No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart Recipe
This No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart is a delightful and easy dessert featuring a buttery Ritz cracker crust topped with a creamy homemade custard and fresh mixed berries. Perfect for a quick, elegant treat that requires no baking, it combines the rich flavors of honey, vanilla, and fresh fruit in a refreshing tart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves)
- 8 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
Custard
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup honey, plus more for serving
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
Topping
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 1 peach, nectarine, or plum, sliced
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Crust: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and honey. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined. Transfer the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and use your hands to press the crumbs into a rough 8×12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Place the crust in the freezer to chill while you prepare the custard.
- Make Custard Base: In a large pot, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth. Add the honey, whole milk, and a pinch of sea salt. Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously to prevent curdling or sticking. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the custard thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Be careful to watch it closely to avoid boiling over.
- Finish Custard: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and room temperature butter until fully incorporated and the custard is smooth. Allow the custard to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Assemble Tart: Remove the chilled crust from the freezer. Spread the cooled custard evenly over the crust, covering almost to the edges. Cover the tart and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for 1-2 hours or up to 2 days to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, arrange the mixed berries and sliced peach, nectarine, or plum attractively over the custard layer. Drizzle additional honey over the fruit and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Slice and enjoy this fresh, no-bake tart.
Notes
- Make sure to whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps in the custard.
- Stir the custard constantly while heating to avoid burning or curdling.
- The crust can be prepared ahead and kept in the freezer to save time.
- Chilling the tart allows the custard to set properly for clean slicing.
- Feel free to substitute the fresh fruit topping with any seasonal fruits you prefer.
