Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Vanilla Bean Christmas Custard Tart is a timeless holiday dessert that blends silky custard, buttery pastry, and the warm aroma of real vanilla into a refined seasonal treat. Its simplicity is part of its magic—this tart offers a comforting, nostalgic flavour while maintaining the elegance expected from a festive centrepiece. I’ve prepared similar custard tarts for Christmas gatherings, and they always draw admiration before anyone even tastes them. The smooth vanilla-speckled filling looks luxurious, and its delicate flavour pairs beautifully with winter spices and rich holiday mains. Once, when I found myself short on regular milk, I added a splash of almond milk to the custard mixture, and it still baked into a flawless, silky texture—proof of this recipe’s forgiving nature. Whether you serve it as part of a Christmas dessert spread or enjoy a quiet slice with a warm drink by the tree, this tart offers classic comfort with an elevated finish.
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Vanilla Bean Christmas Custard Tart: A Silky, Elegant Dessert with Classic Holiday Charm
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla Bean Christmas Custard Tart is a classic, elegant holiday dessert featuring a buttery tart shell filled with silky vanilla bean custard and topped with festive whipped cream and seasonal berries.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons cold water
- Vanilla Bean Custard:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 whole vanilla bean (split and scraped) or 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Topping:
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch tart pan.
- For the crust, whisk flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cold water as needed and mix until dough forms. Press evenly into tart pan and prick bottom with a fork.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- For the custard, heat milk and vanilla bean seeds (plus the pod) in a saucepan until steaming. Remove pod after warming.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly add warm milk to the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- Pour custard into cooled tart shell and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours to fully set.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and festive berries. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use vanilla bean paste for strong flavor if whole beans aren’t available.
- The tart slices best when fully chilled.
- Cover tart lightly while chilling to prevent skin from forming on the custard.
- Top with sugared cranberries for a more festive holiday look.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking / Stovetop
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Tart Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)
A crisp, buttery tart crust provides the sturdy base needed to hold the delicate custard filling.
Whole Milk
Whole milk gives the custard its soft, silky texture and helps it set evenly.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness and creates a velvety mouthfeel in the finished tart.
Egg Yolks
Rich egg yolks are essential for thickening the custard and producing its signature creamy consistency.
Sugar
A touch of sugar sweetens the filling without overwhelming the delicate vanilla flavour.
Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Bean Paste
Fragrant vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste adds deep, aromatic flavour and beautiful specks throughout the custard.
Cornstarch
A small amount of cornstarch helps stabilise the custard, ensuring it sets perfectly.
Butter
Butter enriches the custard and gives it a smooth, luxurious finish.
Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the vanilla.
Nutmeg (Optional)
A light dusting of nutmeg adds subtle warmth and holiday character.
Directions
Begin by preparing your tart crust. If making a homemade one, blind bake it at 350°F until lightly golden, then allow it to cool completely. This prevents the custard from seeping into the pastry.
In a saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean (or use vanilla bean paste). Warm the mixture over medium heat until steam forms, but do not let it boil. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth custard. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. Let the custard cool slightly.
Pour the warm custard into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top carefully. Bake the filled tart at 325°F for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre has a slight wobble. Sprinkle lightly with nutmeg if desired. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to firm before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This tart serves approximately 8 people. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, cooking takes 20–22 minutes, and chilling requires at least 2 hours. It’s an excellent dessert to prepare ahead of a busy holiday gathering.
Storage/reheating
Store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The custard keeps its smooth texture and the crust remains crisp when properly chilled. Reheating is not recommended, as warming will soften the custard.
Variations and Customizations
Citrus Vanilla Twist
Add orange or lemon zest to the custard for a bright, fragrant holiday note.
Spiced Crust
Use a gingerbread or graham crust to add warmth and seasonal spice.
Caramel Drizzle
Top with a light caramel drizzle for extra richness and festive flair.
Baked Fruit Topping
Add thin slices of pear or apple before baking for a fruity finish.
Almond Essence
Add a few drops of almond extract for a subtle nutty complexity.
Brûléed Finish
Sprinkle sugar on top and lightly torch for a crème brûlée-inspired crust.
Berry Garnish
Top with fresh raspberries, cranberries, or pomegranate arils for colour and tart contrast.
FAQs
Can I make this tart a day ahead?
Yes, it holds beautifully and may even taste better the next day.
Do I need to blind bake the crust?
Yes, blind baking ensures a crisp base that won’t soften under the custard.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes, though vanilla bean or paste adds deeper flavour and visible specks.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Whole milk or higher is recommended for proper custard texture.
Should the custard be strained?
Straining removes any lumps for an extra-smooth finish, but it’s optional.
Can I freeze the tart?
Freezing is not advised, as the custard may separate.
Why did my custard crack?
This can happen if overbaked—remove the tart when the centre still wobbles slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free crust or cookie crumb base.
What spices go well with this tart?
Nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom all complement the vanilla nicely.
Should it be served chilled?
Yes, chilling allows the custard to set fully and slice cleanly.
Conclusion
The Vanilla Bean Christmas Custard Tart is a refined, comforting dessert that captures the essence of holiday warmth and simplicity. With its silky vanilla-infused filling and buttery crust, it offers elegance without complexity, making it perfect for both festive family meals and sophisticated celebrations. This tart is versatile, visually beautiful, and endlessly customisable—an ideal winter treat to enjoy year after year. Whether shared at a grand Christmas feast or savoured during a quiet evening with a warm drink, this tart brings smooth, nostalgic pleasure to every bite. Enjoy adding this classic creation to your holiday dessert traditions.
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