This Raspberry Curd Tart is a bright and elegant dessert featuring a buttery, lemon-scented pâte sucrée crust filled with luscious raspberry curd. The crust is tender and slightly sweet, perfectly balancing the tartness of the curd. Topped with whipped cream, meringue, or fresh berries, it’s an ideal treat for spring and summer gatherings or special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pâte Sucrée Crust

½ cup (113g) butter, softened
2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (55g) granulated sugar
2–4 tablespoons milk
Zest of 2 lemons (optional, for added brightness)

For the Raspberry Curd

Use a full batch of raspberry curd from your preferred recipe
Add cornstarch or another thickener to ensure a firm set for tart filling

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
Meringue
Fresh berries

Directions

1. Make the Crust
In a food processor, blend the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add flour, milk, and lemon zest if using. Pulse until the dough begins to come together—when pressed, it should hold its shape.

2. Form the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a 9- or 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Use a measuring cup to flatten it evenly. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes.

3. Blind Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Finish Baking the Crust
Remove the parchment and weights, then dock the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for another 7 minutes until lightly golden.

5. Fill and Bake the Tart
Pour the thickened raspberry curd into the pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the curd is just set.

6. Chill and Garnish
Cool the tart completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Before serving, top with whipped cream, meringue, and/or fresh berries if desired.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. 8 servings)

Calories: ~340
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 80mg

The Allure of Raspberry Curd

Raspberry curd stands out among fruit curds because of its unique blend of tartness and vibrant aroma. Unlike lemon or passionfruit curds, raspberry curd brings a slightly floral note, offering a more delicate and romantic flavor profile. Its deep ruby hue also makes it visually stunning—perfect for creating an Instagram-worthy centerpiece or elevating a dessert spread.

The process of making raspberry curd involves gently cooking raspberries with sugar, eggs, and butter until the mixture thickens to a luxurious custard-like consistency. A touch of cornstarch or gelatin is often added when the curd is destined to be a tart filling, ensuring a clean, firm slice that holds its shape when served. The resulting curd is velvety, spoonable, and deeply flavored, highlighting the natural brilliance of fresh or frozen raspberries.

The Role of the Pâte Sucrée Crust

While the raspberry curd provides bold flavor and visual appeal, the pâte sucrée crust is the understated hero of the tart. More delicate than shortcrust and less flaky than puff pastry, this French-style tart shell is characterized by its cookie-like texture and mild sweetness. Its purpose is to support the filling while adding its own buttery richness and structural integrity.

The dough typically includes softened butter, flour, sugar, and a small amount of liquid—often milk or cream. It’s not rolled out like traditional pie crust; instead, it’s pressed into a tart pan, which eliminates the stress of cracking or tearing. The addition of lemon zest in the crust (optional but recommended) brings a bright citrus undertone that enhances the berry flavor of the curd without overpowering it.

Blind baking the crust ensures that it stays crisp and doesn’t absorb moisture from the filling. The process involves partially baking the crust with pie weights, then finishing the bake after removing the weights to allow the base to firm up and achieve a golden finish.

A Canvas for Customization

One of the greatest strengths of the raspberry curd tart is its flexibility. While it is delightful in its simplest form, it also invites endless variations. For a more indulgent presentation, top the tart with clouds of freshly whipped cream or torched Italian meringue. These additions provide creaminess and volume, adding a contrasting texture to the curd’s silkiness.

Fresh berries, particularly raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries, can be arranged on top for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or slivered almonds adds a finishing touch that’s both rustic and refined.

You can also explore infusions within the curd itself. A splash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur adds depth, while a few leaves of basil or mint simmered with the raspberries create an herbaceous note. For a more citrus-forward version, folding in some lemon or orange zest into the curd will heighten the tartness and give it a more dynamic flavor.

Perfect for Celebrations and Make-Ahead Ease

Despite its fancy appearance, the raspberry curd tart is a practical choice for entertaining. It can—and should—be made in advance, allowing the curd time to fully set and the flavors to meld. This make-ahead nature makes it ideal for busy hosts or events where multiple dishes must be prepared.

The tart can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, chilling deepens the curd’s flavor and ensures clean, photo-worthy slices. Just wait to add whipped toppings or fresh garnishes until just before serving to maintain their texture and visual appeal.

Its vibrant color and fresh flavor also make it well-suited to springtime holidays like Easter or Mother’s Day. The tart’s bright presentation, combined with a delicate balance of sweet and tart, makes it equally enjoyable for both casual dessert lovers and refined palates.

Healthier Indulgence Without Compromise

Though it feels indulgent, this raspberry curd tart manages to strike a fairly balanced nutritional profile. With raspberries as the star ingredient, the tart boasts antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins like C and K. The use of eggs and butter adds protein and richness, while the portion-controlled slices make it easier to enjoy without overindulgence.

For those seeking lighter options, the tart can be modified with gluten-free crust alternatives or dairy-free versions of the curd. Vegan adaptations using plant-based butter, egg substitutes like aquafaba, and agar as a thickener are increasingly popular and surprisingly effective. These variations maintain the integrity of the tart while opening it up to those with dietary restrictions.

Seasonality and Ingredient Quality

Using ripe, seasonal raspberries makes a dramatic difference in the final flavor of the tart. In-season berries are sweeter, more fragrant, and more vibrant in color. They also require less added sugar, allowing the natural fruit to shine. If raspberries aren’t available fresh, frozen berries are an excellent alternative—just be sure to cook them down and strain out the seeds for a smooth curd.

Quality butter, fresh eggs, and organic lemons (if using zest) are other simple ways to elevate the dish. Since the recipe relies on a few core ingredients, choosing high-quality versions will significantly improve the end result.

A Dessert Worth Savoring

Every bite of a raspberry curd tart offers a delightful contrast of sweet and tart, soft and crisp, creamy and fruity. It’s a sensory experience that starts with the eye—the glistening red curd, the golden crust, the potential flourish of toppings—and ends in a satisfying mouthful of harmonized textures and flavors.

It also carries a certain timeless charm. Despite being easy to make, the tart feels artisanal and thoughtful. It speaks of tradition and craftsmanship, whether served at a fine luncheon or a cozy family dinner.

Conclusion

The raspberry curd tart is a celebration of freshness, flavor, and finesse. With its buttery pâte sucrée crust, jewel-toned filling, and elegant presentation, it elevates any dessert table with ease. From its vibrant color to its bold, tangy-sweet taste, every component is carefully balanced to deliver a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ideal for spring and summer, this tart highlights the beauty of seasonal ingredients and simple techniques. It’s a testament to how classic flavors and thoughtful preparation can yield unforgettable results. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply want to savor something beautiful, the raspberry curd tart is a dessert that offers delight with every slice.