These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts are the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and tangy. The flaky pastry crust holds a smooth honey-sweetened custard, all topped with a swirl of vibrant lemon curd and fresh strawberries. Every bite is light yet indulgent, making these tarts the perfect finish to a spring brunch or summer celebration.
Crafted with homemade elements from crust to curd, this recipe is a beautiful balance of natural sweetness and citrus brightness. The buttery shell contrasts delightfully with the soft, luscious filling, while the strawberries add a pop of freshness. Whether you’re baking to impress or treating yourself, these mini tarts offer a delicious taste of sunshine on a plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Honey Custard:
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1 ½ cups whole milk
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¼ cup honey
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3 egg yolks
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Tart Shells:
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1 egg yolk
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1-2 tablespoons ice water
For the Lemon Curd:
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⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ tablespoon lemon zest
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¼ cup sugar
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Toppings:
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Make the tart shells: In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and water; pulse until dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough and press into tart pans. Prick bottoms with a fork. Chill 10 minutes. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Let cool.
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Prepare the honey custard: In a saucepan, warm milk and honey until steaming (do not boil). In a bowl, whisk yolks and cornstarch. Slowly pour in hot milk mixture, whisking constantly. Return to heat, whisk until thickened. Remove, stir in butter and vanilla. Chill with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface.
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Make the lemon curd: Whisk lemon juice, zest, sugar, and egg in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick. Remove, stir in butter until smooth. Chill completely.
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Assemble the tarts: Spoon cooled custard into tart shells, add a swirl of lemon curd on top. Decorate with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. Chill until ready to serve.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 295 kcal | Servings: 6 mini tarts
Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd
When it comes to seasonal desserts that effortlessly marry elegance with simplicity, few can compete with the delicate charm of Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd. This recipe celebrates spring and early summer in the most delicious way, with bright citrus notes, juicy strawberries, silky custard, and a crisp tart shell that holds everything together like a well-rehearsed ensemble. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a garden party, or just craving a sweet moment to yourself, these tarts bring beauty and flavor to the table in equal measure.
Let’s take a deep dive into the elements that make this dessert a stand-out addition to any dessert spread.
A Flavor Profile Built on Balance
What makes these tarts so special is the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The honey custard offers a mellow, creamy sweetness that’s comforting and smooth, while the lemon curd introduces a sharp, tangy zing that cuts through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast. The strawberries, fresh and sweet, bring a juicy pop that not only enhances the color of the dish but also complements the flavor spectrum beautifully.
The crust often an underrated component is buttery and crisp, providing the necessary texture to balance the soft custard and fruit. This is not your average dessert crust; it has to hold its own without overpowering the delicate flavors it supports. When made right, each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by the smooth, sweet-and-tart dance of the fillings.
Celebrating Seasonality
One of the most beautiful aspects of this dish is its commitment to seasonal ingredients. Strawberries are at their peak in spring and early summer, and using them fresh makes a world of difference. Their natural sweetness and vibrant red color elevate the dish from tasty to unforgettable.
Lemon curd, often associated with springtime baking, brings in that sunny, citrus brightness that wakes up the palate. Together, the fruit components don’t just add flavor they tie the dish directly to the time of year, evoking memories of blooming gardens, warm breezes, and sunlit afternoons.
If you’re someone who values cooking with the seasons, this dessert is a wonderful reminder of why that practice is so cherished. It connects your plate to the earth and your palate to the present moment.
Honey as the Sweetener
In a world where processed sugars dominate, the use of honey in the custard is a welcome, wholesome change. Honey brings a layered sweetness floral, slightly earthy, and smooth that blends seamlessly with the creaminess of the custard.
Moreover, honey contains trace vitamins and antioxidants, making it a slightly healthier alternative to granulated sugar. It’s a nod to nature and an opportunity to use local ingredients. Depending on the variety of honey you choose (clover, wildflower, or orange blossom), you can subtly tweak the flavor profile of the custard to suit your preference or region.
Versatile for Every Occasion
These tarts shine whether you serve them at an upscale soirée or as a casual weekend treat. Their individual portions make them perfect for elegant plating or picnic portability. You can prepare them in standard tart pans, mini molds, or even a large tart shell for slicing each approach offering its own visual and functional benefits.
They are also an excellent make-ahead option. The crust and custard can be prepared a day in advance, and you can add the fruit and curd just before serving for the best freshness. This makes hosting easier without sacrificing quality or appearance.
Customization Ideas
One of the wonderful aspects of this dessert is how adaptable it is. Want a bit more crunch? Add a thin layer of crushed pistachios or almonds beneath the strawberries. Craving a floral twist? Infuse the custard with a touch of lavender or rose water.
You can even change the fruit raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries all work beautifully in this recipe. Swapping lemon curd for lime or passionfruit curd offers a tropical variation that still complements the honey base.
For a more indulgent take, serve the tarts with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate. The base recipe is a canvas, and the options are limited only by your imagination.
Visual Appeal: A Showstopper on the Plate
Beyond taste, these tarts are visually stunning. The golden crust, pale custard, glossy lemon curd, and jewel-like strawberries come together to form an Instagram-worthy dessert. If you’re photographing for a blog, a cookbook, or even just your personal gallery, these tarts provide a picture-perfect subject.
Garnish with a sprig of mint or edible flowers like pansies or violets for an added pop of color and a delicate touch of artistry. This level of visual appeal makes them ideal for celebrations think bridal showers, Mother’s Day, Easter brunch, or any time you want to wow your guests with something as beautiful as it is delicious.
The Perfect Pairing
Pairing these tarts with the right beverage elevates the experience even further. For an afternoon tea, a classic Earl Grey or chamomile pairs wonderfully. If you’re serving them after dinner, a sparkling Moscato or a light, fruity rosé complements the bright citrus and sweet berry notes without overpowering the dish.
Even coffee lovers won’t be disappointed serve with a medium roast with mild acidity, and you’ll find the flavors echo and enhance the custard’s smoothness and the lemon’s tang.
Health-Conscious and Delightfully Decadent
While indulgent, these tarts don’t weigh you down. The use of honey, fresh fruit, and natural dairy make them feel lighter than their sugar-laden counterparts. They’re rich enough to satisfy a sweet tooth, yet refined enough to keep you coming back for seconds without guilt.
Those looking to cut gluten can even opt for a gluten-free tart shell. And vegetarians can enjoy it worry-free. For a dairy-free option, there are plenty of plant-based custard alternatives that work well when paired with the right thickeners and flavorings.
A Memorable Experience for All the Senses
Eating is a full sensory experience, and this dish checks every box. From the crisp bite of tart shell to the smooth custard and burst of fresh fruit, the textures are as pleasing as the flavors. The scent of fresh lemon and strawberries alone is enough to lift your mood.
The colors invite admiration and appetite. And best of all, the taste a layered composition of floral, citrus, and creamy notes is something your guests will remember long after the final bite.
Conclusion:
Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are more than just a sweet treat they’re an experience, a celebration of seasonality, and a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly special.
They remind us of why we love baking: the joy of transformation, the beauty of nature’s flavors, and the warmth of sharing something homemade. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a passionate home cook, adding this recipe to your repertoire ensures you’re never far from creating a moment of delight.
Serve them with love, enjoy them slowly, and let their radiant flavor brighten your day.