How to Make the Perfect Portuguese Custard Tarts
Portuguese · Easy · 45 min · 12 servings
Portuguese Custard Tarts are a wonderfully kid friendly treat with a flaky shell and creamy vanilla custard center. Kids love the golden caramelized top and the perfectly sweet custard that melts in your mouth.
Why this recipe works
This Portuguese Custard Tarts recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 sheet store bought puff pastry thawed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 4 whole egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pastry Shells
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 circles slightly larger than a muffin tin cup. Press each circle gently into a greased muffin tin forming small shells with slightly raised edges.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk together milk, cornstarch, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the warm custard into each prepared pastry shell filling about three quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is golden and the custard develops dark caramelized spots on top.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Remove tarts from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon before serving. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature within the same day.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- whole milk → 2 percent milk works well and reduces fat for a lighter tart
- store bought puff pastry → homemade shortcrust pastry for a more traditional texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overfilling the shells causing custard to bubble over and burn on the tin
- Not cooking the custard long enough before baking resulting in a runny filling
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 4g protein, 21g carbs, 11g fat, 0g fiber.
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