custard tarts portuguese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best custard tarts portuguese recipe

I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for traditional Portuguese custard tarts, also known as pastéis de nata. This classic dessert has been a staple in Portuguese bakeries for centuries, and for good reason – it’s a masterclass in texture and flavor.

The combination of a flaky, buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling is absolute perfection. My family and I just can’t get enough of these sweet treats, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way once you try them.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, you can be enjoying these delicious pastries in no time.

Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a special treat for the kids or a dessert to impress your dinner guests. And did I mention they’re relatively healthy?

The egg yolks provide a boost of protein and the pastry crust is made with wholesome ingredients like butter and flour. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

As an added bonus, this recipe makes about two dozen tarts, so you can easily freeze them for later or share them with friends and family.

Portuguese Custard Tarts

4.9 from 1246 votes

Portuguese Custard Tarts, also known as Pastéis de Nata, are delightful, flaky pastries filled with a creamy, eggy custard. This recipe combines a simple dough and a rich custard filling for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs

For the Custard

2 cups whole milk
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk

For Brushing

2 tbsp butter, melted

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3Add the melted butter and eggs, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
5On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
6Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out circles and place them in greased muffin tin cups.
7Bake the dough shells for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
8Remove from the oven and set aside.
9In a saucepan, heat the milk, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
10Remove from heat and let it steep for 10 minutes.
11Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon zest, then stir in the sugar and flour until dissolved.
12In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolk.
13Gradually pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
14Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked dough shells, filling each about 3/4 full.
15Brush the tops of the custard tarts with the melted butter.
16Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown.
17Allow the tarts to cool slightly before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Portuguese Custard Tarts Works

I always keep a batch of custard tarts in the fridge and serve them chilled. They are the perfect dessert for family gatherings and potlucks.

They are so easy to make and they are a hit with everyone. Plus, they store well and can be reheated easily.

For a special touch, dust them with a bit of powdered sugar before serving. You can also experiment with different flavors, like adding a touch of lemon zest to the custard mixture.

My family loves them and they are always a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Portuguese Custard Tarts

1. What is the origin of Portuguese custard tarts?

Portuguese custard tarts, also known as pastel de nata, originated from the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal. The recipe was created by Catholic monks who needed to use up egg whites for making communion wafers. The leftover egg yolks were then used to make these delicious tarts.

2. What are the key ingredients in a traditional Portuguese custard tart?

The key ingredients in a traditional Portuguese custard tart are puff pastry, eggs, sugar, milk, and cinnamon. Some recipes may include a touch of lemon zest or vanilla for added flavor.

3. Can I use store-bought puff pastry for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought puff pastry to save time. However, making your own puff pastry can enhance the flavor and texture of the tarts.

4. Why is there a double-baking process in this recipe?

The double-baking process is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Baking the pastry shells first ensures a crispy base, while the second baking sets the custard and creates a slightly caramelized top.

5. Can I make these tarts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tarts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze the tarts for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

6. Can I customize the flavor of the custard filling?

Absolutely. While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, you can add flavors like lemon zest, orange zest, or vanilla extract to the custard mixture. Just be sure to adjust the amount to suit your taste.

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