Description
Savor the delicious creamy custard tarts known as Pastel de nata, a traditional Portuguese dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead gently for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles that fit into a muffin tin (about 4 inches in diameter).
- Press the dough circles into the muffin tin cups, making sure to cover the bottom and sides. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pour the custard into the prepared pastry shells, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly caramelized.
- Allow the tarts to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a caramelized top, use a kitchen torch to lightly char the tops of the custards after baking.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon zest to the custard mixture for a unique flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tart
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg