How to Make Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pastéis de Nata)

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil offers a dairy-free option with similar texture.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey provides natural sweetness and moisture.

vanilla extract

🥗Healthier: vanilla bean

💰Cheaper: imitation vanilla

Vanilla bean enhances flavor with natural essence.

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Prepare the tart dough by mixing flour, butter, sugar, and water until a smooth dough forms.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into circles to fit your tart molds.

Press the dough circles into the molds to form the tart shells.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared tart shells, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly puffed.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from molds.

Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens