Fresh Berry Tart with Creamy Vanilla Bean Custard – A Perfect Celebration Dessert

 A Classic Tart That Celebrates Vanilla and Fresh Fruit

This Vanilla Custard Berry Tart is a timeless dessert perfect for Mother’s Day, summer gatherings, or whenever you're craving something light, fruity, and elegant. The rich vanilla bean custard pairs beautifully with a buttery tart crust and vibrant seasonal berries. It’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

For the Tart Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp cold water
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Vanilla Custard:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 whole NYVanilla vanilla bean (split and scraped)  (Available for purchase)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

• 1–2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• Optional: dusting of powdered sugar or warm apricot jam for glaze

 Instructions

1. Make the Tart Crust:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add cold water gradually and mix until the dough holds together.
4. Flatten into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out and press into a tart pan. Prick the base with a fork.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden. Let it cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Custard:

1. In a saucepan, heat milk and scraped NYVanilla vanilla bean pod and seeds until just simmering.
2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Slowly pour warm milk into the yolks while whisking, then return the mixture to the saucepan.
4. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
5. Remove from heat, stir in butter, and discard the vanilla pod.
6. Let cool slightly, then pour into the tart shell and smooth the surface.

3. Add the Fruit Topping:

1. Arrange fresh berries on top of the custard in a decorative pattern.
2. (Optional) Brush with warm apricot jam or dust with powdered sugar for a glossy finish.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh, plump berries for the best presentation and flavor.
• Chill the tart for at least an hour before serving.
• Swap berries seasonally—try peaches, kiwi, or figs.

 Why Use NYVanilla Beans?

At nyvanilla.com, we offer hand-sorted, sustainably sourced vanilla beans straight from small farms. Our beans are rich, aromatic, and perfect for custards, extracts, and gourmet baking.

Perfect for Sharing

Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @nyvanilla — we’d love to feature your tart!