Go Back

Classic French Fruit Tart

A timeless dessert that beautifully showcases fresh fruits and creamy pastry cream in a delicate crust, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Pastry
Cuisine: French
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1 recipe Pâte Sucrée (Sweet Tart Dough) Buttery and sweet dough for the crispy base.
For the Pastry Cream
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Forms the base of the pastry cream.
  • ½ cup Sugar Enhances sweetness in the pastry cream and fruits.
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch Thickening agent for the pastry cream.
  • 1 large Egg Enriches the custard.
  • 2 large Egg Yolks Adds smoothness to the pastry cream.
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness to the pastry cream.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Adds warmth and aroma.
For the Topping
  • 4 cups Fresh Mixed Berries Juicy and vibrant; can add kiwi or mango for color.
  • ¼ cup Apricot Jam Adds sheen and sweetness to the fruits.

Method
 

Make the Crust
  1. Combine flour, sugar, and butter in a mixing bowl until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla to form a dough.
  2. Roll out the dough to fit your tart pan, then bake until golden. Allow it to cool completely.
Make the Pastry Cream
  1. Heat milk in a medium pot until just boiling, then remove from heat.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and light in color.
  3. Gradually whisk in a quarter of the hot milk to temper the eggs.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the pot with the remaining milk and return to medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 2 minutes).
  5. Stir in butter and vanilla extract, cooking for one more minute until thick and bubbly.
  6. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill until cold.
Assemble the Tart
  1. Remove the tart ring and place the crust on a serving platter.
  2. Whisk the cold pastry cream until smooth and spread evenly into the tart shell.
  3. Arrange the fresh fruits on top in your desired design.
  4. Heat apricot jam with a tablespoon of water until thin, then brush over the fruits for a glossy finish.
  5. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Leftover pastry cream can be stored separately. Crust can be frozen before baking.