There’s something undeniably enchanting about the moment when warm, velvety custard meets fresh strawberries, especially when that first bite reveals a swirl of beautifully formed hearts. I discovered this delightful Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tart recipe during a spontaneous baking afternoon, and it instantly became my go-to for any gathering. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, these tarts transform into not just a treat for the taste buds, but a feast for the eyes as well.
Ideal for impressing guests or indulging your family, the luxurious Madagascan vanilla custard contrasts perfectly with the vibrant strawberry sauce, creating a balance that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re craving something sweet after a long day or preparing for a holiday get-together, these tarts promise to deliver smiles all around. Let’s embrace the joy of homemade desserts that make every occasion feel special!
Why love Heart-swirled strawberry custard tarts?
Irresistible flavors: The luxurious Madagascan vanilla custard and tangy strawberry sauce combine to create a taste that’s delectably sweet yet refreshing.
Effortless elegance: With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress guests with a stunning dessert that looks like it took hours to perfect.
Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, these tarts are perfect for spontaneous baking or last-minute sweet cravings.
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for any gathering, these tarts appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring smiles around the table.
Visual delight: The charming heart swirls not only taste great but make for gorgeous presentation! For more easy dessert ideas, check out our collection of quick dessert recipes.
Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts Ingredients
For the Tarts
• M&S all butter sweet pastry tarts – these flaky beauties serve as the perfect base for your custard delight.
For the Custard
• M&S Collection Madagascan vanilla luxury custard – its rich creaminess infuses each bite with warm, vanilla goodness that beautifully complements the fruit.
For the Strawberry Sauce
• M&S strawberry dessert sauce – drizzle this tangy sauce to add a burst of fruity flavor and create those lovely heart swirls!
How to Make Heart-Swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts
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Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and gently place your sweet pastry tarts on it, ready to be filled with delicious custard.
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Pour the Madagascan vanilla custard into the tartlet cases. Be careful to fill them just below the edge to avoid overflow during baking, ensuring each tart bakes beautifully.
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Dot five small circles of the M&S strawberry sauce around the custard in each tart using a teaspoon. This is where the magic of heart swirls begins!
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Swirl using cocktail sticks! Gently draw a circular motion starting from the custard’s center through the strawberry dots. With a little creativity, you’ll form lovely heart shapes in each tart.
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Bake the tarts for 30 minutes until the custard sets, but still has a slight wobble in the center—this is key for that creamy texture!
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Cool the tarts on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This gives them time to perfect their flavor and texture.
Optional: Serve with a dusting of icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Heart-Swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts
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Perfect Pouring: Avoid overflow by filling the tartlet cases just below the edge with custard before baking. This prevents messy tarts and ensures a beautiful finish.
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Swell the Swirls: When drawing heart shapes with the cocktail sticks, be gentle! Too much pressure can ruin the design. A light hand creates the most charming swirls.
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Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the tarts during the last five minutes of baking. The custard should be set but still have a slight wobble in the center for that creamy texture.
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Cooling Time: Let the tarts cool for at least 15 minutes, as this allows flavors to meld and makes serving much easier. Patience pays off for the perfect Heart-swirled strawberry custard tarts!
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Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, consider serving your tarts with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of fresh strawberries alongside. It adds both flavor and visual appeal.
What to Serve with Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts?
Indulge in creating a delightful meal alongside your sweet treat, enhancing the overall experience of your gathering.
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Fresh Berry Salad: The tartness of mixed berries complements the sweet custard, adding a refreshing palate cleanser to your dessert spread.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to the warm tarts creates a delicious melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream adds an airy softness, balancing the richness of the custard with a delightful texture contrast.
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Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The combination of chocolate and strawberries amplifies the berry theme while adding an indulgent twist to your dessert selection.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea create a beautiful pairing with the tarts, offering a light finish after a sweet indulgence.
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Lemon Sorbet: A zesty lemon sorbet will cut through the sweetness, bringing brightness and refreshing acidity to the dessert table.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: Serve this sparkling drink with a squeeze of lemon or lime for a bubbly accompaniment that refreshes the palate beautifully.
