Teresa's Recipes
Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)
Set sail on a culinary journey to Portugal with our Pasteis de Nata - the iconic Portuguese custard tarts. These petite pastries, beloved across Portugal and beyond, offer a taste of sweet nostalgia. Each tart is a symphony of textures, with a flaky puff pastry shell cradling a heart of rich, creamy custard that's been kissed with vanilla and cinnamon. A caramelized sugar topping adds the final touch of magic, giving each bite a satisfying crunch. Originating from the monasteries of Portugal in the 18th century, these treats were created as a means to use up leftover egg yolks. Today, they're a national treasure and a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
Ingredients
- For dusting Powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 6 Egg yolks
- 1 sheet Puff pastry
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Sugar: 9g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Lay out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares. Press each square into the prepared muffin tin, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides to form a cup-like shape.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, flour, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Continually stir the mixture as it heats. Once it thickens and reaches a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the custard to cool slightly.
- Spoon the cooled custard into the puff pastry cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The pastries are done when the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Allow the pastries to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Before serving, dust the cooled pastries with a generous sprinkling of powdered sugar. Enjoy these delightful tarts as they are, or for a truly Portuguese experience, pair them with a strong espresso.