This small fresh fruit tart is made with a buttery shortbread crust, smooth vanilla custard, and fresh fruit. Easy to make, beautifully finished, and perfectly sized for one or two people.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Chill2 hourshrs
Total Time3 hourshrs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Keyword: custard, fresh fruit tart, fruit, fruit tart, pastry cream, shortbread crust
In a medium bowl, use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to beat the butter and sugar until smooth.
Add the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Shape into a ball, then flatten into a ¼-inch thick circle using your hands.
Bake at 350°F for 8 to 12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Make the Custard (Pastry Cream)
In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until bubbles form around the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir often to keep it from scorching.
In a separate bowl, stir the egg yolk and sugar together. Add the cornstarch and stir until smooth.
Slowly add the hot milk to the egg mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly so the egg doesn’t cook.
Pour the mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Transfer to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill for about 2 hours until cold.
Assemble the Fruit Tart
Spoon the chilled custard over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Arrange the fruit on top in a decorative pattern.
Warm the apricot jam in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or until thin and spreadable. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the jam over the fruit to add shine and help preserve it.
Notes
Make in Stages: You can make the crust and custard a day or two ahead and assemble the tart just before serving. Or make it all the same day if you prefer.
Cool Completely: Let both the crust and custard cool fully before adding fruit.
Use Light Jam: Apricot or peach jam gives a clean shine without altering the fruit’s color.
Decorate with Confidence: Use a mix of colors and shapes for a beautiful, eye-catching tart.