This mango curd tart is a bright, tropical dessert with a buttery crust and silky, sweet-tangy mango curd filling. The vibrant color and smooth texture make it as beautiful as it is delicious. I love making it for special occasions or summer gatherings when I want a dessert that feels both elegant and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this tart delivers a burst of mango flavor in every bite. The creamy curd has just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, and the crisp crust adds a satisfying contrast. It’s make-ahead friendly, so I can prepare it in advance and have a stunning dessert ready to serve without last-minute stress.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
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All-purpose flour
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Powdered sugar
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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Egg yolk
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Cold water
For the mango curd:
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Fresh mango puree
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Granulated sugar
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Egg yolks
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Cornstarch
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Lemon juice
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Unsalted butter, softened
Directions
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I start by making the crust. In a bowl, I whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
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I cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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I add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
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I shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
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I roll out the dough and fit it into a tart pan, trimming the excess. I prick the bottom with a fork.
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I blind-bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
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For the curd, I whisk mango puree, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
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I cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
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I remove from heat and stir in the softened butter until smooth.
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I pour the curd into the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
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I refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow it to set.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. I usually spend 20 minutes prepping, 15–18 minutes baking the crust, and at least 2 hours chilling the tart before serving.
Variations
I sometimes top the tart with fresh fruit like kiwi, berries, or thin mango slices for decoration. For extra richness, I spread a thin layer of whipped cream or coconut cream on top. If I want a citrus twist, I add a bit of lime zest to the curd.
storage/reheating
I store the tart covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it because the curd’s texture can change once thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen mango?
Yes, I thaw it first and blend until smooth to make the puree.
Can I make the curd ahead of time?
Absolutely, I often prepare the curd a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble.
Do I need to strain the curd?
I sometimes strain it after cooking for an extra-smooth texture, especially if the puree has fibrous bits.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut when I’m short on time.
How do I know when the curd is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when you run a finger through it.
Conclusion
This mango curd tart is one of my favorite fruit-based desserts because it’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with tropical flavor. I love how it’s impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough to make at home. It’s a refreshing treat that always brightens the table.
Print
Mango Curd Tart
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 38 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A bright and tropical dessert featuring a buttery tart crust filled with silky, sweet-tangy mango curd—perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- For the mango curd:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh mango puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg yolk and cold water, mixing just until dough comes together. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough and fit into tart pan, trimming excess. Prick bottom with a fork.
- Blind bake crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
- For the curd, whisk mango puree, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in softened butter until smooth.
- Pour curd into cooled crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to set before serving.
Notes
- Top with fresh fruit like kiwi, berries, or mango slices for decoration.
- Add whipped cream or coconut cream for extra richness.
- For a citrus twist, add lime zest to the curd.
- Frozen mango works if thawed and pureed smoothly.
- Strain curd after cooking for an extra-smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 130mg