Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

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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.

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • Milk (1 cup)
  • All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Egg yolks (6)
  • Puff pastry (1 sheet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
  2. 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.
  3. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, flour, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
  4. 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.
  5. Spoon the cooled custard into the puff pastry cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The pastries are done when the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set.
  7. Allow the pastries to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. 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.

Dietary Information

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