Custard tarts
Custard tarts feature a rich, creamy custard filling nestled in a buttery pastry crust. This recipe guides you through creating these classic desserts, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Cook time 55 min
Prep time 40 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tbsp water
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar
1.25 cups milk (1% fat)
Custard tarts are a delightful and classic dessert that combines a rich, creamy filling with a delicate, buttery crust. Perfect for any occasion, these tarts are sure to impress your family and friends with their perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Follow this simple recipe to make your own delicious custard tarts at home.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar.
- Cut the 1/2 cup of butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
- Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water and mix until the dough comes together. If necessary, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and forms a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
- In a small saucepan, heat 1.25 cups of milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pastry dough to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
- Cut the dough into circles slightly larger than the tart tins you are using.
- Gently press the dough circles into the tart tins, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Pour the custard filling into the prepared tart shells, filling each one about three-quarters full.
- Place the tarts on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown.
4. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the tarts from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tarts from the tins and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the custard tarts at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!
With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delicious custard tarts that are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea, or serve them as an elegant dessert at your next gathering. Happy baking!
Custard tarts FAQ:
The custard tarts are done when the custard is set and the pastry is golden brown. The filling should be firm to the touch and not jiggly in the center. A baking time of 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) is typical.
Yes, you can substitute the 1% milk with whole milk, half-and-half, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk. Just ensure that the substitute has a similar consistency for best results.
Store leftover custard tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
For this recipe, standard tart tins or mini tart pans work well. A 9-inch tart pan will work for the whole recipe, while using individual tart tins may yield about 6-8 tarts, depending on the size.
If the pastry dough is too crumbly, gradually add a teaspoon of cold water until it comes together. Make sure not to add too much at once, as it can make the dough too sticky.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is cold when you mix it with the flour to create a flaky crust.
- Use a food processor to make the crust dough for a quick and uniform mixture.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to prevent shrinking during baking.
- When baking the tarts, keep an eye on them and cover the edges with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
- Allow the tarts to cool completely before serving to let the custard set properly.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 360kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 40g
Fiber 0.94g
Sugar 16g
Fat 18g
More recipes
White chocolate & macadamia blondies
Indulge in sweet white chocolate and nutty macadamia blondies.
19 Jan 2026Vegan chocolate orange cupcakes
Delicious vegan chocolate-orange cupcakes with ginger and frosting.
29 Nov 2025Coconut cream pie
Enjoy a classic coconut cream pie with creamy custard and a buttery crust.
28 Jan 20265-ingredient raspberry condensed milk cake
A quick and easy raspberry condensed milk cake with just 5 ingredients.
26 Dec 2025