These Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are a delightful spring and summer dessert, featuring a honey yogurt-based custard nestled in a flaky, golden pie crust. Topped with fresh, juicy strawberries and a generous drizzle of tangy lemon curd, they offer a refreshing and elegant twist on the classic fruit tart.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 box refrigerated pie crusts (2 count)

• 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 cup lemon curd (store bought or homemade)

• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• Fresh mint for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a muffin tin.

2. Roll out the pie crusts and cut into 12 circles to fit your muffin tin. Gently press the circles into the tin.

3. Prick the bottoms with a fork and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.

4. Bake crusts for 10-12 minutes, or until golden. Remove and let cool completely.

5. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, egg, and lemon zest until smooth.

6. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

7. Spoon custard into each cooled tart shell, filling almost to the top.

8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until custard is just set. Let cool completely.

9. Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle with lemon curd. Garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Nutrients

Note: Nutritional information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: ~210 per tart

• Protein: ~5g

• Fat: ~9g

• Carbohydrates: ~29g

• Sugar: ~14g

• Fiber: ~1g

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

The idea for these tarts is rooted in classic European pâtisserie, where fruit tarts are a bakery staple. However, this recipe diverges from the norm by introducing a custard made from Greek yogurt and honey rather than traditional pastry cream. The result is a lighter, tangier filling that pairs beautifully with fresh berries and lemon. Greek yogurt adds a subtle tartness and a velvety texture, while honey provides a natural sweetness without overpowering the other components. The lemon zest in the custard elevates the flavor profile further, creating a bright and zesty finish that lingers on the palate.

Why These Tarts Stand Out

There are several reasons these tarts are more than just another dessert. First, the use of refrigerated pie crusts makes preparation quick and accessible without sacrificing quality. While many tarts rely on pastry cream or heavy custards, the Greek yogurt base provides a protein-rich, probiotic-friendly alternative. The combination of honey and vanilla offers natural sweetness and depth, balancing out the tang of the yogurt. Lemon curd, drizzled generously over the strawberries, adds a sharp, citrusy contrast that makes every bite exciting.

These tarts are also incredibly versatile. They’re the perfect choice for brunches, tea parties, baby showers, or just a quiet afternoon treat. Their individual size makes them easy to serve, transport, and customize. Whether you choose to top them with strawberries alone or add other seasonal berries like blueberries or raspberries, the result is always delicious.

A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients

One of the key appeals of this dessert is its celebration of seasonal produce. Strawberries are at their peak during spring and early summer, offering sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color. Their freshness is crucial here, as they are not baked but added raw on top of the cooled custard, preserving their natural flavor and texture.

Lemon curd, another standout ingredient, enhances the seasonal theme. Its tartness plays beautifully off the natural sweetness of the berries and honey. Whether you use store-bought or homemade lemon curd, its presence is essential in tying the dessert together. A hint of lemon zest in the custard itself adds a layer of citrusy brightness that complements the topping perfectly.

Nutritional Considerations

While indulgent in taste and appearance, these tarts manage to be relatively balanced nutritionally. Each tart contains roughly 210 calories, with a modest 9 grams of fat and a decent 5 grams of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt. They’re sweet, yes, but with about 14 grams of sugar, they’re not overly decadent compared to many other desserts. The use of Greek yogurt also means these tarts deliver beneficial probiotics, supporting gut health. Full-fat yogurt is preferred for creaminess, but you can opt for lower-fat versions if desired, keeping in mind that the texture and richness may be slightly affected.

Perfecting the Presentation

Presentation is everything when it comes to elegant desserts, and these tarts deliver on that front. Their compact size, bright red strawberries, glossy lemon curd drizzle, and optional sprig of mint make them visually irresistible. Serving them in a tiered dessert tray or on a slate platter with a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their appeal for special occasions.

The contrast between the golden-brown crust, creamy custard, vivid fruit, and shiny curd creates a multi-sensory experience. Each tart becomes more than just a bite—it becomes a statement.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results, a few tips can help streamline preparation and enhance the final product. First, chilling the crusts before baking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures a flaky texture. Pricking the dough is essential to avoid puffing during baking. Allowing both the crust and the custard to cool completely before assembly is crucial; warm components can cause the toppings to wilt or slide.

For a smoother custard, make sure the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is whisked until silky. When baking the filled shells, be cautious not to overbake—the custard should be just set and slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Finally, when adding the strawberries and lemon curd, be generous but intentional. A nice pattern or fan of berries can enhance the tart’s look, and a zigzag drizzle of curd is often more attractive than a simple pour.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe shines as-is, it also provides a base for experimentation. Try substituting the strawberries with other berries, sliced stone fruit, or even a medley of tropical fruits like kiwi and mango. For an herbal twist, infuse the custard with basil or thyme instead of lemon zest. If you’re feeling decadent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top for extra texture and flavor.

For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pie crusts or tart shells. The custard and topping are already naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving and Storage

These tarts are best enjoyed the day they are assembled, as the moisture from the custard and fruit can soften the crust over time. However, you can prepare the crusts and custard filling a day in advance. Simply bake the shells and store them in an airtight container, and keep the custard chilled separately. Assemble the tarts shortly before serving for the freshest result.

If you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in a covered container. They’ll keep for about two days, though the texture of the crust may soften.

Conclusion: A New Favorite Dessert

Strawberry Honey Custard Tarts with Lemon Curd are more than just a seasonal sweet—they are a celebration of fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and approachable elegance. This recipe strikes a delicate balance between indulgence and lightness, tradition and innovation. The use of Greek yogurt custard instead of heavy cream makes it feel modern and health-conscious, while still delivering the satisfaction expected from a beautifully crafted dessert.

Whether you’re hosting a garden party, planning a special dinner, or simply craving something delightful, these tarts will impress both the eyes and the taste buds. Their beauty lies in their simplicity and their adaptability, offering countless possibilities while remaining consistently delicious. Try them once, and they just might become a cherished staple in your dessert repertoire.