Best Rainbow Fruit Tart Recipe | Easy & Creamy

If you’re searching for the best rainbow fruit tart recipe, you’ve just found it. This easy and creamy fruit tart is the perfect balance of buttery crust, silky vanilla pastry cream, and vibrant fresh fruit arranged in a stunning rainbow pattern. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious — making it the ultimate show-stopping dessert for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or weekend baking projects.

A homemade fruit tart might look like something straight out of a bakery window, but don’t let its elegant appearance intimidate you. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create a flawless easy fruit tart at home, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Let’s dive into the magic of this colorful and refreshing fresh fruit dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Fruit Tart Recipe

There are countless reasons this creamy fruit tart stands out:

• A crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry base
• Smooth and rich homemade vanilla pastry cream
• Fresh, juicy fruit arranged in eye-catching rainbow layers
• A light glaze that adds shine and enhances flavor
• Perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fresh textures

This tart combines simplicity and elegance in one dessert. The rainbow design isn’t just pretty — it also ensures every slice has a variety of fruit flavors.

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Ingredients

For the Tart Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2–3 tablespoons ice water

For the Vanilla Pastry Cream

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh mango slices
• ½ cup fresh raspberries
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Tart Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add an additional tablespoon of water.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

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2. Bake the Tart Shell

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough into the pan, trimming excess edges. Prick the base with a fork.

Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

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3. Make the Vanilla Pastry Cream

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until steaming (not boiling).

In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and chill until completely cool.

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4. Assemble the Tart

Spread the chilled pastry cream evenly into the cooled tart shell.

Begin arranging fruit in concentric circles, starting from the outer edge. Follow rainbow order: strawberries (red), raspberries, mango (orange/yellow), kiwi (green), and blueberries (blue).

Be creative but keep it neat for that stunning visual effect.

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5. Add the Glaze

Heat apricot jam or honey with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. Gently brush over the fruit to create shine and help preserve freshness.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.

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Tips for the Perfect Homemade Fruit Tart

Keep Everything Cold

Cold butter ensures a flaky, crisp tart shell.

Don’t Overcook the Cream

Pastry cream thickens quickly. Remove it as soon as it coats the back of a spoon.

Choose Firm, Fresh Fruit

Avoid overly juicy fruits that may release too much liquid.

Chill Before Serving

This helps the cream set properly for clean slices.

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Delicious Variations

Chocolate Twist

Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the crust for a chocolate base.

Citrus Cream

Add orange or lemon zest to the pastry cream for brightness.

Berry Lovers

Use only mixed berries for a red-and-blue themed tart.

No-Bake Option

Use a graham cracker crust for a quicker version.

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Serving Suggestions

This creamy fruit tart pairs beautifully with:

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Sparkling lemonade
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream

Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

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Storage Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as fresh fruit texture may change.

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Fun Fact About Fruit Tarts

Fruit tarts originated in European pastry traditions, particularly in France. Known as “tarte aux fruits,” they were designed to showcase seasonal produce in an elegant way. Today, the rainbow fruit tart adds a modern and playful twist to this classic dessert.

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Final Thoughts

This rainbow fruit tart recipe is proof that a homemade dessert can be both easy and impressive. With its buttery crust, creamy vanilla filling, and vibrant fruit topping, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite go-to desserts.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a refreshing fresh fruit dessert, this easy fruit tart delivers every time.