How to Make Portuguese Egg Tarts - A Step-by-Step Guide

Portuguese Egg Tarts, also known as Pastéis de Nata, are a delightful and indulgent pastry that originated in Portugal. These delectable tarts are made with a crisp, flaky pastry shell and a rich, creamy custard filling. They are a beloved treat in Portugal and have gained popularity around the world due to their unique and delicious flavor.

The history of Portuguese Egg Tarts can be traced back to the 18th century when Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon used egg whit...

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Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • 1 (11 ounce) package pie crust mix (such as Betty Crocker®)
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
  • ⅓ cup ice cold water
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ⅓ cup white sugar, or to taste
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • 3 drops vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 45 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 egg tarts

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray 12 muffin cups with cooking spray.
  • Place the pie crust mix into a bowl, and lightly rub the butter and water into the mix until the mixture holds together well enough to form a ball. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead several times to make the dough more elastic. Form into a ball again, and cut the ball in half; cut each half into half again (4 pieces); cut each quarter into thirds to make 12 total pieces. Roll the pieces into balls, and set aside.
  • Beat together the egg yolks, sugar, cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until light and foamy, about 3 minutes; strain the filling through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl.
  • Press a dough ball into the bottom and about 1 1/2 inches up the sides of a prepared muffin cup; repeat for remaining dough pieces. Spoon each crust about 80 percent full of the egg yolk mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the crusts are golden brown, the filling is set, and the tarts are lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    225 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 86mg
    • Sodium: 222mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 36mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 39mg