Description
These authentic Portuguese custard tarts (Pastéis de Nata) feature ultra-crispy puff pastry filled with silky, lemon-scented custard, caramelized to perfection. A simple yet indulgent treat with rich texture and traditional flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet pure butter puff pastry (about 250 g), thawed if frozen
- 250 ml whole milk
- 200 ml full-fat liquid cream
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg yolks
- Fine zest of 1 untreated lemon
- 1 pinch fine salt
Instructions
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll the puff pastry into a tight log from the short side. Cut into 10–12 slices.
- Place each slice cut-side up in a muffin tin. Use damp thumbs to press the pastry from the center outward to form thin, even shells. Chill for 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, lemon zest, and salt. Heat over medium until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar and flour, then gradually whisk in the cream until smooth.
- Slowly pour warm milk into the cream mixture while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Return mixture to saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly (2–3 minutes). Whisk in egg yolks until fully incorporated.
- Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F). Pour custard into chilled pastry shells, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until tops are golden with dark caramelized spots.
- Cool slightly before unmolding and serving.
Notes
- Add a cinnamon stick to the milk for a spiced version.
- Dust finished tarts with cinnamon or powdered sugar if desired.
- Replace 50 ml of milk with cream for a richer custard.
- Best enjoyed fresh; reheat in oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
