These Vanilla Cream Tarts with Fresh Raspberries are a stunning and delightful dessert perfect for brunches, tea parties, or special celebrations. They feature crisp, buttery tart shells filled with silky vanilla pastry cream and topped with juicy fresh raspberries and a glossy glaze. Light, fruity, and elegant—this recipe delivers both impressive presentation and incredible flavor.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Tart Shells:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons ice water

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream:

• 1¼ cups whole milk

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large egg yolks

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Topping:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries

• ¼ cup apricot or raspberry jam (for glaze)

• 1 tablespoon water

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Tart Shells

1. Mix flour and powdered sugar in a bowl or food processor.

2. Add cold butter; pulse or cut in until crumbly.

3. Add egg yolk, vanilla, and ice water until a dough forms.

4. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. Roll out dough and press into mini tart pans.

7. Prick with fork, line with parchment, add weights, and bake for 12–15 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

1. Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming.

2. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

3. Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture.

4. Return mixture to saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (3–5 minutes).

5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, then cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Tarts

1. Spoon or pipe pastry cream into cooled tart shells.

2. Arrange raspberries decoratively on top.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

1. Warm jam and water in a small saucepan.

2. Lightly brush over raspberries for shine.

3. Chill tarts for 30 minutes before serving.

4. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves if desired.

Nutrients (Approximate per tart)

• Calories: ~180–220 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Sugar: ~10g

• Protein: ~3g

• Fat: ~12g

• Fiber: ~2g

Origins and Inspiration

The concept of fruit tarts filled with custard dates back to classic French pâtisserie, where items like tarte aux fruits and tartelette vanille-framboise have long been staples in elegant dessert showcases. These tarts showcase the finesse of French baking, where the focus is on simplicity, balance, and beautiful presentation.

Pastry cream—or crème pâtissière—is a cornerstone of French desserts, known for its silky texture and deep vanilla flavor. When paired with a shortcrust pastry shell and fresh seasonal fruit, it creates a dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

These vanilla cream tarts draw on that tradition but are designed with the home baker in mind: approachable, make-ahead friendly, and easily customizable depending on the occasion or fruit in season.

Why You’ll Love These Vanilla Cream Tarts

There’s a lot to adore about these tarts. First, the crust: buttery, slightly sweet, and perfectly crisp—it’s a texture dream that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Then comes the pastry cream, which is smooth, rich, and infused with real vanilla. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the flavors of both the cream and the fruit to shine through.

The raspberries add a pop of tartness and freshness, and the glaze provides an irresistible glossy finish that not only makes the tarts look professional but also helps keep the berries fresh. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of crisp, creamy, juicy, and sweet.

You’ll also love how adaptable these tarts are. They can be made in full-size tart pans or mini tartlet molds, served as individual portions, or even made as tart bars for a more casual presentation.

Health Benefits

While these tarts are undoubtedly a treat, they also include some nutrient-rich elements, especially from the fresh raspberries. Raspberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them one of the healthiest fruits you can include in a dessert.

Using whole milk in the pastry cream provides calcium and protein, while the egg yolks offer essential nutrients like choline, B12, and healthy fats.

For a lighter version, you can modify the recipe by:

• Using reduced-fat milk or a milk-alternative like almond or oat milk

• Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream

• Making the tart shells with whole wheat pastry flour

While still an indulgence, these small tarts offer portion-controlled bites that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed mindfully.

Serving Suggestions

These tarts are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

• Serve on a tiered tray for afternoon tea, paired with Earl Grey or chamomile.

• Present on elegant dessert plates at a brunch or bridal shower with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a mint leaf.

• Plate with a swirl of raspberry coulis or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for restaurant-style flair.

• Offer with a glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco for festive occasions.

• Pack them into cupcake liners for picnic-perfect treats.

For extra indulgence, serve alongside whipped cream, vanilla bean ice cream, or even a dollop of crème fraîche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making these delicate tarts, a few missteps can compromise the final result:

1. Underbaking the tart shells: If they’re too pale or soft, the pastry cream can make them soggy. Bake until golden and firm.

2. Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause the shells to shrink or lose their shape in the oven. Always chill for at least 30 minutes.

3. Overcooking the pastry cream: Heat gently and stir constantly once the custard is back on the stove. Once it thickens, remove it promptly to avoid curdling.

4. Using hot pastry cream in tart shells: Let the cream cool before filling, or it will compromise the texture of the crust and soften it prematurely.

5. Not glazing the fruit: Skipping the glaze can result in raspberries drying out. The glaze not only adds shine but also seals in moisture and enhances shelf life.

Ingredient Spotlight: Raspberries

Fresh raspberries are not only beautiful but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Their natural tartness cuts through the richness of the pastry cream, creating a refreshing finish to each bite. They’re a wonderful source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, and their deep red hue adds a striking visual contrast to the pale cream.

Choose raspberries that are firm, plump, and deeply colored, and avoid washing them until you’re ready to use to maintain their shape and prevent excess moisture.

You can also substitute with other fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or sliced peaches, depending on what’s in season.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you enjoy these tarts, consider trying:

• Lemon Curd Tartlets – tangy and refreshing

• Chocolate Ganache Tarts – rich and decadent

• Mixed Berry Mascarpone Tarts – creamy with a tangy twist

• Pistachio Cream Tarts with Strawberries – nutty and bright

• Vanilla Bean Eclairs – similar pastry cream in a different form

For savory options, experiment with tart shells filled with herbed goat cheese and topped with heirloom tomatoes or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips for the Best Results

• Use cold butter for the tart dough to ensure a flaky, crisp texture.

• Roll dough evenly to prevent one side from overbaking or underbaking.

• For best results, blind bake the tart shells with parchment and pie weights to maintain shape.

• Strain the pastry cream through a sieve after cooking to ensure a silky-smooth texture.

• Chill the assembled tarts for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld and the cream sets.

• If making ahead, store unfilled tart shells separately from the pastry cream and fruit to maintain crispness.

Conclusion

Vanilla Cream Tarts with Fresh Raspberries are a true celebration of flavor, texture, and beauty. With their crisp shells, luscious vanilla filling, and ruby-red fruit topping, they offer everything you want in a dessert: elegance, simplicity, and an unforgettable taste. Whether you’re planning a refined afternoon tea, celebrating a special occasion, or just looking to elevate your baking game, these tarts deliver big on both presentation and flavor.

Once you make them, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again—because few desserts are as charming and universally loved as these classic vanilla cream and berry tarts.