Description
Delicious and creamy custard tarts, inspired by the traditional Pastéis de Nata recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon peel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 12 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc and press it into the muffin tin, making sure to cover the sides and bottom.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken and just starts to simmer. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually add the warm milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking continuously to temper the eggs.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pastry shells, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a caramelized top, use a kitchen torch to lightly scorch the tops of the tarts after baking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of almond extract to the custard for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg