Description
Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata) are the perfect blend of creamy vanilla custard and crisp, flaky puff pastry. This authentic recipe captures the rich caramelized tops and silky centers that make these pastries a beloved Portuguese classic. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, they’re perfect for brunch, high tea, or a sophisticated dessert spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Puff Pastry Shells:
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- For the Custard Filling:
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Peel from 1 lemon (in long strips)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Shells: Roll out thawed puff pastry on a floured surface. Roll into a tight log and cut into 12 pieces. Press each spiral into a muffin tin, shaping it into a tart shell.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon peel, and cinnamon stick. Boil without stirring until 220°F (104°C). Remove from heat and let steep.
- Make the Custard Base: In another saucepan, whisk flour and milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (3–4 minutes). Strain sugar syrup into the milk mixture and whisk well.
- Finish the Custard: Add egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Fill each pastry shell ¾ full with custard. Bake 10–12 minutes until bubbling and blistered on top.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with cinnamon or powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use warm custard for smooth, even filling.
- Don’t overfill — the custard may overflow during baking.
- Keep puff pastry cold for a crisp, flaky texture.
- Best served fresh, but can be reheated in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes.
- For flavor variations, add almond or orange extract to the custard.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pastry, Portuguese Recipes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Portuguese Custard Tarts, Pastéis de Nata, Custard Tart Recipe, Puff Pastry Desserts, Portuguese Desserts, Custard Recipes, Traditional Pastry, Lisbon Bakery Tarts