Description
Irresistibly creamy and flaky Portuguese Custard Tarts, also known as Pastéis de Nata, are a beloved pastry from Portugal. This recipe delivers authentic bakery flavor with a crisp puff pastry shell and a silky, caramelized custard filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet (about 250 g) puff pastry, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 strip lemon peel (optional)
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the pastry: Roll out the puff pastry sheet. Tightly roll it into a log, then cut into 12 slices. Place each slice cut-side down into a greased muffin tin and shape into a shell using your thumbs. Chill the shells.
- Make the sugar syrup: Combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel in a saucepan. Boil for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the milk mixture: Whisk flour with a little milk until smooth, then add the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Combine the custard: Remove cinnamon stick and lemon peel from the syrup. Slowly pour the syrup into the milk mixture while whisking. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, then gradually add them to the warm mixture. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Strain the custard through a fine sieve.
- Preheat and fill: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Fill each chilled pastry shell with custard, leaving some space at the top.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are bubbling and caramelized, and the pastry is deep golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the tarts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Notes
- Use a very hot oven to ensure the puff pastry crisps beautifully.
- Chill the pastry shells before filling to prevent shrinking.
- Strain the custard through a sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Metal muffin tins conduct heat better for crispier edges.
- Serve warm for the best authentic flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Pastry
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g