Delicious Egg Tart Recipe - Easy Homemade Custard Tarts

If you are a home baker looking to impress your family and friends with delicious pastries, mastering the art of making egg tarts is a surefire way to do just that. This beloved custard-based treat is a classic in many cultures, celebrated for its smooth, sweet filling and flaky crust. In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to make egg tarts that are just like the ones you'd find in a professional bakery.

Introduction to Egg Tarts

Egg tarts, also known as custard tarts, are a pastry that consists of a rich egg custard baked in a shortcrust pastry, creating a contrast of textures that's as delightful as it is popular. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or as a dessert after a gourmet meal, there's something about the golden sheen of egg tarts that makes them irresistible.

You might have come across various styles of egg tarts, such as the classic Portuguese pasties de nata or the flaky, puff pastry-based Hong Kong dan tat. In this guide, we'll focus on the more commonly found short pastry version, typical of the Cantonese dim sum tradition.

Ingredients List

For the Pastry:

• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons of ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of evaporated milk
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pastry

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
• Add the cubed butter and using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
• Mix in the egg yolk.
• Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 2: Forming the Crust

• Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to form a smooth ball.
• Roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
• Cut out circles of dough using a round cutter that is slightly larger than your tart molds.
• Gently press the dough circles into the tart molds, making sure to press the dough up the sides to create a thin, even layer.
• Prick the bottom of the tart shells with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.

Step 3: Pre-Baking

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the tart shells in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
• Once chilled, line the tart shells with parchment paper and fill them with pie weights or dried beans.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the tarts start to turn golden brown.

Preparing the Filling

Step 1: Creating the Custard

• In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.

Step 2: Straining the Custard

• Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a large jug or bowl. This will ensure a smooth consistency and remove any lumps.

Assembling and Baking

• Pour the strained custard into the pre-baked tart shells, filling them just below the edge.
• Return the tarts to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are lightly browned.
• Allow the tarts to cool in the molds for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Egg Tarts

• Ensure your pastry dough remains cold. Cold ingredients and chilling the dough before rolling helps create a flaky pastry.
• Be gentle when working with the pastry to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to a tough crust.
• When making the custard, ensure the sugar syrup is warm, not boiling hot, when you mix it with the eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Straining the custard is crucial for a silky-smooth texture in your tarts. It's worth the extra step.
• Don't overfill the tarts with custard. The filling will rise slightly during baking, and if you overfill, you risk the custard spilling over.
• For even baking, rotate the tart pan halfway through the baking time.

Conclusion and Enjoying Your Output

Your egg tarts are now ready to be enjoyed. Take pride in the fact that you've created a much-loved pastry from scratch. Serve them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet finish or alongside a cup of warm tea for a comforting treat. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't flawless. Baking is as much a skill as it is an art, and with each try, you'll hone your craft and find your own unique touch.