Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices are a beautiful and refreshing dessert featuring a buttery pastry base, creamy vanilla custard, and vibrant, fresh fruit. Light, elegant, and easy to prepare, they’re perfect for tea time, brunch, or special occasions. The layers of crisp pastry, smooth custard, and juicy fruit come together for a delightful treat that looks as good as it tastes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
puff pastry sheetsvanilla custard (homemade or store-bought)egg (for egg wash)fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, mango, raspberries)apricot jam or honey (for glaze, optional)powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out puff pastry and cut into rectangles or squares.
Place on the baking sheet, prick with a fork, and brush with egg wash.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and puffed. Let cool completely.
If pastry is very puffy, gently press down the center to make space for filling.
Spread a generous layer of cooled vanilla custard over each pastry base.
Top with arranged fresh fruit in a decorative pattern.
Warm a bit of apricot jam or honey and brush over the fruit for a glossy finish (optional).
Dust with powdered sugar before serving (optional).
Servings and timing
Makes about 8 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Assembly time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use lemon or chocolate custard for a flavor twist.
Add a layer of fruit jam beneath the custard for extra sweetness.
Try different seasonal fruits like peaches or cherries.
Make mini tartlets using muffin tins and cut puff pastry circles.
storage/reheating
Best enjoyed fresh.Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—pastry may soften over time.Not suitable for freezing once assembled.
FAQs
Can I make the custard ahead?
Yes, homemade or store-bought custard can be chilled until ready to use.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Fresh fruit is best to avoid sogginess, but well-drained frozen fruit can be used.
Do I need to glaze the fruit?
No, but it adds shine and helps preserve freshness.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free puff pastry and plant-based custard alternative.
Can I make this a large tart instead of slices?
Absolutely—use a full pastry sheet and slice after topping.
Conclusion
Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices are a light, elegant dessert that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. With flaky pastry, silky custard, and colorful fruit, they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Print
Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices are elegant dessert bars made with a flaky pastry base, rich vanilla custard filling, and topped with colorful fresh fruit—perfect for tea time, parties, or a light treat.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup assorted fresh fruit (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let custard cool slightly, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
- Spread the cooled custard evenly over the baked pastry sheet.
- Arrange sliced fresh fruit neatly on top of the custard.
- If using, warm apricot jam and brush over the fruit for a glossy finish.
- Chill for 30 minutes, then cut into slices and serve.
Notes
- Use a serrated knife for clean slices through the pastry and fruit.
- Customize the topping with seasonal fruit or berries of your choice.
- Custard and pastry can be prepared ahead and assembled just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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