If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is irresistible, let me introduce you to Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd. These little tarts are the very definition of sunshine on a plate: flaky golden pastry, lush and silky honey custard, zingy lemon curd, and juicy strawberry slices all topped with a touch of fresh mint. Every bite is a burst of color and flavor, and this recipe couldn’t be more approachable for home bakers. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a picnic, or just want to brighten an ordinary afternoon, these tarts deliver pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd starts with a short, sweet ingredient list. Each element is chosen for maximum impact—crisp puff pastry, creamy custard, and tangy lemon curd all come together to wow your tastebuds and guests alike.
- Puff Pastry Sheet: Store-bought puff pastry makes quick work of creating a delicate, buttery tart shell—just thaw and go!
- Whole Milk: It gives the honey custard a rich, velvety base that’s not too heavy.
- Honey: Adds a lovely floral sweetness to the custard, setting it apart from your average vanilla cream.
- Egg Yolks: The secret to a luscious, thick custard—use room temperature yolks for the smoothest texture.
- Cornstarch: This thickener ensures your custard sets up nice and silky without being gloopy.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings an undercurrent of warmth and depth to the filling.
- Salt: Enhances every layer and keeps flavors from tasting flat—don’t forget this tiny but mighty ingredient!
- Lemon Curd: Store-bought or homemade, this adds a brilliant, tangy burst that ties everything together.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sweet slices tucked on top add a crowd-pleasing juiciness and beautiful color.
- Sugar (optional): A sprinkle over the strawberries draws out their juices and adds a hint of sparkle.
- Mint Leaves (optional): For garnish that adds a pop of green and a touch of fresh aroma.
How to Make Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Shells
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and preparing your workspace with a lightly floured surface. Roll out your puff pastry sheet and cut it into four equal rectangles. Transfer these to a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick the centers with a fork to prevent excessive puffing. Bake until golden and crisp, about 12 to 15 minutes, then let them cool while you move on to your dreamy filling.
Step 2: Make the Honey Custard
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and honey and gently warm them (no need to boil—just heat until steamy). Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt in a bowl until totally smooth. Pour the warm milk mixture in a thin stream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper those yolks. Then, return everything to the saucepan and cook gently—stirring nonstop—until thickened and luscious, about three to five minutes. Take it off the heat and allow to cool slightly; you want it warm, not hot.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts
This part is the most fun! Gently press down the center of each pastry shell with the back of a spoon, creating a shallow “well” for the filling. Spoon in a generous layer of warm honey custard, then follow with a dollop of lemon curd. Fan out those gorgeous sliced strawberries over the top, pressing lightly so they nestle into the curd and custard.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Chilling
If you like, sprinkle the strawberries with a little sugar for sparkle and extra sweetness. For best results, let the assembled tarts chill for about 30 minutes so the flavors can meld and the custard can finish setting. Just before serving, crown them with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and hint of cool fragrance. You’ve created Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd worth showing off!
How to Serve Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd
Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish. For these Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd, fresh mint leaves are a gorgeous touch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra honey will make each tart look like it came straight from a French bakery. Even a few extra lemon zest curls can add sparkle and a tantalizing aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these tarts with a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea, or serve with a dollop of softly whipped cream for a classic touch. If you’re building a full dessert table, these tarts fit beautifully alongside mini pavlovas, lemon bars, or light almond cookies, creating a spread full of color and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or showers, try cutting the puff pastry into mini rounds or hearts—bite-size Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are simply adorable. Arrange them on tiered cake stands or individual plates with scattered edible flowers or extra berries for true “wow” factor at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While these are at their very best within a few hours, Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd can be stored if needed. Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. For optimal texture, add the strawberries and final garnishes just before serving since the fruit can become a little soft or runny if stored too long.
Freezing
If you want to work ahead, the baked puff pastry shells freeze beautifully! Store them in a sealed freezer bag for up to one month. Let them thaw and crisp for a minute or two in a hot oven. The custard and lemon curd components aren’t ideal for freezing, but assembling the tarts day-of is quick and easy—just defrost your shells and go.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat finished tarts—these are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if your pre-baked shells have softened during storage or freezing, pop them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for five minutes to refresh their crispness before filling. Fill and top with the custard, lemon curd, and strawberries as usual.
FAQs
Can I use another fruit instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or thinly sliced peaches pair wonderfully with the honey custard and lemon curd. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste and what’s in season—this recipe is super flexible.
How do I prevent my puff pastry from getting soggy?
Make sure the tart shells are fully baked and cooled before filling, and don’t assemble until just before serving if you want maximum crispness. If you like, you can sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or cookie crumbs on the pastry before adding your custard to absorb any extra moisture.
Is it possible to make Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd ahead of time?
You can bake the pastry shells and prepare the custard the day before. Store shells airtight at room temperature, and the custard covered in the fridge. Assemble the tarts a few hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I use store-bought custard and lemon curd?
Certainly! Store-bought versions are a great shortcut, especially if you’re short on time. The combination still delivers all the magic of Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd with a fraction of the effort.
Are these tarts vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. Just double-check your puff pastry to make sure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal fats, as some brands vary. Otherwise, all the ingredients fit a vegetarian diet perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Few desserts are as easy, eye-catching, and downright delicious as Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd. Every layer brings a little joy, making them perfect for any gathering or just a personal treat. If you’re craving something as lovely as springtime and as rich as your sweetest day, give these tarts a try—they might just become your new signature dessert!
Print
Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 tarts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with a zesty Lemon Curd filling. These sweet and tangy treats are perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Honey Custard:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional:
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry, cut into 4 rectangles, and bake until golden.
- Make the custard: Heat milk and honey, then mix with egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, and salt. Cook until thickened.
- Assemble the tarts: Fill each pastry with custard, lemon curd, strawberries, and sugar. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can use pre-made custard and store-bought lemon curd.
- Best served the same day for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
