Embark on a culinary journey to France with this Classic French Custard Tart, known traditionally as Flan Pâtissier. This dessert features a luxurious vanilla custard encased in a flaky pastry shell, combining simplicity with elegance. The custard is rich and creamy, flavored deeply with vanilla, and set to perfection, offering a contrast to the light, crisp texture of the pastry.
Why You’ll Love This: This Flan Pâtissier is a testament to the beauty of French baking, where less is often more. The rich vanilla custard is both comforting and sophisticated, making each slice a delightful experience. It’s a recipe that celebrates the purity of vanilla and the creamy texture of custard, making it a favorite for all who appreciate refined desserts that aren’t overly sweet.
Perfect Occasion: This custard tart is ideal for a range of occasions, from a formal dinner party dessert to a comforting weekend treat. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, especially when you want a dessert that is both impressive and universally appealing. Serve it at gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat after a family meal.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust the top with powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness and a snow-like appearance.
- Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Pair with a light sparkling wine or a cup of espresso to complement the vanilla flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
- 5 eggs
- 250g sugar
- 75g cornstarch
- 500ml milk
- 500ml water
- Vanilla flavoring: 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped, or 1 teaspoon vanilla powder, or 2-3 tablespoons liquid vanilla
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F) and prepare a tart tin by lining it with the pastry. Prick the bottom with a fork and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of the milk to create a slurry.
- In a saucepan, combine the remaining milk, water, and vanilla (if using a vanilla bean, add it here). Bring to a simmer.
- Remove the vanilla bean (if used) and gradually whisk the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a custard.
- Pour the custard into the prepared pastry shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pastry is golden.
- Allow the flan to cool completely in the tin before removing and slicing.
Enjoy this Classic French Custard Tart as a sublime expression of traditional French desserts, offering a creamy, luxurious texture and a rich vanilla flavor that’s sure to please any dessert aficionado!
