Pastéis de Nata - Creamy Custard Tarts
Pastéis de Nata are traditional Portuguese custard tarts featuring a crisp, flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy custard. Best enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar.
Equipment
- Saucepan for making the custard
- Mixing bowl for whisking ingredients
- Whisk for stirring the custard
- Muffin tin for shaping and baking the tarts
- Rolling Pin for rolling out the puff pastry
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup milk whole milk for creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon for dusting, optional
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 12 equal circles. Press them into the muffin tin cups.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, flour, and egg yolks. Gradually mix in the sugar syrup.
- Pour the custard mixture into the pastry-lined muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are golden and slightly caramelized.
- Allow the tarts to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Dust with cinnamon and powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Customization: Try adding a hint of lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Serving Tip: Enjoy with a hot cup of espresso for an authentic Portuguese experience.