Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts & Lemon Curd – Creamy dessert

There’s something truly special about  homemade Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts, especially when it combines a flaky, buttery crust, a silky honey-infused custard, and the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries. But what takes this dessert to the next level? A bright, tangy drizzle of homemade lemon curd, bringing everything together in a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.

This Strawberry Honey Custard Tart with Lemon Curd is one of those desserts that feels elegant yet approachable. The rich custard filling is made with simple ingredients like honey, eggs, and vanilla yogurt, keeping it light yet creamy. The homemade crust provides a crisp, buttery base that perfectly complements the soft and luscious custard. And with fresh strawberries layered inside, every bite bursts with fruity goodness.

Whether you’re making this for a weekend brunch, a springtime celebration, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these tarts are guaranteed to impress. The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy crust, creamy filling, juicy fruit, and tangy lemon curd—creates a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

If you’re intimidated by the idea of making a tart from scratch, don’t worry! This recipe is beginner-friendly, with easy step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process. And the best part? You can customize it to suit your preferences, whether by using different fruits, adjusting the sweetness, or making it in one large tart pan instead of individual tarts.

So grab your rolling pin and whisk, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts

There are so many reasons to love these Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd, and once you try them, they might just become your new favorite dessert. Here’s why:

1. Fresh, Vibrant Flavors

These tarts are bursting with natural sweetness from honey, juiciness from fresh strawberries, and a tangy kick from homemade lemon curd. The combination is perfectly balanced—not too sweet, not too tart—just right.

2. Creamy Yet Light Custard

Unlike heavy custards made with cream, this one is made with yogurt and eggs, creating a silky-smooth texture that isn’t overly rich. It’s just creamy enough to feel indulgent without being too heavy.

3. Buttery, Flaky Crust

A homemade all-butter tart crust provides the perfect crisp foundation for the soft custard and juicy fruit. If you’re short on time, you can also use a store-bought pie crust for convenience.

4. Easy to Customize

Prefer a different fruit? You can swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Want a little crunch? Add some toasted almonds or crushed pistachios on top.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These tarts are elegant enough for a fancy brunch yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Plus, you can make them in mini tart pans for individual servings or one large tart if you prefer.

If you love desserts that are simple yet impressive, light yet satisfying, and packed with fresh, seasonal flavors, this recipe is for you.

Health Benefits

While this dessert certainly falls into the indulgent category, it has some surprising health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Here’s why you can enjoy these tarts guilt-free:

1. Natural Sweeteners

Instead of refined sugar, the custard is sweetened with honey, which contains antioxidants and beneficial enzymes. Honey has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly.

2. Nutrient-Rich Yogurt

The custard is made with yogurt, which is a great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Probiotics help support gut health and digestion, making this a dessert that’s actually good for your belly.

3. Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants. They help boost immune function, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. Plus, they add natural sweetness and juiciness to the tarts.

4. Lemon Curd for a Vitamin C Boost

Lemon curd isn’t just delicious—it’s also full of immune-boosting vitamin C from the fresh lemon juice and zest. Plus, the natural acidity helps balance the sweetness of the tart, making each bite even more satisfying.

5. A Lighter Alternative to Heavy Desserts

Thanks to the use of yogurt instead of heavy cream, honey instead of processed sugar, and fresh fruit instead of artificial flavorings, these tarts are a healthier option compared to many traditional desserts.

While they should still be enjoyed in moderation, you can feel good knowing that these Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts provide some real nutritional benefits alongside their incredible taste.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Before you start baking, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour, plus cooling time

Servings

This recipe makes four 4-inch tarts or one 9- or 10-inch tart, serving 6 to 8 people.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.

Ingredients List

The Tart Crust

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons cold water

The Custard Filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt (or Greek yogurt for a thicker custard)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Lemon Curd

• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup lemon zest
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of coarse salt

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Curd

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and salt.
2. Heat over low heat, whisking until the butter melts and everything is combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
4. Slowly add the warm lemon mixture to the eggs, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
5. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 8-10 minutes).
6. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and let cool before refrigerating.

Make the Tart Crust

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or fork to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and cold water, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and press it into mini tart pans or a large tart pan.
6. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights.
7. Bake for 10 minutes, remove weights, then bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.

