How to Create Creamy Vanilla Custard Tart in Simple English

If you love desserts that are rich, creamy, and have a crispy crust, vanilla custard tart is the perfect treat for you! This delicious dessert is comforting, impressive, and surprisingly easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

In this blog post, I will walk you through the simple steps to make a creamy vanilla custard tart at home. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You Will Need

For the crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
½ cup cold butter (cut into small cubes)
1 egg yolk
2–3 tablespoons cold water

For the custard filling:

2 cups milk (preferably whole milk for a rich flavor)
1/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornflour (or cornstarch)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Step 1: Making the Tart Crust

The tart crust serves as the vessel for your custard filling, so it needs to be soft yet sturdy. This type of crust is called “shortcrust pastry,” and it has a buttery, flaky texture.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar.
Add the butter: Add cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs or fine sand.
Add the egg yolk: Mix in the egg yolk and add 2–3 tablespoons of cold water. Knead it lightly until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork it, as the crust could turn tough instead of flaky.
Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a covered container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Baking the Tart Crust

Once the dough is chilled, you can roll it out and bake it into a tart shell.

Roll out the dough: Sprinkle a clean surface with a little flour to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is about ¼ inch thick and large enough to fit your tart pan.
Transfer to the pan: Carefully lift the rolled dough and place it into your tart pan. Press it gently into the edges and trim off any excess dough hanging over the sides.
Prick the crust: Use a fork to prick small holes in the bottom of the crust. This prevents air bubbles from forming while baking.
Blind bake the crust: Cover the crust with parchment paper, then add dry beans or pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes.
Cool completely: Set the crust aside and let it cool while you prepare the custard filling.

Step 3: Making the Vanilla Custard

The custard is the heart of the tart. It’s creamy, smooth, and filled with the delicious flavor of vanilla.

Heat the milk: Pour the milk into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it is just about to boil. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornflour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.
Combine the milk and eggs: Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
Cook the custard: Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Be patient and avoid using high heat, as it could cause lumps.
Cool slightly: Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and let it cool for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Tart

Now it’s time to combine your crust and custard into one gorgeous dessert!

Pour the custard: Carefully pour the warm custard into the cooled tart shell, spreading it evenly.
Chill: Place the tart in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until the custard has set completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once set, your creamy vanilla custard tart is ready to be served! You can garnish it with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra beauty. Slice and serve with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect finish to any meal.

Final Thoughts

Making a creamy vanilla custard tart at home is easier than you might think. With this recipe, you can impress your family and friends with a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings or pair it with your favorite fruits to elevate the tart even more. Happy baking!

Now that you know how to make this delicious treat, why not give it a try this weekend? It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home!

How to create creamy vanilla custard tart