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