Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These tarts feature a creamy yogurt-based custard sweetened with honey and fresh strawberries, all nestled in a flaky, golden pie crust. Topped with a drizzle of homemade lemon curd, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them an ideal dessert for summer parties, picnics, or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Fresh Ingredients: Featuring strawberries and homemade lemon curd, these tarts burst with fresh flavors.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve them at birthdays, holidays, or just as a sweet treat after dinner.
• Healthier Option: Using yogurt and honey instead of cream and sugar makes this dessert a bit lighter.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and elegant look of these tarts will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd successfully, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Tart pans
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Tart pans: These help create the perfect shape for your tarts, ensuring even baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and keeping your workspace organized.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing custards thoroughly to achieve that creamy texture.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly to create a flaky crust.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoons sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cold water

For the Custard Filling

• 2 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Curd Topping

• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• Pinch of coarse salt

How to Make Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sea salt, and sugar.
2. Add chilled butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbly.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and cold water gradually until dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Bake the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Cut into circles to fit your tart pans. Press gently into each pan.
4. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

1. In another bowl, whisk together vanilla yogurt, honey, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Fold in sliced strawberries gently so they remain intact.

Step 4: Assemble the Tarts

1. Pour custard filling into each cooled tart shell evenly.
2. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Prepare Lemon Curd

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, sugar, lemon zest, and salt until combined.
2. Add cubed butter gradually while stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before drizzling over each tart.

Step 6: Serve Your Tarts

Once cooled completely, serve your Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this delightful dessert with friends or family!

How to Serve Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

These delightful Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a summer picnic or a fancy dinner party, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Elegant Presentation

• Use decorative plates for serving to enhance the visual appeal.
• Garnish each tart with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Serve alongside additional sliced strawberries or mixed berries to complement the flavors.
• A fruit salad can add freshness and balance to the sweetness of the tarts.

Drizzle of Extra Lemon Curd

• Offer extra lemon curd on the side for those who love tangy flavors.
• This can enhance each bite and make it even more indulgent.

Ice Cream Option

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these tarts.
• The creaminess contrasts nicely with the tart’s texture and flavor.

How to Perfect Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

To ensure your Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Chill Your Dough: Make sure to chill the pie crust dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain its flaky texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and lemon juice will enhance the flavor profile of your tarts significantly.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the custard during baking. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow the tarts to cool completely before adding lemon curd. This prevents it from melting into the custard.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd can be complemented by some delicious side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds richness and pairs well with fruity desserts.
2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, coconut macaroons provide a different texture that contrasts nicely with the tarts.
3. Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet serves as a cool counterpart, especially in warmer weather.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can balance the sweetness of the tarts beautifully.
5. Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce offers a decadent touch.
6. Nuts and Seeds Mix: A crunchy mix can provide an interesting textural contrast when enjoyed alongside your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can ruin the texture. Always measure precisely for the best results.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the pie crust dough too much can make it tough. Mix just until combined for a flaky texture.
• Skipping Chill Time: Not chilling the dough before baking can lead to shrinkage. Be sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring Freshness of Ingredients: Using old strawberries or yogurt can affect flavor. Use fresh, ripe ingredients for the best taste.
• Not Allowing Tarts to Cool: Cutting into warm tarts can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool completely before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store tarts in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

• Wrap each tart tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat tarts for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place tarts in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warmed, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd:

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

You can definitely substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just ensure they are fresh and sweet.

How do I make homemade lemon curd?

To make lemon curd, whisk together lemon juice, zest, sugar, eggs, and butter over low heat until thickened. Cool before using.

What is the best way to serve Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd?

These tarts are delicious served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

How long do these tarts last?

When stored properly in the fridge, Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd last up to three days.

Can I prepare the tart crust ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and freeze the crust ahead of time. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by experimenting with different fruits or sweeteners according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sweet treat at home!