Flaky Egg Tarts with Custard Filling – A Classic Treat

These homemade egg tartlets are a real delight, combining a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, creamy custard filling. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The flaky pie crust is layered and delicate, while the egg custard filling is silky and subtly sweet, with hints of vanilla. Whether you enjoy them warm or iced, these egg tartlets are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!

Why you will love this recipe:

This recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic egg tart with its combination of homemade puff pastry and a creamy cream filling. The steps are simple, and using cold butter and multiple folds in the dough ensures your tart shells will be perfectly crisp and layered. The custard is made with simple ingredients but offers a luxurious, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the golden, buttery shell. These tarts are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special teatime treat or a dessert for family gatherings.

Perfect occasion:

These egg tarts are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or a special dessert to serve after dinner. They also make a great treat for parties, gatherings, or any other occasion where you want to impress your guests with something delicious homemade. The light, flaky crust and creamy filling make them a great option for casual and formal occasions, as they are easy to transport and can be served hot or cold.

Decorating Tips:

replaces the word nice with empty make your egg tartlets look neat and elegant, sprinkle them with a light pinch of powdered sugar before serving. You can also top them with slices of fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to add a pop of color. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can drizzle a little caramel or honey over the tartlets for added sweetness. For a more decadent touch, a light apricot jam-based glaze can be applied to the top of the tartlets after baking to give them a glossy finish.

Ingredients:

For the tart base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup very cold butter, cubed or grated
• ½ cup cold water

For the egg tart filling:

• 6 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups of milk

Instructions:

For the tart base:

1. Prepare the dough:
   In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar and salt. Grate the cold butter or cut it into small cubes, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix with your hands or a cookie cutter until the butter is mostly absorbed, but small pieces remain. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
2. Add water and form the dough:
   Gradually add cold water to the mixture and mix gently until the dough just begins to come together. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly, then shape it into a rectangle.
3. Create flaky layers:
   Fold the dough like an envelope, tucking the edges toward the center. Then fold it in half. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Repeat this folding process 4 to 5 times, refrigerating the dough for 15 minutes between each fold to create layers for a flaky crust.
4. Shape the tart bases:
   After final cooling, cut the dough into the size of your tart pans. Press the dough into each pan, making sure it fits snugly against the sides. Cool the prepared pie shells while you prepare the filling.

For the egg tart filling:

1. Prepare the custard:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
2. Fill and bake the pies:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the custard into the chilled tart shells, filling them almost to the top. Bake the tartlets for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cream is set and the tart bases are golden brown.
3. Cool and serve:
   Let the egg tarts cool completely before serving. For best results, enjoy them slightly warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Enjoy your perfectly flaky and creamy egg tartlets: a delicious treat that is sure to impress!