Description
Easy Portuguese Custard Tarts, also known as Pastéis de Nata, feature a deliciously creamy egg custard nestled inside a flaky, buttery puff pastry crust. This beginner-friendly recipe guides you through making quick, authentic, and versatile custard tarts that are perfect for any occasion, with options for customization and dietary adaptations.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- Ready puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, flour (or cornstarch), and milk. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, then whisk in egg yolks, lemon zest, and cinnamon stick to infuse flavor. Set the custard aside to cool slightly before using.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out your puff pastry to a thickness of about 2-3 mm. Cut into circles large enough to fit your tart tins or muffin molds, then gently press the pastry into shape to form perfect little cups for the custard.
- Fill the Pastry Cups: Remove the cinnamon stick from the custard. Spoon the creamy custard into each pastry case, filling nearly to the top but avoiding overflow during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place the filled tarts on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden and the custard surface is caramelized with attractive brown spots.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tarts cool slightly at room temperature. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for the full classic taste sensation.
Notes
- Keep the puff pastry chilled until ready to use to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Leave a small gap in the tart cases to avoid custard spilling during baking.
- Use fresh, high-quality eggs and whole milk for the best custard texture and flavor.
- Bake at high temperature for proper caramelization without drying out the custard.
- Allow tarts to rest briefly after baking for easier handling and better custard consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Portuguese custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, egg custard tart, puff pastry dessert, Portuguese dessert, creamy custard, flaky pastry, traditional Portuguese recipe