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Portuguese Custard Tarts

Portuguese Custard Tarts
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These Portuguese Custard Tarts, or Pastéis de Nata, feature a flaky puff pastry shell filled with creamy vanilla custard. With caramelized tops and a hint of cinnamon, they’re irresistibly crisp on the outside and silky inside.

Ingredients

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large whole egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 strip lemon peel

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Grease a muffin tin and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, whisk milk, cream, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel. Simmer until thickened.
  3. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and whole egg. Slowly pour in warm milk mixture while whisking. Strain and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Roll out the puff pastry, roll it into a log from the short end, slice into 12 pieces, and press into muffin cups to form shells.
  5. Fill each shell three-quarters full with custard.
  6. Bake for 12–14 minutes until tops are caramelized and puffed. Let cool slightly.
  7. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired, then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Chill pastry before pressing into tins for crispier results.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice puff pastry without crushing layers.
  • Bake in the lower third of the oven for an extra golden shell.

Find it online: https://www.cookfulcorner.com/portuguese-custard-tarts/