Custard Tarts Recipe

Sure! Here’s a classic recipe for delicious custard tarts.

Custard Tarts Recipe

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons cold water

For the custard filling:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pastry:
   • In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar.
   • Add cold, cubed butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add the additional tablespoon of water.
   • Form the dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tart Shells:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Cut out circles of dough and fit them into tartlet pans or a muffin tin, pressing the dough into the edges. Trim any excess dough.
   • Prick the bottom of each tart shell with a fork and line them with parchment paper. Fill with pie weights or dried beans.
   • Bake the tart shells for 10 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let them cool.
3. Make the Custard Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and cream over medium heat until just simmering. Do not let it boil.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and egg yolks until pale and creamy.
   • Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble and Bake:
   • Pour the custard filling into the baked tart shells.
   • If desired, sprinkle the tops with a little freshly grated nutmeg.
   • Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the tarts to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully set.
   • Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade custard tarts!