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Easy Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastel de Nata)

Deliciously creamy and flaky, these custard tarts bring the taste of Portugal to your kitchen with ease.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Portuguese
Servings 12 tarts
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pastry

  • 1 package puff pastry (store-bought) For convenience

Custard Filling

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Divided into two parts
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon lemon (optional) Adds extra flavor
  • to taste ground cinnamon For garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into circles to fit a muffin tin.
  • Gently press the pastry into the muffin tin, making sure to push it against the sides.

Make Custard

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, heavy cream, and half of the granulated sugar until warmed.
  • In another bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla, lemon zest (if using), and the remaining sugar until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the custard back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Assembly and Baking

  • Remove the saucepan from heat, and ladle the custard into the prepared pastry cups until they are three-quarters full.
  • Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and puffed.

Serving

  • Once baked, let the tarts cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin.
  • Sprinkle with ground cinnamon and serve warm.

Notes

Top Tips: Don’t rush the custard; whisk continuously to avoid lumps. Adjust sweetness to your preference. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Keyword custard tarts, easy dessert, Pastel de Nata