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portuguese custard tarts recipe.

 


🥧 Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe (Pastéis de Nata)

“Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata) recipe — flaky puff pastry filled with creamy, caramelized custard. Authentic bakery-style tarts you can make at home!”

Introduction

Portuguese Custard Tarts, also known as Pastéis de Nata, are crispy, flaky puff pastry shells filled with creamy, caramelized custard. Originating from Lisbon, these tarts are a beloved pastry enjoyed worldwide with coffee or tea.

Unlike Hong Kong egg tarts, Portuguese custard tarts have a slightly burnt top, giving them a rich caramelized flavor. With this easy recipe, you can make bakery-quality custard tarts right at home!

📝 Ingredients

For the pastry:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed if frozen)

For the custard:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 strip lemon peel (or ½ tsp lemon zest)
  • 1 cinnamon stick

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pastry

  1. Roll out puff pastry sheet and cut into 12 equal pieces.
  2. Press each piece into a muffin tin, shaping into tart shells. Chill in fridge.

Step 2: Make the custard

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together flour, sugar, and a little milk to form a paste.
  2. Gradually whisk in remaining milk and cream.
  3. Add lemon peel and cinnamon stick, then heat over medium flame until mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Remove from heat. Discard lemon peel and cinnamon stick.

Step 3: Add egg yolks

  1. Slowly whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Pour custard into prepared tart shells.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F).
  2. Bake tarts for 15–18 minutes until pastry is golden and custard is caramelized on top.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool slightly before serving warm. Dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar if desired.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use store-bought puff pastry for ease, but homemade pastry makes them extra flaky.
  • Bake at high heat for the authentic caramelized custard top.
  • Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with coffee or tea.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Lisbon-style pastry at home
  • Simple ingredients, bakery-quality results
  • Perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and caramelized

❓ FAQs About Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)

1. What are Portuguese Custard Tarts?

Portuguese Custard Tarts, or Pastéis de Nata, are flaky puff pastry tarts filled with creamy egg custard, baked at high heat until the tops are caramelized.

2. Are Portuguese Custard Tarts the same as Egg Tarts?

Not exactly. While both are custard-filled pastries, Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata) are caramelized on top with a slightly burnt look, while Hong Kong Egg Tarts have a smooth, pale yellow custard without caramelization.

3. Can I make Portuguese Custard Tarts with store-bought puff pastry?

Yes! Store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and makes the recipe easier. Homemade puff pastry gives extra flakiness but requires more time.

4. How long do Portuguese Custard Tarts last?

They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes before serving.

5. Can Portuguese Custard Tarts be frozen?

Yes. Bake and cool the tarts, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in the oven until hot and crisp.

6. Why do Portuguese Custard Tarts have burnt tops?

The slightly burnt or caramelized tops are intentional and come from baking at high heat. This gives the tarts their signature flavor and appearance.

7. What is the best way to serve Portuguese Custard Tarts?

They are best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon, alongside coffee or tea

🥧 More Custard &Pastry Desserts You Will Love: 

1. Hong Kong Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)

Flaky pastry shells filled with silky egg custard, a Cantonese bakery classic.

2. French Crème Brûlée

A rich custard dessert topped with a layer of caramelized sugar for a crunchy finish.

3. Custard Buns (Nai Wong Bao)

Soft steamed buns filled with sweet and creamy egg custard, a popular dim sum favorite.

4. Pastel de Belém (Lisbon Custard Tart)

A specific variation of Portuguese custard tarts, originating from Lisbon’s famous Belém district bakery.

5. Mini Cheesecakes

Creamy cheesecakes baked in muffin tins with a graham cracker crust — similar single-serve indulgence.

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