Grape Custard Tart
The Grape Custard Tart has always held a special place in my heart, and its story begins in my grandmother’s kitchen. Every summer, as the sun warmed the days and the grapes swelled on the vine, she would gather us all around the kitchen table to whip up this delightful tart. The sweet aroma of baked pastry mingled with the fresh scent of grapes made the kitchen feel like a warm embrace. We would patiently wait as the custard set, our mouths watering in anticipation. This recipe not only showcases the beautiful flavor of grapes but also brings back cherished memories of family gatherings, laughter, and love shared over a slice of this creamy tart. Embracing the simplicity of ingredients, the Grape Custard Tart is a perfect balance of creamy custard and fresh fruit, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
10 mins
40 mins
Medium
320 kcal
4 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
15 g
Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Large Pot, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
The Beauty of This Grape Custard Tart
Rich and Creamy Flavor
One of the standout features of the Grape Custard Tart is its rich and creamy texture. The custard is made with fresh ingredients, ensuring that every bite is delightful. The smoothness of the custard paired with the tartness of the grapes creates an explosion of flavor that dances on your palate, leaving you craving more.
Perfect for All Occasions
This tart is incredibly versatile and fits perfectly into any gathering. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday feast, or just a cozy family dinner, the Grape Custard Tart is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
Healthier Dessert Option
Even though it’s a dessert, the Grape Custard Tart offers a lighter alternative compared to other sugary sweets. The fresh grapes add natural sweetness and are packed with nutrients. This way, you can indulge without the guilt!
Family Tradition
Making the Grape Custard Tart is a tradition that has been passed down through generations in my family. Each time I bake it, I feel connected to my roots. It’s not just about making a dessert; it’s about keeping my grandmother’s legacy alive, and sharing it with the next generation brings immense joy.
Visually Stunning
Let’s not forget how visually appealing the Grape Custard Tart is! The vibrant colors of the grapes against the creamy custard create a beautiful presentation. It’s a showstopper on any dessert table and impresses guests before they even take a bite.
Simple Yet Elegant
This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The process of making the tart is easy to follow, yet it yields a dessert that feels luxurious and sophisticated. It’s proof that sometimes, less is more.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grape Custard Tart

For the Grape Custard Tart, using quality ingredients is essential. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. The combination of buttery pastry, rich custard, and fresh grapes creates a delightful harmony that is not only satisfying but also incredibly refreshing.
- 180g all-purpose flour, sifted: The foundation of the tart crust, this flour provides the necessary structure and texture.
- 115g cold butter, cut into cubes: Adds richness to the crust, ensuring it’s flaky and tender.
- 55g white sugar: Sweetens the tart crust slightly, balancing the flavors.
- 40g oats: Adds a nutty flavor and texture to the crust, enhancing its depth.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, helping to form a cohesive dough.
- 1 pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
- 3 egg yolks: Enriches the custard, giving it a velvety texture and deep color.
- 100g white sugar, divided: Sweetens the custard, with half used to create a creamy base.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard flavor.
- 40g cornflour (cornstarch): Thickens the custard, ensuring it sets nicely.
- 500ml full-fat milk: Creates a rich custard base, contributing creaminess.
- 50g softened butter: Adds richness and flavor to the custard.
- fresh grapes, green and red: The star of the dish, providing sweetness and a juicy burst of flavor.
Making Grape Custard Tart

