Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices are a refreshing, creamy, and colorful dessert perfect for any occasion. With a buttery shortcrust base, smooth vanilla custard layer, and a vibrant topping of fresh seasonal fruits, these slices are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. They offer the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and fruity freshness—ideal for picnics, parties, or elegant gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted buttersugarvanilla extracteggswhole milkcornstarchsaltfresh assorted fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, peaches)apricot jam (for glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until just steaming.

In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper.

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened into custard.

Remove from heat, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and let it cool slightly.

Spread the cooled custard evenly over the baked crust.

Top with sliced fresh fruit in decorative patterns.

Heat apricot jam with a splash of water and brush over the fruit for a glossy finish.

Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 15-18 minutesChilling time: 2 hoursTotal time: about 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Use puff pastry or graham cracker crust instead of shortcrust.

Add a touch of citrus zest to the custard for a bright flavor.

Use flavored custard like chocolate or coconut for a twist.

Top with mint leaves for a fresh finish.

Make it dairy-free using almond milk and vegan butter.

storage/reheating

Store Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Do not freeze, as the custard and fruit texture may degrade over time.Best served chilled; no reheating required.

FAQs

Can I make the custard in advance?

Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and store in the fridge with plastic wrap touching the surface.

What fruits work best?

Firm fruits like berries, kiwi, grapes, and sliced stone fruits hold up well and look beautiful.

Can I use instant custard mix?

Yes, for a quicker version, prepare according to the package instructions.

How do I keep the fruit from browning?

Use fruits that don’t brown easily, or lightly brush with lemon juice before glazing.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13 inch rectangular pan works well for even slicing.

Can I skip the glaze?

You can, but the apricot glaze adds shine and helps preserve the fruit’s appearance.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s light, fruity, and kid-friendly.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Fresh is best for texture and presentation, but thawed and well-drained frozen fruit can work in a pinch.

Do I need a mixer?

Not necessarily—this recipe can be made with a whisk and spoon.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Conclusion

Vanilla Custard Fruit Slices bring together creamy custard, buttery crust, and vibrant fruits for a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re perfect for any season or celebration.