Authentic Pastel de Nata Recipe: Homemade Portuguese Tarts

Welcome to our recipe blog! Today, we are sharing a surprisingly delicious recipe that will make your mouth water: the authentic Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tart)! Get ready to experience crispy, flaky pastry and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling. The best part is that you only need simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make them. Let’s get straight to the recipe:

Ingredients for Pastel de Nata:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup water (approx. 70 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup water (approx. 140 ml)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Peel of half a lemon
• 6 egg yolks, strained

How to Make Pastel de Nata:

1. First, prepare the dough: mix the flour, water, and salt until you have a homogeneous dough. Knead for about 3 minutes and let it rest.
2. In another bowl, mix the softened butter with the 3 tablespoons of flour until it forms a paste. Set aside.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until very thin.
4. Spread the butter paste evenly over the rolled-out dough.
5. Fold the dough, cut it into strips, roll them up, and place them into individual tartlet tins. Press the dough into the tins until it is thin and uniform.
6. Prepare the filling: create a syrup by boiling the sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, and lemon peel. Let it cool, then strain.
7. In a separate saucepan, whisk together cornstarch, flour, and milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
8. Add the cooled syrup to the milk mixture and stir well.
9. Stir in the strained egg yolks and continue mixing until the custard cools down.
10. Pour the filling into the prepared pastry-lined tins.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for approximately 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly charred.

Tip:

Pastel de Nata is best enjoyed warm. If you have leftovers, you can reheat them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.

Fun Fact:

The Pastel de Nata is one of Portugal’s oldest and most iconic pastries. Originating in the 19th century, it was created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon. Today, it is one of the country’s most famous delicacies, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Now that you’ve learned how to make these incredible Portuguese Custard Tarts, don’t wait—surprise everyone with this treat. Enjoy!