Mini Custard Tarts are a charming, bite-sized version of a classic French pastry delight, featuring crisp buttery tart shells filled with a silky, subtly sweet traditional pastry cream (crème pâtissière). These elegant little treats are perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or a sophisticated dessert spread, topped with fresh berries or enjoyed simply on their own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells:

1⅔ cups flour
½ cup icing sugar
1 pinch salt
½ cup (120 g) cold butter
1 egg, whisked

For the Traditional Pastry Cream (Custard):

2 cups full cream milk
½ teaspoon vanilla paste or 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped)
4 egg yolks
2 tablespoons caster sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Tart Shells:

In a food processor, pulse together flour, icing sugar, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add the whisked egg and pulse just until a dough forms.
Roll the dough between two sheets of baking paper to about 3mm thick. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Cut out circles slightly larger than your mini tart pans, fit the dough into the pans, and prick the bases with a fork. Chill again for another hour.
Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line each tart with baking paper and fill with baking weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights, then bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned. Cool completely before filling.

Prepare the Pastry Cream:

Gently heat milk and vanilla over low heat without boiling.
In a separate pot, whisk together egg yolks and caster sugar until combined, then whisk in cornstarch.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Cook over low heat, whisking continuously, until the custard thickens and boils. Once boiling, whisk for 30 seconds more and remove from heat.
Stir in butter (if using) and transfer the custard to a dish, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill completely.

Assemble the Tarts:

Once both shells and custard are cooled, fill each tart shell with a dollop of pastry cream.
Optionally top with fresh berries or leave plain for a classic look.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

Calories: ~180–220 kcal per mini tart
Carbohydrates: ~20–25 g
Protein: ~3–4 g
Fat: ~10–12 g
Sugar: ~8–10 g
Fiber: ~0.5 g
Vitamin A: High (from eggs and milk)
Calcium: Good source (from milk)

The Magic Behind Mini Custard Tarts

The beauty of Mini Custard Tarts lies in the meticulous pairing of textures and flavors. The tart shells are buttery and crumbly, offering the perfect contrast to the rich, luscious custard filling. Making the shells thin and crisp ensures they remain a delicate vessel without overpowering the custard’s smoothness. The pastry cream, flavored with real vanilla, delivers a creamy, lightly sweet experience that melts on the tongue. Every element is crafted to balance richness with lightness, resulting in a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh. This harmonious combination of crisp and creamy textures makes Mini Custard Tarts truly magical and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Mini Custard Tarts are loved for their versatility, beauty, and delicious simplicity. They are individually portioned, making them easy to serve and ideal for buffets or dessert tables. Their small size means they are perfect for tasting a variety of desserts without overindulging. Because they are customizable, you can top them with seasonal fruits, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of glaze to suit any theme or occasion. Despite their elegant appearance, they are relatively simple to prepare, especially with a bit of planning. The classic flavors of vanilla and cream appeal to nearly everyone, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Tips for Making the Best Mini Custard Tarts

Start with high-quality butter for the tart shells, as it significantly impacts the flavor and texture of the pastry. Keep the butter and dough cold at all stages to ensure a crisp, tender crust. Roll the pastry evenly to a thickness of about 3mm for a delicate, crisp shell that doesn’t overpower the filling. Blind baking the tart shells with baking weights is crucial to prevent them from puffing up and losing their shape. For the pastry cream, heat the milk gently and whisk continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Straining the custard through a fine mesh sieve after cooking ensures the smoothest possible texture. Always allow both the shells and the pastry cream to cool completely before assembly to maintain the integrity of the final dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overworking the pastry dough, which can lead to tough tart shells instead of a tender, crumbly texture. Handle the dough as little as possible once it comes together. Skipping the chilling steps can also result in shrinking or misshapen tart shells during baking, so it’s important to allow adequate rest time. When making the pastry cream, rushing the heating process or using high heat can scramble the eggs, resulting in a lumpy custard. Whisk constantly over gentle heat and avoid bringing the mixture to a rapid boil. Overfilling the tart shells can cause the custard to spill over, so aim for a level surface that leaves a slight rim of pastry visible.

Serving Suggestions

Mini Custard Tarts are stunning when simply filled with silky pastry cream and served as is, but they can also be beautifully garnished. Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries make an elegant topping and add a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweet custard. A light dusting of powdered sugar gives a polished, professional finish. For a more decadent touch, drizzle the tarts with melted chocolate or a thin layer of apricot glaze to create a glossy sheen. Serve them on a tiered cake stand or arrange them on a platter lined with delicate doilies for an extra elegant presentation, perfect for bridal showers, tea parties, or Mother’s Day celebrations.

Adaptations and Variations

Mini Custard Tarts are highly adaptable, allowing for endless creative variations. For a citrus twist, add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the pastry cream for a bright, refreshing flavor. You can create a chocolate version by adding a little melted dark chocolate to the custard once it’s cooked. Infuse the milk with flavors like lavender, Earl Grey tea, or cinnamon for a unique spin on the classic vanilla. The tart shells can also be made with almond flour for a nutty depth or flavored with cocoa powder for a chocolate crust. For a festive holiday touch, top with spiced poached pears or caramelized nuts instead of fresh berries.

The French Inspiration Behind Custard Tarts

The origins of Mini Custard Tarts can be traced back to the timeless French dessert tradition of tartelettes, small pastries often filled with fruits, ganache, or pastry cream. Crème pâtissière, or traditional pastry cream, is a cornerstone of French baking and is used to fill everything from éclairs to mille-feuille. In France, these treats are revered for their balance of luxurious creaminess and delicate pastry craftsmanship. By miniaturizing this classic dessert, the Mini Custard Tart retains all the elegance and flavor of its full-sized counterpart while offering a more versatile and contemporary serving option. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate French culinary artistry in an accessible and charming form.

Nutritional Information

Each Mini Custard Tart contains approximately 180 to 220 calories, making them a moderate yet satisfying treat. With about 20 to 25 grams of carbohydrates per tart, they offer a pleasant sweetness balanced by the protein content from the eggs and milk, around 3 to 4 grams per serving. The fat content, mainly from butter and egg yolks, falls between 10 and 12 grams, contributing to the luxurious mouthfeel of both the pastry and custard. These tarts are a good source of vitamin A and calcium, thanks to the dairy components, supporting bone health and overall wellness. Though they are an indulgent dessert, their small size allows for mindful enjoyment without excessive overindulgence.

Conclusion

Mini Custard Tarts are a beautiful blend of simplicity, elegance, and irresistible flavor, making them the perfect addition to any celebration or special occasion. With their crisp, buttery shells and creamy, subtly sweet filling, they deliver a luxurious dessert experience in a charming bite-sized form. Easy to customize and endlessly versatile, these tarts bring a touch of French sophistication to your dessert table without requiring overly complicated techniques. Whether topped with fresh berries, drizzled with chocolate, or served plain in their classic glory, Mini Custard Tarts are a delightful treat that is sure to impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings with every creamy, crispy bite.

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