Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts)

Learn how to make authentic Portuguese Pastel de Nata with a crispy puff pastry and creamy custard filling. Easy homemade recipe ready in 40 minutes!

📝 Ingredients

• 400 grams (14 ounces) frozen puff pastry
• 2 tablespoons corn starch flour
• 450 ml (2 cups) milk
• Lemon peel
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 egg yolks
• 200 grams (about 1 cup) granulated sugar

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Place the puff pastry on a floured surface and roll out lightly with a rolling pin.
2. 2Roll out the pastry from one end to the other and use a knife to cut small circles with approximately 3 (1 1/4 inches) centimeters thick.
3. 3Place the slices within the muffin tins greased with butter and press the center of the pastry with fingers until fill completely the muffin pans. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork and set aside.
4. 4In a small bowl, dissolve the 2 tablespoons of corn starch flour in a little milk.
5. 5In a medium saucepan, pour the milk, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, corn starch flour dissolved in milk and the sugar. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
6. 6When it starts to boil, remove the lemon peel and cinnamon stick (reserve both) and turn off the heat.
7. 7Add the egg yolks to the pan and stir constantly with a wire whisk. Add the lemon zest and cinnamon stick and place the pan back over low heat until obtain a creamy mixture, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and remove the lemon zest and cinnamon stick.
8. 8Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF).
9. 9Pour small portions of the cream into the muffin tins lined with the puff pastry and bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. 10Remove the custard tarts from the oven, let them cool completely and sprinkle with cinnamon powder or powdered sugar.