wobbly.
8. Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours.
9. Optional: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for visual appeal and added flavor.
10. Slice and savor the luxurious, creamy dessert.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality vanilla beans or paste to enhance the rich, authentic flavor profile of the custard.
• Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot milk mixture to prevent scrambling and ensure silky smooth texture.
• Use a digital thermometer to check custard consistency, aiming for 170-175°F for perfect thickening without overcooking.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version, maintaining the creamy custard’s luxurious mouthfeel.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg