Mini custard tarts are a classic dessert that never goes out of style. These delicious, bite-sized treats feature a buttery, flaky pastry shell filled with a rich, creamy custard filling. The combination of the crisp crust and velvety custard is truly irresistible, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving something sweet, these mini custard tarts will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini tarts
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cold water (more if needed)
For the Custard Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg yolk and cold water, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add more cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it briefly until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling 4. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and sugar over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. 5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth. Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. 6. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly until it thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). 7. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until fully incorporated and smooth. Let the custard cool for a few minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Tarts 8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 9. Roll the chilled pastry dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough and press them gently into the wells of a muffin tin or tartlet pans. 10. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the bottom of each pastry shell to prevent bubbling. 11. Fill each tart shell with the cooled custard filling, smoothing the top with a spoon.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Tarts 12. Bake the tarts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the custard is set. The custard may puff up slightly, but it will settle as it cools. 13. Let the tarts cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve 14. Once the tarts have cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve. Enjoy these mini custard tarts as a sweet treat at any time of day!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, top each tart with a dollop of whipped cream.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Perfect for Tea Time: Pair these mini custard tarts with a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Chill for a Refreshing Twist: Serve the tarts chilled for a refreshing variation, especially in warmer months.
- Add a Dusting of Cinnamon or Nutmeg: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the custard filling adds an extra layer of flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Keep the Dough Cold: Ensure the butter and dough are kept cold throughout the process for a flaky, crisp pastry.
- Avoid Overmixing the Pastry: When adding the water to the dough, mix just until it comes together to prevent overworking the dough, which can result in a tough crust.
- Rest the Pastry Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out and giving a more tender crust.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the pastry shells with custard to prevent spillage during baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: High in protein, vitamins, and minerals, eggs contribute to healthy muscles, skin, and bones.
- Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health and immune function.
- Butter: Adds flavor and a smooth texture, but be mindful of portion sizes as it’s high in fat.
Dietary Information
- Contains dairy and eggs.
- For a gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour for the crust and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter and milk substitutes like almond or coconut milk.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini custard tarts are the perfect combination of rich, creamy custard and a buttery, flaky crust. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or bringing them to a party, these mini tarts are sure to impress everyone with their delicate flavor and satisfying texture.
Conclusion
Mini custard tarts are a classic dessert that offers the perfect balance of smooth custard and crunchy pastry. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these tarts are a delicious and versatile option. Simple to prepare yet decadent in flavor, they are a must-try dessert for any dessert lover.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of fruit in the custard tarts?
Yes, you can top the custard tarts with fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or kiwi for added flavor and color. -
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using. -
Can I freeze the mini custard tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled tarts. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve. -
Can I make the custard filling ahead of time?
Yes, the custard filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it cool before filling the tart shells. -
What other spices can I use in the custard filling?
You can experiment with spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla bean for a different flavor profile. -
Can I make the tarts in a muffin tin?
Yes, you can use a muffin tin to make individual servings. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. -
How do I know when the custard is done?
The custard should be set and slightly puffed up, but still soft in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools. -
What can I serve these tarts with?
These tarts can be served with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. -
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust to save time, but the homemade crust adds a flaky texture that enhances the flavor. -
Can I adjust the sweetness of the custard?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the custard filling based on your taste preferences.