Delicious Berry Tart with Creamy Custard and Fresh Fruit

Berry Tart (Crostata ai Frutti di Bosco)
Category: Desserts
Servings/Pieces: 8

A vibrant and delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, this berry tart is an enchanting blend of crispy pastry, creamy custard, and an array of fresh forest fruits. The soft, buttery crust provides the perfect foundation for the smooth, velvety custard, while the colorful, juicy berries offer a refreshing, tangy contrast. With its intricate layers of flavors, this berry tart is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual family dessert, this beautiful tart will certainly impress everyone.

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
Start by making the shortcrust pastry, also known as sabbiatura. In a food processor, combine the sifted flour with the cold butter, cut into small cubes. Pulse until the mixture resembles a sandy, crumbly texture. Transfer this mixture onto a work surface or into a large bowl and add the sifted powdered sugar.
Next, add the egg yolk and, using your hands, quickly work the dough into a compact ball, making sure not to overheat the dough with your hands to keep it light and flaky. Form the dough into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Making the Custard
While the dough chills, prepare the custard filling. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the whole milk over low heat. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale.
Gradually add the sifted cornstarch to the egg-sugar mixture, stirring constantly to incorporate. Once the milk is warm, pour a small amount into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Slowly add the rest of the warm milk to the egg mixture while continuing to whisk.
Pour this mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a whisk. Let it simmer gently for about 4 minutes, or until the custard thickens to a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
Remove the vanilla bean half and discard. If you used a vanilla pod, ensure it’s been infused into the milk. Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat, transfer it into a wide, shallow bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent it from forming a skin.

Step 3: Assembling the Tart Shell
While the custard cools, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter and flour a 35×11 cm rectangular tart pan, or use a round tart pan with a diameter of about 20 cm.
Roll out the chilled shortcrust pastry on a floured surface to about 1 cm thick. If needed, use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough onto the rolling pin, then unroll it onto the tart pan. Press the dough gently into the corners and edges of the pan. Use a fork to prick the base of the pastry several times to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Filling the Tart
Once the pastry shell has cooled and the custard has set to room temperature, spoon the custard into the tart shell. Use an offset spatula to spread the custard evenly over the bottom of the tart shell.

Step 5: Decorating with Berries
Rinse all of the forest fruits—wild strawberries, blackberries, red currants, blueberries, and raspberries—under cool, running water. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Arrange the berries decoratively on top of the custard, ensuring a beautiful, even coverage.
Lastly, finish by garnishing the tart with a few fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and a refreshing herbal aroma.

Step 6: Chilling and Serving
Place the assembled berry tart in the fridge to chill for about 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This step also helps the custard set further, ensuring a smooth slice when cut. Once ready, cut the tart into generous slices, and serve chilled. Enjoy the delightful combination of buttery pastry, creamy custard, and fresh berries in every bite!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Berry Tart is not only a delightful treat to enjoy with family and friends, but it’s also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant berries and elegant presentation. Whether served at a gathering or as a special dessert to finish off a meal, it is sure to be the highlight of the event.