If you’re looking for a stunning dessert that tastes just as good as it looks, this Easy Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream is the perfect choice. With its buttery crust, silky strawberry custard filling, and beautifully arranged fresh strawberry “roses,” this tart brings together elegance and simplicity in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream

This recipe is designed to impress without overwhelming you in the kitchen. The flavors are fresh and balanced, combining creamy sweetness with a light floral note and juicy strawberries.
- Easy to make with simple steps
- No complicated pastry skills required
- Light, fresh, and not overly sweet
- Beautiful presentation for special occasions
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings
Ingredients for Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream
Crust
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
- 1/2 cup pistachios (finely chopped)
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Custard Cream Filling
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for melting)
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (powdered)
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- A few drops pink food coloring (optional)
Topping
- 6–8 fresh strawberries (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or jelly
- 1 tablespoon water
Ingredient Notes
- Rose water substitute: Use vanilla extract or a bit of lemon zest for a non-floral flavor.
- Nut-free option: Replace pistachios with oats or extra cookie crumbs.
- Lighter version: Swap part of the white chocolate with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Strawberry powder substitute: Use thick strawberry puree, but reduce added liquids slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies, chopped pistachios, and melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into tart pans, covering the base and sides evenly. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let the crust cool completely before filling.
Step 2 – Make the Custard Cream
Heat 1/2 cup of heavy cream until warm (not boiling), then pour it over the white chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Add rose water, strawberry powder, salt, and food coloring if using. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture until light and fluffy.
Step 3 – Assemble the Tart
Spoon the custard cream into the cooled crusts. Smooth the top with a spatula and chill for about 30 minutes to set slightly.
Step 4 – Create the Strawberry Roses
Slice strawberries thinly. Starting from the center, arrange slices in overlapping circles to form a rose pattern. Continue layering outward until the tart is fully covered.
Step 5 – Add the Glaze
Warm the strawberry jam with water until smooth. Brush lightly over the strawberries to give them a glossy finish.
Chill the tart for another 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use very thin strawberry slices for a realistic rose effect
- Chill the filling slightly before decorating to keep it stable
- Don’t overheat the cream when melting chocolate
- Use a sharp knife for clean tart slices
- Dry strawberries gently before arranging to prevent excess moisture
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate version: Add cocoa powder to the crust or drizzle melted chocolate on top
- Citrus twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling
- Berry mix: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries
- Vanilla cream: Skip strawberry powder for a classic custard flavor
- Tropical style: Add coconut cream and mango slices
Serving Suggestions

Serve this tart chilled for the best texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with:
- A cup of hot tea or coffee
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store the tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze without the strawberry topping for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and decorate fresh before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
FAQ About Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and filling a day in advance. Assemble and decorate with strawberries shortly before serving for the freshest look.
What if I don’t have tart pans?
You can use a muffin tin for mini tarts or a pie dish for a larger version. Just adjust the crust thickness and baking time slightly.
Is the rose flavor strong?
No, the rose water adds a very light floral note. You can skip it if you prefer a purely fruity flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best for decoration. Frozen ones release too much moisture and won’t hold the rose shape well.
How do I make clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling the tart well before slicing also helps.

Easy Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream
Equipment
- tart pan
- mixing bowls
- whisk or hand mixer
- spatula
- oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups white chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for melting)
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (powdered)
- 1 tsp rose water (optional)
- 1 pinch salt
- a few drops pink food coloring (optional)
- 6–8 fresh strawberries (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or jelly
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix crushed cookies, pistachios, and melted butter until combined. Press into tart pan and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Heat 1/2 cup cream and pour over white chocolate. Let sit, then stir until smooth. Add strawberry powder, rose water, salt, and coloring. Cool to room temperature. Whip remaining cream and fold into mixture.
- Spoon filling into cooled crust and smooth the top. Chill for 30 minutes until slightly set.
- Arrange thinly sliced strawberries in overlapping circles starting from the center to create a rose pattern.
- Warm jam with water and brush over strawberries. Chill another 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Easy Strawberry Rose Tart with Custard Cream is a perfect blend of beauty and flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply treating yourself, this dessert delivers a bakery-quality experience right at home. With its creamy filling and eye-catching design, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.