Vanilla Custard Tarts

Super easy Vanilla Custard Tarts prepared and ready to eat in under 30 minutes! These traditional pastries are made with shortcrust pastry shells, a creamy custard filling infused with vanilla bean paste, and topped with fresh raspberries.

Perfect for dessert, parties or high tea!

With its sweet balance of flavours, this classic dessert is sure to leave you wanting more.

From the lusciously creamy homemade vanilla custard to the sweet short pastry base... and of course, the tart fresh raspberries on top.

So simple and yet absolutely irresistible.

If you are in the mood for more sweet tarts, you will also love my Homemade Mini Jam Tarts and Caramel Chocolate Tartlets.

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

• Full of flavour - the classic combination of vanilla, lemon, and raspberries adds an extra burst of flavour to this old fashioned dessert. And nothing beats homemade egg custard!!
• Quick and easy - these Vanilla Custard Tarts take little time to assemble and are surprisingly easy to make! You only need a few basic ingredients and 25 minutes to create these delicious tarts.
• Crowd pleaser - Vanilla Custard Tarts will surely be a hit with guests at your next party. They're pretty enough for any special occasion but simple enough that anyone can make them with ease!

What You Need

My vanilla tarts with smooth homemade egg custard are made using basic pantry ingredients and a packet of store-bought tart shells:

Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

• Sweet shortcrust party tart shells - these can be found in the bakery section of your local supermarket.
• Full-cream milk - I highly recommend using full cream milk (not skim or light) as it gives the custard a richer, creamier flavour.
• Lemon zest - 1 lemon, very finely grated.
• Eggs - large (approximately 60g each) and at room temperature.
• Caster sugar - also known as superfine sugar. Caster sugar is perfect for this recipe as it dissolves easily into the custard.
• Vanilla extract - or vanilla essence or vanilla bean paste.
• Cornflour - for thickening the custard.
• Fresh raspberries - for decorating.
• Icing sugar - for dusting.

Equipment Required

No fancy equipment is required to make these yummy vanilla custard tarts!

All you need is:

• Saucepan;
• Electric beater;
• Mixing bowls;
• Whisk;
• Plastic wrap.

Alternatively, you can prepare the custard in a Thermomix machine.

Both Thermomix and stove-top methods are included in the recipe card below.

Step By Step Instructions

These tarts look simply irresistible, but it couldn't be easier to make your own homemade Vanilla Custard Tarts!

Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

Step 1 - Boil The Milk

Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing it almost to a boil.

Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 2 - Mix The Ingredients

In a separate bowl, use an electric beater to combine the lemon zest, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until it's pale and creamy.

Sift the cornflour into the egg mixture, then stir in the hot milk.

Step 3 - Boil To Thicken

Pour the mixture into a clean saucepan and whisk over low heat for 5-8 minutes until it begins to boil.

Keep whisking for another 2-3 minutes or until the custard has thickened slightly.

Step 4 - Cool The Custard

Pour the custard mixture into a container and cover it with plastic wrap, placing it directly over the top of the surface (to prevent a skin from forming).

Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let it cool and thicken.

Step 5 - Assemble The Tarts

Carefully spoon the cooled custard into the pastry shells, then garnish with raspberries and a light dusting of icing sugar.

Expert Tips

• Use full-cream milk as reduced-fat milk will not thicken as well.
• Be careful not to overcook the custard. Overcooking will cause it to curdle or go lumpy.
• If desired, add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the custard for extra flavour.
• Leftover vanilla custard tarts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• This recipe is not suitable for freezing.

FAQs

Related Recipes

Vanilla Custard Tarts can be served as a snack, dessert, or party treat!

Here are a few of my most popular tart recipes:

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