Chinese custard tarts

Chinese custard tarts, also known as Dan Tat, feature a flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy custard made from egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, and milk. Easy to make at home, these tarts offer a delightful balance of textures and sweetness.

09 Feb 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

6 yolks
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup light sour cream
1/2 cup milk (1% fat)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 sheets puff pastry

Chinese custard tarts, also known as Dan Tat, are a popular dim sum dessert that combines a crisp, flaky pastry with a creamy, sweet custard filling. They are beloved for their delicate texture and rich flavor, making them a favorite treat in Chinese bakeries around the world. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delightful tarts at home, ensuring a perfect balance of pastry and custard.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Custard Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Add the 3/4 cup light sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheets into a large rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a round cutter that fits the size of your tart tins, cut out circles from the puff pastry.
- Gently press each pastry circle into the tart tins, ensuring they fit snugly and come up the sides slightly. Trim any excess pastry.

4. Fill the Tarts:
- Pour the prepared custard filling into each of the pastry-lined tart tins, filling them almost to the top but being careful not to overfill.

5. Bake:
- Place the filled tart tins on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown. The custard should be gently set, with a slight wobble in the center.

6. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for a few minutes.
- Carefully transfer the tarts to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the Chinese custard tarts warm or at room temperature.

With this recipe, you can recreate the delightful experience of enjoying Chinese custard tarts in a traditional dim sum setting. By following the tips and steps provided, you will achieve a perfect balance of flaky pastry and creamy custard filling. Serve these tarts warm for the best texture and enjoy the sweet, indulgent treat that has captivated dessert lovers around the world.

Chinese custard tarts FAQ:

What is the baking time for Chinese custard tarts?

Bake the custard tarts for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown. The custard should have a slight wobble in the center when done.

How should I store leftover custard tarts?

Store leftover Chinese custard tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Can I substitute the light sour cream in this recipe?

You can substitute light sour cream with plain yogurt or cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk for a similar texture and taste. However, this may slightly alter the flavor and richness.

What pan size is recommended for making these tarts?

For this recipe, use standard tart tins that are about 3-4 inches in diameter. Ensure the puff pastry circles fit snugly in the tins with a slight overhang.

What chocolate or cocoa choices can I use if I want to flavor the custard?

For a flavored custard, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to the custard mixture before baking. Just ensure to mix it thoroughly for a smooth consistency.

Tips:

- Use chilled puff pastry: Keep the puff pastry sheets chilled until you are ready to use them. This helps maintain the structure of the pastry and ensures a flaky crust.

- Avoid overmixing the custard: Gently mix the custard ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, leading to an uneven texture.

- Strain the custard mixture: Pour the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or egg solids. This step ensures a smooth and creamy filling.

- Preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the pastry to rise properly.

- Use a water bath: Place the tart molds in a water bath while baking. This gentle cooking method helps prevent the custard from curdling and ensures a silky texture.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 380kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 0.75g
Sugar 11g
Fat 24g

Chinese custard tarts