Pastéis de Nata

Name: Pastéis de Nata
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Portuguese
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

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

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

Preheat oven to 400°F.
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

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

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

Spoon the custard mixture into each pastry cup, filling about 3/4 full.
6

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and puffed, and the custard is set but still slightly trembling.
7

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

Questions

Can I make Pastéis de Nata dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry 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.

Can I make Pastéis de Nata gluten-free?

Not cleanly. 2 frozen puff pastry sheets (thawed), thawed has no substitute that behaves the same way in this dish. If you need strictly gluten-free, start from the gluten-free dessert collection instead.

How long does Pastéis de Nata keep?

Store it airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Can I halve or double Pastéis de Nata?

Yes. As written it serves 12. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

Cortadito drink
Michelada drink

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