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Shortbread Cookies: These buttery cookies provide a crunchy texture for a lovely contrast against the silky custard tarts, elevating your dessert experience.
Elevate your dessert game with these delightful pairings for your Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts!
How to Store and Freeze Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts
Fridge: Store the tarts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the custard fresh while maintaining the delightful flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tarts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer warm tarts, reheat in a 150°C oven for about 10-15 minutes. This will renew their delicious custard texture without compromising the heart-swirled design.
Heart-swirled strawberry custard tarts Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by experimenting with these delightful twists on the classic recipe!
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Fruit Fusion: Swap out strawberry sauce for any berry blend like raspberry or blueberry for a vibrant flavor explosion. Their natural tartness pairs beautifully with custard!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a luxurious touch by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the tarts before serving. The rich chocolate complements the sweetness of the custard, making every bite divine.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top for an extra crunch. The nuts offer a delightful contrast to the smooth custard and enhance the overall texture.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut custard instead of vanilla for a tropical twist. Pair this with toasted coconut flakes on top for a sunny, beach-inspired treat.
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Zesty Lemon: Infuse the custard with fresh lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. This balance of tart and sweet creates a refreshing dessert.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle warm caramel sauce alongside the strawberry sauce for a decadent, sweet twist. The combination of flavors will leave everyone wanting more.
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Spiced Secret: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard before baking for a warm, aromatic touch. It adds a surprising depth that will enchant your taste buds.
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Heat it Up: For those who love a little spice, mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the custard. This unexpected kick will elevate your tarts to a whole new level!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these delightful Heart-swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts ahead of time is a fantastic way to save yourself some precious minutes on busy days! You can prepare the tarts up to 24 hours in advance by filling them with custard and swirling the strawberry sauce, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This ensures they maintain their creamy texture and delightful flavors. Just before serving, pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 to warm up. They’ll be just as delicious as if you made them on the spot, ready to impress your family or guests!
Heart-Swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the sauce?
Absolutely, fresh strawberries are best! Look for plump, bright red berries without any dark spots or bruises. They should have a sweet fragrance and firm texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen strawberries can be a great alternative—just be sure to thaw and drain them well before making the sauce.
How should I store leftover tarts?
To keep your Heart-swirled strawberry custard tarts fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the lovely custard texture while keeping the delightful strawberry flavor intact. If you leave them out, the custard may lose its creaminess and the tarts might become soggy.
Can I freeze these tarts for later enjoyment?
Yes! You can freeze the tarts for up to 2 months. Wrap each tart individually in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer them to the fridge for a few hours to thaw. If you like them warm, reheat in a 150°C oven for 10-15 minutes to restore that perfect creamy texture while keeping the design intact.
What if my custard doesn’t set properly?
If your custard hasn’t set after baking, it may need a bit more time in the oven. Keep baking while checking every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Custard should giggle slightly in the center when it’s perfectly done. If it sets too much, you may end up with a more solid texture, but it will still taste delicious!
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Definitely! If you have allergies, be mindful of the ingredients. The custard contains dairy, and the pastry tarts may contain gluten and other allergens. For an allergy-friendly version, consider using a dairy-free custard alternative and gluten-free pastry. Always check labels for potential cross-contamination with allergens to ensure it’s safe for your family and guests.
Can pets have strawberry custard tarts?
While strawberries are safe for dogs in small amounts, custard and pastry tarts contain sugar, fat, and possible allergens such as dairy, which aren’t suitable for pets. It’s best to stick to plain strawberries or specially formulated pet treats to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
Heart-Swirled Strawberry Custard Tarts for Gorgeous Desserts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and gently place your sweet pastry tarts on it, ready to be filled with delicious custard.
- Pour the Madagascan vanilla custard into the tartlet cases, filling them just below the edge to avoid overflow during baking.
- Dot five small circles of the M&S strawberry sauce around the custard in each tart using a teaspoon.
- Swirl using cocktail sticks! Gently draw a circular motion starting from the custard's center through the strawberry dots to form heart shapes in each tart.
- Bake the tarts for 30 minutes until the custard sets, but still has a slight wobble in the center.
- Cool the tarts on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.