This traditional French Flan Pâtissier recipe is a culinary delight, combining the rich, smooth texture of vanilla custard with a buttery, homemade pastry crust. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, this custard tart is a sophisticated dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a delightful treat for a quiet evening at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe: This Flan Pâtissier stands out for its creamy, indulgent custard filling infused with real vanilla, creating a depth of flavor that's truly satisfying. The crust is delicately crisp, providing a lovely contrast to the soft custard. This recipe is both comforting and elegant, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate classic desserts with a refined twist.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for dinner parties, afternoon teas, or as a luxurious weekend dessert, this custard tart fits beautifully into any setting. It’s also a great option for festive occasions, such as birthdays or holidays, where a classic and elegant dessert is desired.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, dust the top of the flan with powdered sugar for a sweet, decorative finish.
- Add Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the sweet custard.
- Mint Sprigs: A few sprigs of mint can add a refreshing note and enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Ingredients:
- Flour: 200g
- Softened butter: 100g
- Sugar: 25g
- Water: 50g
- Egg yolk: 1
- Salt: a pinch
For the Custard Filling:
- Eggs: 4
- Whole milk: 1 liter
- Cornstarch: 60g
- Brown sugar: 150g
- Vanilla pod: 1
- Prepare the Pastry Dough:
- Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Mix in water, salt, and egg yolk until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly on an unfloured surface to fully incorporate the butter.
- Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill.
- Line the Tart Mold:
- Roll out the dough and line a 20cm high-sided tart ring. Place the ring in the freezer to firm up.
- Make the Custard Filling:
- Bring the milk to a boil with the vanilla pod and seeds.
- Whisk eggs with brown sugar and cornstarch.
- Gradually pour half of the boiling milk over the egg mixture, stirring constantly, then return everything to the pan and cook until thickened.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the custard into the chilled pastry shell and smooth the top with a spoon.
- Bake at 200°C for 25 minutes. Let the flan cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Enjoy: Delight in the creamy texture and rich flavor of your homemade French Custard Tart, a timeless dessert that offers a slice of culinary elegance. Enjoy!