Easy Portuguese Egg Tart Recipe

Nothing is more delicious than a classic Portuguese egg tart. This creamy, custard-like tart is a favourite all over the world, and it’s not hard to make at home. Bake up a batch of these egg tarts and enjoy the warm, sweet flavours of Portugal!

Ingredient

For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

4-5 tablespoons cold water

For the custard filling:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups whole milk

3 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

Instructions

To make the crust:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two forks, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle with cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough holds together.

2. Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out 12 circles, about 4 inches in diameter.

5. Place the circles of dough into the greased muffin tin. Prick the bottom of each crust with a fork.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the crusts are golden brown.

To make the custard filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat.

2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and stir in a few spoonfuls of the hot milk mixture. Slowly add the egg mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and lemon zest. Set aside.

To assemble:

Fill each tart shell with the custard filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the custard is set. Cool the tarts in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Each serving of this Portuguese egg tart recipe contains about 288 calories and 10.5 grams of fat. It’s also a good source of protein, with 6.1 grams per serving. It’s not exactly a health food, but it’s a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

These Portuguese egg tarts are a classic dessert that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just looking for a sweet treat, these egg tarts are sure to hit the spot. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy the warm, creamy flavours of Portugal!