Why You’ll Love Mango Curd Tart Recipe
You’ll love how this tart balances creamy, bright mango flavor with a simple crunchy crust. The mango curd cooks up glossy and smooth, then chills into clean slices that hold beautifully. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare and makes a stunning dessert that’s just as delightful the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust
1½ cups crushed biscuits or graham crackers
2 tbsp sugar
6 tbsp melted butter
For the mango curd
1¼ cups mango purée
¼ cup sugar
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp lemon juice
4 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
Pinch of salt
Optional toppings
Mango slices
Mint leaves
Toasted coconut
Fresh berries
Directions
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Prepare the crust – Combine crushed biscuits or graham crackers with sugar and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture into a tart pan so the base and sides are covered. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the crust is lightly golden.
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Make the mango purée – Blend ripe mango flesh until smooth to create a silky purée for the curd.
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Cook the curd – In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the mango purée, sugar, lemon juice, egg yolks, and whole eggs. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and turns glossy.
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Add butter – Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it melts into the curd.
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Strain and fill – For an extra smooth texture, strain the mango curd through a fine sieve into a bowl, then pour it into the cooled crust.
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Chill – Refrigerate the assembled tart for 3–4 hours, or until the curd is set and slices cleanly.
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Serve – Garnish with fresh mango slices, mint leaves, coconut, or berries as desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 10 slices
Prep time: Approximately 30 minutes
Cook time: About 20 minutes
Chill time: 3–4 hours until set
Variations
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Lime twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a tropical citrus variation.
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Coconut crust: Add shredded coconut to the crust mix for added texture and flavor.
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Spiced curd: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the curd for a warm spice note.
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Passion fruit: Blend mango with passion fruit purée for a more complex flavor.
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Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free.
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Tartlets: Use mini tart pans to create individual servings for parties or events.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3–4 days. Mango curd tarts should not be left at room temperature for extended periods because the filling is custard-based. There’s no reheating step for this tart since it’s served chilled.
FAQs
What is mango curd?
Mango curd is a smooth, citrus-like custard made from mango purée, sugar, eggs, and butter, cooked until thickened.
Can I use fresh mango instead of mango purée?
Yes. Blend fresh ripe mango chunks until smooth to substitute for purée.
Do I need to blind-bake the crust?
This recipe bakes the crust before adding the curd to ensure it stays crisp under the filling.
Can I make this tart ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to make it ahead since the chill time improves texture and makes slicing easier.
How do I know when the curd is thick enough?
The curd should coat the back of a spoon and appear glossy and slightly thickened before removing it from heat.
Can I freeze the tart?
You can freeze the tart (without fresh toppings) in an airtight container for up to 1–2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a pre-made graham cracker or pastry crust can save time.
Is mango curd tart sweet?
It’s sweet with a bright fruit tang, balanced by the lemon juice in the curd and buttery crust.
Can this tart be made mini?
Yes, you can prepare mini tarts using individual tart pans or molds; adjust baking times accordingly.
What toppings work best?
Fresh mango slices, berries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and mint leaves all complement the tart’s flavors.
Conclusion
This Mango Curd Tart is a beautiful dessert that marries a crisp, buttery crust with a luxuriously smooth mango curd. It’s easy enough for a weekend treat yet impressive enough for guests. With vibrant flavor and elegant presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Mango Curd Tart
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- Author: Mia
- Total Time: 3 hours including chilling
- Yield: 1 9-inch tart
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mango Curd Tart is a luscious dessert featuring a creamy, tangy mango curd nestled in a crisp tart shell, topped with whipped cream for an elegant finish. Perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon ice water (plus more if needed)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup mango purée (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Pulse until the dough begins to come together. Add more water if necessary.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch tart pan. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, sugar, mango purée, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 8–10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Once the tart shell is cooled, pour the mango curd into the shell and smooth the top. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Top the tart with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or canned mango purée depending on availability.
- Make sure to constantly stir the curd while cooking to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Chill the tart well before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of tart)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