Make the Custard Filling and Assemble the Tarts

1. Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, honey, and yogurt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be slightly thick but still pourable.
2. Arrange the Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in the bottom of each cooled tart shell. Arrange them evenly so that every bite has a good balance of fruit and custard. If you’re making one large tart, spread the strawberries out across the entire surface.
3. Pour the Custard: Slowly pour the custard mixture over the strawberries, filling each tart shell almost to the top. The custard will puff up slightly as it bakes, so leave a little space at the edge to prevent overflow.
4. Bake the Tarts: Place the tarts on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard is set. You’ll know it’s done when the center is slightly firm but still has a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan. If you’re making a single large tart, it may need an extra 5-10 minutes.
5. Cool the Tarts: Once baked, remove the tarts from the oven and let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add the Lemon Curd

1. Warm the Lemon Curd (Optional): If your lemon curd has thickened too much in the fridge, warm it slightly by stirring it over low heat for a few seconds. You want it to be spreadable but not too runny.
2. Drizzle or Spread the Lemon Curd: Using a spoon, drizzle the lemon curd over the cooled tarts in a zigzag pattern. If you prefer, you can spread a thin layer of lemon curd over the entire surface for a more intense citrus flavor.
3. Final Touches: Garnish the tarts with extra fresh strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color.
4. Chill Before Serving (Optional): If you like your tarts slightly chilled, refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

• Classic Presentation: Serve as is, with a generous drizzle of lemon curd and a few extra fresh strawberries on top.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an extra layer of richness.
• With Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla bean, strawberry, or lemon ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast.
• As a Brunch Dessert: Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola for an elegant breakfast or brunch spread.
• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar gives the tarts a bakery-style look.
• For Special Occasions: Garnish with edible flowers or candied lemon zest for an extra fancy touch.

No matter how you serve them, these tarts will always impress!

Pairing Suggestions

These tarts pair beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes, making them perfect for any occasion.

Beverages

• Tea: The citrusy notes in the lemon curd pair wonderfully with Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea.
• Coffee: A mildly sweet latte or a cappuccino complements the creaminess of the custard.
• Sparkling Water: For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon or strawberry-infused sparkling water.
• Fruit-Infused Lemonade: Try a strawberry or honey lemonade to match the flavors in the tart.

Side Pairings

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of mango, kiwi, raspberries, and blueberries enhances the fruity notes of the tart.
• Light Pastries: Serve with almond biscotti or shortbread cookies for an afternoon tea spread.
• Yogurt & Granola: If serving for brunch, pair with Greek yogurt, granola, and honey.

These thoughtful pairings will elevate your tart experience to another level!

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Store leftover tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep them covered to prevent the custard from drying out and to maintain the freshness of the strawberries.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the tart crust separately before adding the custard. Baked custard doesn’t freeze well as it can become watery when thawed.
• If freezing a fully baked tart, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• To refresh a refrigerated tart, place it in a warm oven (300°F / 150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the custard to separate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Chilling the Dough: Cold dough is essential for a flaky crust. Don’t skip the chilling step.
2. Overworking the Dough: Mix just until combined to avoid a tough crust.
3. Overbaking the Custard: A slight jiggle in the center is okay—overbaking makes it rubbery.
4. Adding Lemon Curd Too Soon: Let the tarts cool completely before adding the lemon curd to prevent it from melting into the custard.
5. Using Low-Fat Yogurt: This can make the custard too watery. Use full-fat yogurt for the best texture.

Pro Tips

• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and lemon curd a day in advance to save time.
• Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries: Overripe berries release too much juice, making the custard runny.
• Try Different Citrus: Swap lemon zest for orange or lime zest for a different flavor profile.
• Toast the Crust Slightly: If you love extra crispiness, bake the crust for an additional 2-3 minutes before filling.
• Let the Tarts Rest Before Serving: This allows the custard to set properly, enhancing texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd?

Yes! Store-bought lemon curd is a great shortcut if you’re short on time.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best, but you can use frozen if they are thawed and well-drained.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. What if I don’t have mini tart pans?

Use a 9-inch tart pan or even a muffin tin for smaller servings.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. With their buttery crust, creamy custard, juicy strawberries, and tangy lemon curd, they deliver the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! If you make these tarts, let me know how they turned out. Leave a comment, share your photos, or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Print