Preparing the Grape Custard Tart is a rewarding process that brings the whole kitchen to life with the delicious aroma of baking. Here’s how to create this beautiful dessert step by step.
- Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Grape Custard Tart. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cold butter, white sugar, oats, and salt. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a flaky texture for your tart crust.
- Add the large egg to the mixture. Knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overwork it, as you want to keep the crust tender. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for one hour. This chilling time allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (fan on). While the oven heats, roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of floured parchment paper into a circle approximately 27 cm (10.5 inches) in diameter. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on the parchment to make it easier.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a 26 cm (10-inch) tart pan with a removable base. Press the dough firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring there are no air pockets. Use a fork to prick the base all over, which helps prevent bubbling during baking.
- Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, half of the white sugar (50 g), vanilla extract, and cornflour until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the full-fat milk and the remaining white sugar (50 g). Heat it until it just comes to a boil. Once boiling, slowly pour it into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and simmer gently. Continuously whisk until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. You should notice it becomes velvety and rich.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the softened butter, and transfer the custard to a bowl. To avoid a skin from forming, cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface. Allow it to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread the custard evenly over the baked tart shell. Refrigerate for at least two hours to set. This step is essential to achieve the perfect slice.
- Before serving, generously top the tart with fresh grapes, halving them if large, and gently press them into the custard for an inviting look. Serve chilled and enjoy your creation!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling the dough is essential to allow the butter to firm up and the gluten to relax. This helps in rolling the dough easily and results in a crisp base.
- Make sure to temper the eggs slowly when adding the hot milk to prevent curdling. Whisk constantly to achieve a smooth custard texture.
- When baking the tart crust, keep an eye on the color. A golden brown crust indicates that it’s perfectly baked and ready for the custard filling.
- Using a tart pan with a removable base makes it easier to serve and showcase the beautiful layers of the Grape Custard Tart.
Helpful Notes about Grape Custard Tart

Making a Grape Custard Tart can be a delightful experience, and here are some helpful notes to ensure your success. These tips will guide you through the process, making it even more enjoyable!
- Storage: The tart can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it well-covered to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: It’s best to freeze the tart without the grapes. You can freeze the custard tart for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and add fresh grapes before serving.
- Pairing: This tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the tart chilled for the best flavor. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving can enhance its taste.
- Variations: Experiment with different fruits like berries or peaches, depending on the season. Each fruit adds its unique flair to the tart!
What Complements This Grape Custard Tart
- Fresh Mint: Garnishing with mint leaves not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the tart’s flavor profile.
- Afternoon Tea: This tart is perfect for an afternoon tea gathering, providing a refreshing and light dessert option that pairs well with tea.
- Summer Picnics: Bring this tart to a summer picnic, where its bright flavors will shine and impress your friends and family.
- Brunch Events: The Grape Custard Tart is an ideal addition to brunch spreads, offering a sweet contrast to savory dishes.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for celebrations or holiday gatherings, this tart can easily become the star of your dessert table.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Grape Custard Tart is a beautiful dessert that combines the freshness of grapes with a rich, creamy custard. It’s easy to prepare and creates lasting memories with family and friends. I encourage you to try making this tart; it might just become a beloved favorite in your household. Treat yourself and loved ones to this delightful dessert, and enjoy every bite!

Grape Custard Tart
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 180g all-purpose flour sifted
- 115g cold butter cut into cubes
- 55g white sugar
- 40g oats
- 1 large egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 egg yolks
- 100g white sugar divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 40g cornflour (cornstarch)
- 500ml full-fat milk
- 50g softened butter
- fresh grapes green and red
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cold butter, white sugar, oats, and salt. Rub the mixture with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the large egg and knead gently until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F. Roll out the chilled dough between two sheets of floured parchment paper into a 27 cm circle. Transfer to a tart pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom and sides. Prick the base with a fork.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool completely. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, half of the white sugar, vanilla extract, and cornflour until pale and fluffy.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the full-fat milk with the remaining white sugar until it boils. Slowly pour it into the yolk mixture while whisking constantly. Return to the saucepan and simmer until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in the softened butter, and transfer to a bowl. Press plastic wrap against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool completely.
- Spread the cooled custard evenly into the baked tart shell. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Before serving, top with fresh grapes, gently pressing them into the custard.
Notes
- Storage: The tart can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s best to freeze the tart without the grapes.
- Pairing: This tart pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the tart chilled for the best flavor.
- Variations: Experiment with different fruits like berries or peaches.


