Authentic Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Authentic Portuguese Dessert recipe — Portuguese custard tarts. Imported from TheMealDB.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

4

servings

Medium

Difficulty

Authentic Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and diced)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water (ice-cold)
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Make the Pastry

    In a bowl, combine flour and butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice-cold water and mix to form a dough.

    Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
  2. Prepare the Custard

    In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, milk, cream, cornstarch, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat until thickened.

    Stir constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking.
  3. Roll Out the Dough

    Roll the chilled dough into thin circles and press them into a tart pan.

    Make sure the dough is thin for a crispy crust.
  4. Fill the Tarts

    Pour the custard into the tart shells, filling them about 3/4 full.

    Leave some space to allow for puffing during baking.
  5. Bake the Tarts

    Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

    Watch closely to prevent burning.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Serve warm for the best flavor. Use a kitchen torch for caramelizing the tops if desired. Experiment with flavorings like orange zest for a twist.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 5 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

What to Serve With

Complete your portuguese meal with these perfect pairings:

A cup of espresso or café au lait
🍦Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side
🍓Fresh berries or seasonal fruit

About This Dish

Authentic Portuguese Custard Tarts Recipe - Easy & Delicious is a beloved dish from Portuguese cuisine.

Portuguese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the tart shells and freeze them before baking.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories220kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium75mgmg
Total Carbohydrates25gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars8gg
Protein3gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePortuguese
CategoryDesserts