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Pastéis de Nata

Iconic Portuguese custard tarts with crispy, caramelized puff pastry shells filled with silky egg custard and dusted with cinnamon. These beloved pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert.

45 minMediumServes 12210 cal/serving

PortugueseDessertOvenStandard

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Ingredients

  • 2 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed), thawed
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. 2

    Thaw the 2 thawed frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed) sheets according to package directions. Roll out each sheet slightly and cut into 3-inch squares.

  3. 3

    Press each square gently into the wells of a muffin tin or mini tart pans, creating small pastry cups. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent puffing.

  4. 4

    Prepare the custard filling: In a bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 1/8 tsp salt, and pinch ground nutmeg until smooth.

  5. 5

    Spoon the custard mixture into each pastry cup, filling about 3/4 full.

  6. 6

    Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the custard is set but still slightly trembling.

  7. 7

    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Dust generously with 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon while still warm.

  8. 8

    Serve warm or at room temperature. These are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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Questions

What is Pastéis de Nata?

Iconic Portuguese custard tarts with crispy, caramelized puff pastry shells filled with silky egg custard and dusted with cinnamon. These beloved pastries are perfect for breakfast or dessert. This reference files it under Portuguese dessert: made in the oven, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Pastéis de Nata?

As written, 45 minutes: 20 of prep and 25 of cooking. The longest single stretch is the hands-off wait in step 6, 20 minutes.

What temperature do I cook Pastéis de Nata at?

For Pastéis de Nata, the oven is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 20 minutes, in step 6.

What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk in Pastéis de Nata?

The entry for Pastéis de Nata calls for 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk. In its place: There is no quick swap. Simmer two cups of milk with two thirds of a cup of sugar until reduced by half, about 35 minutes.

Can I make Pastéis de Nata dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Pastéis de Nata is 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream. Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a plant-based version of the same product; the cream for full-fat coconut milk or an oat cooking cream. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Does Pastéis de Nata contain eggs?

Yes: 6 egg yolks. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Pastéis de Nata?

One serving (the recipe makes 12) is about 210 calories, with 4 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate and 12 g fat, plus 180 mg sodium.

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