Discover the charm of authentic Italian baking with this Classic Italian Custard Tart. This delightful dessert pairs a velvety smooth custard filling with a crisp, buttery crust, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Enhanced with a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of sliced almonds, each slice promises a taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This:
This custard tart is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and irresistible flavor. The rich, creamy filling is perfectly complemented by the delicate, flaky pastry, making it a favorite among both novice bakers and seasoned pastry chefs. It’s a versatile dessert that fits beautifully into any dining occasion, from casual gatherings to more festive celebrations.
Perfect Occasion:
Ideal for any event where a refined, comforting dessert is desired. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or an afternoon tea, this tart adds a touch of sophistication. It’s also perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or as a sweet ending to a romantic meal.
Decoration Tips:
For a stunning presentation, dust the tart with powdered sugar just before serving to add a touch of elegance. Garnishing with additional sliced almonds can enhance both texture and appearance. If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider pairing each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of gelato to elevate it even further.
For the Pastry:
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 20 g sugar
- 75 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 egg
- 5 egg yolks (or 3 whole eggs)
- 125 g sugar
- 50 g cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 250 ml cream
- 500 ml hot milk
Extras:
- 2 tablespoons milk (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, and cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the egg and water, pressing the dough against the sides of the bowl without kneading. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Roll out the dough and fit it into a 20×12 cm tart pan, trimming any excess. Chill while preparing the filling.
- For the filling, whisk together eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually whisk in hot milk until smooth. Heat the mixture on low, stirring continuously, until it thickens. Cover directly with plastic wrap and cool completely.
- Pour the custard into the prepared crust, folding the edges inward. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Bake for 50 minutes until set. Cool completely in the pan before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Enjoy this classic Italian Custard Tart, a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, well-executed desserts that bring joy and comfort to any table.
