Immerse yourself in the exquisite blend of flavors with this Creamy Custard Tart, featuring a rich dulce de leche layer that's sure to captivate your taste buds. Drawing inspiration from Europe's beloved custard pastries, such as Torta della Nonna and Pastel de Nata, this creation adds a personal twist that turns it into a dessert that's bound to win hearts.
Why You'll Love This: This tart is a harmonious combination of smooth, creamy custard and the deep, caramel-like sweetness of dulce de leche, all encased in a nutty, orange-zested crust. The addition of walnuts provides a satisfying crunch, making each bite a multi-sensory experience. It's a testament to the versatility of custard-based desserts and their enduring appeal.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for any celebration that calls for a touch of elegance and indulgence. Whether it's a family gathering, a special holiday, or a moment of personal treat, this tart promises to elevate the occasion. Serve it as a sophisticated dessert at your next dinner party or as a festive treat during the holidays to create lasting memories.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, garnish the tart with a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts and a drizzle of dulce de leche on top. A few edible flowers or citrus zest can add a colorful flair, making it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Dough Ingredients:
- 150g of ultra-fine flour
- A pinch of salt
- 20g of sugar
- 75g of cold butter
- 1 room-temperature egg
- 1 tablespoon of cold water
- Zest of half an orange
- 50g of chopped walnuts
Dough Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and butter with fingertips until crumbly. Incorporate orange zest.
- Add the egg and water, pressing the mixture against the bowl's sides without kneading.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Roll out the dough after gently kneading.
- Place the dough in the tart pan, sprinkle with walnuts, pressing them into the dough, and freeze.
Filling Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 125g of sugar
- 50g of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla essence
- 250ml of cream
- 500ml of hot milk
Filling Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients except milk in a bowl. Whisk together, gradually add hot milk, and mix.
- Cook over low heat, stirring continuously until thickened. Patience is key.
- Cover with plastic wrap touching the cream's surface and cool completely.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Pour the cold filling into the crust, level, and bake for 50 minutes. The tart will set as it cools.
- Once cool, demold and cover with dulce de leche.
This Creamy Custard Tart with Walnuts and Dulce de Leche is not just a dessert; it's an experience that blends tradition with personal creativity. Enjoy the rich layers of flavor and texture that make it a true culinary masterpiece. Enjoy!