Embrace the beloved flavors of Portugal with this Custard Tart, a delightful twist on the classic pastel de nata in a more substantial tarte form. This recipe captures the creamy, cinnamon-infused custard encased in a flaky, buttery pastry shell, offering a larger, shareable version of the iconic treat. Perfect for those who adore the unique taste and texture of pastel de nata but desire it in a format suitable for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This:
This custard tart stands out for its creamy filling and aromatic hints of cinnamon and lemon, providing a mouthwatering experience with each bite. The flaky pastry base adds a satisfying texture contrast, making this dessert not only delicious but also visually appealing with its golden-browned top. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that brings a piece of Portuguese culinary tradition into your home.
Perfect Occasion:
This Portuguese Custard Tart is ideal for various occasions, from casual coffee breaks to more festive gatherings like holiday celebrations or dinner parties. It serves beautifully as a dessert at brunches or as a sweet treat at afternoon teas. Its elegant appearance and crowd-pleasing size make it perfect for any event where you want to offer a unique and delicious dessert option.
Decoration Tips:
For a lovely presentation, lightly dust the top of the tart with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. Garnishing with a few lemon zest strips can enhance the citrus aroma and add a pop of color. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich custard flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry
- 180 g sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- 80 g cornstarch
- 500 ml milk
- 200 ml water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 strip of lemon peel
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Fit the puff pastry into a removable-bottom tart pan, and dock it with a fork.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Mix well.
- Stir in the egg yolks and a bit of milk until smooth. Add the remaining milk, water, cinnamon sticks, and lemon peel. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon peel, and pour the custard into the prepared pastry shell.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the top starts to caramelize.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Enjoy this sumptuous Portuguese Custard Tart, a dessert that promises to transport your taste buds straight to Lisbon with its rich flavors and comforting warmth!
